7.3 Powerstroke Rebuild Cost – (including parts & labor)
Engines have been around for quite a long time. Over the course of its rich history, it’s evolved quite a bit. The engines we have today are nothing like the steam engines in the 18th century. 7.3 Powerstroke is a perfect example of how far this technology has come.
However, modern technology isn’t exempt from issues. Fortunately, we have created great solutions like a rebuild. The only problem is that they cost a lot. The 7.3 Powerstroke Rebuild Cost can cost you anywhere between $1,500 and $10,000.
Why is this cost so high? Is this a cost set in stone? Are there any ways I can cut down on these costs? Do I need to rebuild a faulty engine immediately? These are all questions you may have right now. Don’t worry because I’ll answer all of them and more in this article.
quick chart for 7.3 Powerstroke Rebuild Cost
It is really difficult to give a cost estimate for a 7.3 Powerstroke rebuild. This chart provides the average costs of each part but it will differ for everyone. The cost can be as low as $1500 or hit $10,000.
Key Component | Price |
---|---|
Cylinder Heads | $1500 |
Steel Connectors | $500 |
HPOP | $1000 |
Crankshaft | $1500 |
Other Parts | $4000 |
Labor (Constant) | $1500 |
Total Cost (For A Complete Replacement) | $10000 |
7.3 Powerstroke Rebuild Cost – only labor
As you can see, the labor cost takes up a portion of the costs at $1500. Unfortunately, this is not an accurate estimate as the costs vary greatly due to these 3 factors.
1. How Experienced And Skilled Is Your Mechanic?
The way labor costs are calculated is by the hour. According to that logic, the shorter it takes for your engine to get rebuilt, the less money you need to pay. The reality could not be any different.
The reputation a mechanic builds creates his career. Good mechanics charge a much higher amount. Newer mechanics have to ask for lower rates to build that reputation. Sometimes, however, mechanics with great customer service skills and handiwork can start off with high demands.
For this calculation, I considered an average mechanic who would take around 15 hours to fix your car and charge around $100 per hour.
2. Where Do You Live?
Another way that prices differ greatly is by area. The minimum wage for mechanics in your area sets the price floor and obviously, a higher price floor means it is more difficult to get good.
It is important to note that for my calculation, I did not consider a minimum wage mechanic. That is because you need to pay a premium for reliable services.
3. How Well Do You Know The Mechanic?
It doesn’t cost much to be nice but boy does it pay. If you are able to create a good relationship with your mechanic, they may be willing to offer you a lower rate or even give you discounts.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t happen overnight. Only long-term mechanics offer such perks. That’s why I strongly recommend against frequently changing mechanics.
7.3 Powerstroke Rebuild Cost – parts
Without parts to work with, your mechanic won’t be able to replace any broken component. Guess what? These costs vary greatly as well. To find the exact cost for your parts, you need to answer these 3 questions.
1. Where Are You Buying The Parts?
Online prices are almost always better than offline prices. Physical stores offer you the benefit you physically inspecting the parts but they charge a premium for it. Also, different retailers charge different prices for the same exact part.
2. What Is The Model Of Your 7.3 Powerstroke?
Speaking of exact parts, the 7.3 Powerstroke ran for 10 years between 1994 and 2004. Each year, the components got better. However, this improvement in quality isn’t the price determinant. Surprisingly, rarer parts will cost you more even if it is a worse component.
3. Do All Your Parts Need Replacing?
It is incredibly unlikely that all your parts need to be replaced. There is a chance that you don’t need to change any parts. That means your entire rebuilding will take less than $1500 ( only the labor cost.)
Methods To Avoid Needing A 7.3 Rebuild
The cost of rebuilding your engine is going to break the bank. That is why these 3 methods are a good alternative for those who simply don’t want to invest in this expensive process.
- Regular maintenance
- Frequent Trips To The Mechanic
- Buying A New Car
Why You Need To Rebuild A Damaged 7.3 Powerstroke ASAP
People tend to procrastinate when it comes to auto repairs. However, you can not put a pin on an engine rebuilt for the following 4 risks.
- Future Degradation: If you ignore a car issue, it will only get worse in the future. Not only will the problem itself get intensified but other parts in your car may also get damaged.
- Increased Costs: Another reason why you need to rebuild the engine soon is that a damaged engine tends to have low fuel efficiency. This means that you need to fill gas way more often and that will definitely cost you.
- Unreliable Driving Experience: If you are someone who enjoys driving, you have to get the rebuild immediately. An engine that needs a rebuild can not create a satisfying driving feel.
- Safety Issues:Last but not least, an engine that isn’t at its best is just dangerous. You are constantly at risk of getting into an accident if your engine needs a serious inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Rebuilding an engine means that you are completely disassembling your engine, inspecting each part, cleaning them, replacing any damaged ones, and ‘rebuilding’ it. This process is meant to iron out any kinks in the system and that is why it is so expensive. There are several benefits to doing it.
It is difficult to point to specific signs that request a rebuild. Your mechanic is the only one who can tell when the situation gets that dire. In most cases, this is a hail mary when all other solutions don’t seem to work. If your engine still has issues after it, it is a lost cause.
You will rarely ever need an engine rebuild. Most engines need a rebuild after the 500,000 or 1,000,000-mile mark. Since the 7.3 powerstroke is known for its durability, this timeline is likely going to be longer for this engine. In other words, it is unlikely you’ll drive your car enough to need to do this.
No. Ford’s warranty does not cover any modifications. Technically speaking, you are modifying your vehicle by having it unofficially disassembled and reassembled. Ford may use the same method to fix a reported issue but once you do it yourself, your warranty is void.
verdict
You are pretty much an expert on 7.3 powerstroke rebuild cost now. All this information is very important to make a decision. I recommend having a long talk with your mechanic and understanding what your engine needs exactly.
Related Articles:
- 6.0 Powerstroke Rebuild Cost – (Including Parts, Kits & Labor)
- 6.7 Powerstroke Engine Replacement Cost – (Parts & Labor)
- How Much Does It Cost To Replace 6.4 Powerstroke Engine?
Nasruddin is a passionate car enthusiast with a love for troubleshooting and diagnosing all sorts of vehicle problems. With years of experience in OBD diagnostics, Nasruddin, has become an expert in identifying and solving complex automotive issues.