Help with decision
 

Ok I have a 02 7.3 powerstroke, but I've been looking at a 03 cummins... Which is better? I love my ford but I never keep one long. This is my first diesel and I've had it a year and geez i love a diesel. So which is the best in you guys opinion?

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Oh to add mine has 225 and his has 193,000 miles. I kinda want to do some performance. So which platform is best

If your not looking to go wild and crazy, I'd say keep what you have. Way better transmission. If you want to go wild and crazy, get the Cummins and get ready to throw money at it. The Cummins will do well, but the trans can fail with as little as an additional 75hp.

Well mine has a rebuilt trans with some upgrades and this is what he says: Mechanical-
Two fresh Optima Batteries (Red and Yellow top)
S&B Full Cold air intake with cleanable filter
Straight Pipe with 8 inch tip (Side Exit in front of right rear tire.)

Repairs-
Built Performance Transmission (Billet Torque Converter, Flexplate, Shift Kit, Upgraded clutches,Etc.)-181,000 Miles
Water Pump-150,000 Miles
Belt and Tensioner- 191,000 Miles
2 New Mopar Hood Shocks- App. 6 months ago.
Driver Side Hub Assembly/Wheel Bearing- 140,000 Miles

It has 1 Red Top, and 1 Yellow Top?? DANGER, mixing batteries rarely ends well.

Air filter kit and Exhaust might be a $800 touch, but the trans build is likely close to $5000. How many miles on it now?

193,000 on his. Says the trans has less than 15k on it. I have been looking at those year cummins and its usually all good what you hear. The smarty tuner is supposed to be serious extra power v

Yep, a Smarty will really wake up those trucks. A Smarty for power, and an Edge Insight for gauges is a nice combo.

Cool. So your saying you can for sure make more horses with the 03 cummins easier? I have a 6 position on my 7.3 and its great but after reading the smarty wakes way more power on the dodge.

If you looking for the most power with less money, I believe the Dodge is the way to go.

I like the power of the cummins they have nice low end torque the 7.3L have high end torque. I like the ole 7.3L I just dont like glow plugs nore the HEUI system. I know the 04 cummins have issues with piston rings going out because they were put up higher on the piston. Dodges do have a weak tranny but you can keep them up if you change the fluid often and have the bands adjusted. Mine at 243K and no problems yet except I had TC issue and that was a simple fix. Had a loose connection on a BATT. but Two different batteries play hell with the IDM, and I know they will mess with the trans on a dodge and with the 6.0L it can fry the FICM.