cummins - Diesel Forum

1hoover · 07-09-2008, 01:42 AM

Ive heard a lot from people lately about why the cummins is better.What does the powerstroke have on the cummins?

7.3L F-250 · 07-10-2008, 12:19 AM

two extra cylinders

clamgulch · 07-10-2008, 01:14 AM

...for burning more fuel.

eagleeye · 07-10-2008, 04:25 AM

I'll get the popcorn.

UApilot · 07-10-2008, 11:14 AM

-More complicated fuel delivery system (HEUI) up to '07

Oh you asked what it has on the Cummins....

You can brag that you spent more money on mods to get to the same level of HP

tbeck · 07-10-2008, 11:33 AM

All things are relative. Cummins has the advantage of being an I-6: longer stroke for better torque characteristics and a bit simpler design. The early setup was very simple and nearly bullet-proof. But, as the design has been "improved" so has the complexity increased. This is true for each of the "big 3." When dad bought the pickup in my signature, we felt the complicated nature of the Powerstroke was offset by an overall better package in the total vehicle. I tired a couple Dodge/Cummins rigs at the time and just couldn't get excited (although the engine was VERY impressive). After all these years with the '94.5, still mostly happy with it. The biggest problem is HANGING AROUND HERE and GETTING IDEAS..... ;-) Later!

UApilot · 07-10-2008, 12:57 PM

Ok I have a serious one this time.

V8-Most the time the Cummins is better for lower RPM torque, but the V8s shine in their gasser-like acceleration, which I think helps sell the engine.

Mike Lewis · 07-11-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1hoover

Ive heard a lot from people lately about why the cummins is better.What does the powerstroke have on the cummins?

Here we go again... :-)

We're on a Ford forum, so I'd say just buy the Ford and wish you had bought the Dodge with Cummins for a few years before you wise up.

Seriously, though, you're likely to find a good deal on either one at this point in time... and I'm sure either one will likely be more than adequate for your needs. Good luck.

Mike

NickBeek · 07-11-2008, 07:22 PM

I have owned 2 Powerstrokes ('99 7.3, and '04 6.0) and my current Cummins 5.9. I would say your question can't be answered without defining which Powerstroke / year, and which Cummins / year. The 7.3 was a very reliable engine, the 6.0 IN MY OPINION sucked because of all the trouble I had with it.

1hoover · 07-11-2008, 08:33 PM

Nick,
That was perfect.Ive been considering an 04 E350 6.0 quigley recently and although it is very cleaned and seems well maintained ive been really unsure about it because of all the things Ive heard about the early 6 liters. I cant afford a lot of expensive maintenance. Thanks

bosefes · 07-12-2008, 02:09 AM

The Powerstroke is more complicated than the Cummins yes, but once you figure out it's basic operation it's not that complex.(I'm referring to 7.3's here). The main limiting factor on the Powerstroke is the HEUI injection, it works fine but it has more things to wear out and it can't put as much fuel through as a Common Rail setup so it can't produce quite as high of HP numbers. They are both very strong built engines and can go to 500,000-600,000 or more miles without an overhaul with proper maintenance. I'm not so convinced that it's cheaper to mod a Cummins as long as your willing to do the work yourself and not have a shop do it, it can be just as cheap for a powerstroke(ex: DIY Injectors). Don't get me wrong the Cummins is a great engine and if I were to have my pick of motors i'd take a 12V because there is no electronics to speak of.
The 6.0's were more troublesome it seems like in the early years but I think they got most of the bugs worked out by 2006 or so. Although my brother has a 2004 6.0 with 154,000 miles and it's been a great truck and motor.
As of 2008 your guess is as good as mine? They both are newer motors in the truck segment and are full of electronics and emissions controls.
As for fuel mileage, well I know quite a few guys with Cummins, new and old and quite a few with Powerstrokes, I don't see a difference between them. It seems like it's more a crapshoot than anything and depends on the individual truck. I know mine gets better than most, 19-21mpg consistently with a 4" inch lift and 35" inch tires. When it was still stock I have gotten as high as 23.5mpg. It seems the newer they are the worse mileage they get.

Dave

1hoover · 07-12-2008, 09:59 AM

Thanks. I like the 12v also. The van im thinking of is in great shape but Im still leery of it.

clamgulch · 07-12-2008, 04:39 PM

The 7.3 seems like it's more frail than the 5.9- but that may be an illusion. The newer 5.9's (the Echo model in particular) is VERY quiet, probably half the decibels of it's earlier predecessors and certainly quieter than the 7.3 by a long shot- but to someone who is 3/4 deaf, that's a moot point.

1hoover · 07-12-2008, 09:23 PM

I wouldnt be worried about a 7.3,but an 04 6.0 makes me a little nervous

jtstrokin · 07-14-2008, 10:21 AM

I had a 1997 ford powerstroke and had to sell it due to diesel prices so i got a jeep. Now i am selling my jeep to get another diesel. I love the powerstrokes they are strong engines but i want decent gas mileage. My buddy tells me that i should get a cummins if i want gas mileage. But i hate the looks of the dodge. Should i get a p-stroke or cummins?