Power Stroke FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Power Stroke Diesel Engine
Who manufactures the Power Stroke diesel engine?
The 7.3L, 6.0L, & 6.4L Power Stroke diesels are all manufactured by International Truck & Engine Co. (Navistar). The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, however, was designed by and is produced strictly by Ford Motor Company.
What engine evolved into the Power Stroke?
The International engine that started it all was the 6.9L IDI. The indirect injection 6.9L was simple in design, naturally aspirated, made 170 hp @ 3300 RPM, and 315 lb-ft of torque @ 1400 RPM. The 6.9L was released in 1983 and gained instant popularity. So much in fact, that Ford had to ask International to increase production of the engines, a move that produced a great stream of revenue for both companies. Sometime in 1987, the bore of the 6.9L was increased from 4.00 in to 4.11 inches, and the 7.3 IDI was born. It was mid-year in 1994 that the 7.3 IDI became a direct injected, turbocharged diesel and proudly named, the "Power Stroke".
Why did International choose to build a V-8?
When designing the first diesel engine for Ford trucks, International wanted an engine that would make the truck versatile, as both a solid work horse and reliable daily driven vehicle. Therefore, a V-8 configuration was chosen. The preferred V-8 gave the trucks plenty of low RPM torque for towing, and built horsepower throughout the RPM range for better daily driver performance. In comparison, an inline 6 cylinder diesel would peak out at a low RPM and lower performance in the high RPM range, hardly desirable for such a versatile pickup. The V-8 has proven to be the most popular design in the light duty diesel truck market.
What other applications have Power Stroke engines been used in?
The name "Power Stroke" is unique to Ford Motor Company applications.. However, outside of Ford trucks, these engines go by different names. The 7.3 L Power Stroke is also known as the International T444E. The T444E has been used in a large variety of agricultural & medium duty applications with GVWR's north of 65,000 lbs. The 6.0 L Power Stroke is also known as the VT 365. The VT 365 is frequently used in tow trucks & other medium duty applications. The 6.4 L Power Stroke is as known as the International Maxxforce 7, which is also used heavily in medium duty applications. The International variants of these engines feature suttle differences from their Power Stroke relatives, though the engine designs are the same.
Which Power Stroke is considered the best?
That is a difficult question to answer and is best left to personal opinion. Without a doubt, the 7.3 liter Power Stroke has been the most popular. Its time proven durability, reliability, and all around performance have given it a great reputation. However, both the 6.0 and 6.4 liter Power Stroke's feature higher power output and advanced technology. In order to answer this question, you must ask yourself...Do you prefer time proven performance & reliability (7.3L), fuel mileage & jack rabbit starts (6.0L), or twin turbo performance & massive towing capacity(6.4L)? It really is a matter of preference...Truth be told, you just can't go wrong with a Power Stroke!
Power Stroke or Powerstroke?
Technically, International's line of Power Stroke diesel engines is 2 words; "Power Stroke", not "Powerstroke". However, the name is commony written "Powerstroke", most likely because it is easier to type one word than two. It does not make a difference, really, since we are all talking about the same thing. A Power Stroke is a Powerstroke and vica versa.