The Third Generaton Ford Diesel

In 1994 the 7.3L changed quite a bit. Although the previous 7.3L had the same displacement, there weren't any other similarities between the two. The Powerstroke is an electronically controlled, direct injection engine. This engine produced up to 250 hp and 505 lb-ft of torque in automatic transmission trucks during the last years of production, and 275 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque in manual transmission trucks. The 1994 to 1997 direct injection (DI) Power stroke had hydraulically actuated electronic unit injection (HEUI) fuel injectors and ran a 15° high pressure oil pump (HPOP) to create the necessary oil pressure to fire the fuel injectors. 1994 -1997 trucks used a cam driven fuel pump, whereas the 1999-2003 trucks used a frame rail mounted electric fuel pump. It uses a single turbocharger. In 1999, an air to air intercooler was added to cool the charged air from the turbo making it more dense. The cooler, denser air would increase the horsepower potential of the engine, while also reducing exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs). The 7.3 L DI Power Stroke was in production until the middle of model year 2003 when it was replaced by the 6.0L. The 7.3L Powerstroke engine to this day is one of the most sought after and reliable diesel engines ever produced.

The Second Generation Ford Diesel

By increasing the cylinder bore of the 6.9L from 4 inches to 4.11 the iconic 7.3L motor was created. The 7.3L motor replaced the 6.9L in 1988. The 7.3L was naturally aspirated just like its predicessor until 1993 when a turbocharged version of the IDI engine was introduced. Before the introduction of the turbo the 7.3L was identical the the 6.9L in every aspect except the cylinder bore and power output. The non-turbocharged 7.3L made 185 hp and 360 lb-ft of tourqe, and the turbocharged 7.3L made 190 hp and 388 lb-ft of tourqe.
With the reliability and power of the 7.3L it continued the legacy that the 6.9L started. Its production ended in 1993.

The Ford Diesel Pickup Beginning

The beginning of the ford diesel pickup started in 1978 when International started developing the 6.9L indirect injection  (IDI) motor. It was not until 1983 that the motor was offered in the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, the partnership between Ford and International was made in 1982. The motor was 420 cubic inches and was naturally aspirated (no turbocharger). The 6.9L created 170 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque at 1,400 rpm. The 6.9L diesel was known for being incredibly reliable and very simple to work on. It was a solid performing motor in its time and was very popular. The 6.9L diesel was replaced by the 7.3L in 1988.