The 6.0 is a 4 valve head with only 4 studs per cylinder to keep it in place. The original stretch bolts were the weak link. I think when people modded their trucks, the bolts couldn't handle the strain, never mind in stock form.
The ARP stud system uses actual studs with nuts torqued to a whopping 248 lb/ft to keep the heads in place!
Plus any repairs on a 6.0 are expensive when compared to a 7.3. There is a lot more labour involved. Depends on how long you want to keep the truck.
The 7.3 is a 2 valve with 6 studs per cylinder I believe. It's also not highly tuned by any stretch, and responds well to mods.
The weak link for heavy towing in the 4R100 is the single plate torque converter. A double plate billet unit is required for heavy towing. Also consider a larger 6.0 cooling rad for the 7.3 truck, but once again for serious towing.
Add an inline filter and you are good to go.
At the end of the day, it depends on what you truly want.... each have their pluses and minuses.....
Also watch these if you have some spare time!
POWERSTROKEHELP.COM - The Information Source for Ford Power Stroke Diesel Owners
