What engine is in a 1998 Ford F350?
In 1998, the Ford F-350 Super Duty offered a small set of powertrains: a turbocharged diesel and several gasoline options. The most common setups were the 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel and the 7.5-liter V8 gasoline, with some configurations also offering a 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine.
Engine options for the 1998 Ford F-350
The following are the major powerplant choices that Ford offered for the 1998 F-350 model year. Availability varied by trim, cab configuration, bed length, and market.
- 7.3L Power Stroke turbodiesel
- 7.5L V8 gasoline (460 cubic inches)
- 6.8L V10 gasoline
These engines cover the primary diesel and gasoline options used in most 1998 F-350 configurations. Specific horsepower and torque ratings depended on emission calibrations and the exact truck configuration, so checking the VIN or build sheet is the best way to confirm the exact powertrain.
7.3L Power Stroke turbodiesel
The 7.3L Power Stroke was Ford’s flagship diesel option in the Super Duty line during the late 1990s. It is a turbocharged V8 with a focus on high torque at low RPM, making it a popular choice for towing and heavy-duty hauling. In 1998, the engine typically produced about 210–235 horsepower and roughly 425–470 lb-ft of torque, depending on emission controls and year. It uses Ford’s HEUI fuel injection system and is renowned for durability when properly maintained.
7.5L V8 gasoline (460 cu in)
The 7.5-liter gasoline V8 (often referred to by its displacement, 460) was another common option in the 1998 F-350. This big-block-style engine offered solid low-end torque for payloads and towing, with horsepower generally in the range of roughly 230–250 hp and torque in the 380–420 lb-ft range, depending on configuration and emissions equipment. It was a straightforward, robust gasoline alternative to the diesel for buyers needing strong pulling power without diesel fuel costs.
6.8L V10 gasoline
The 6.8-liter V10 Triton gasoline engine was available in some late-1990s F-Series configurations as a higher-output gasoline option. In 1998 F-350s that offered the V10, output typically fell in the neighborhood of about 260–300 horsepower and around 400–440 lb-ft of torque, depending on the exact calibration and equipment. The V10 provided a balance of power and smoothness for certain heavy-duty applications where more cylinders were desirable.
Summary
The 1998 Ford F-350 offered a diesel and multiple gasoline powertrains to suit different hauling and towing needs. The most common engine combination was the 7.3L Power Stroke turbodiesel for heavy-duty work, with the 7.5L V8 and the 6.8L V10 gasoline engines also available in various configurations. Engine availability varied by trim, cab/bed setup, and market, so verifying the exact engine on a given truck via its VIN or build sheet is essential.
What kind of engine is in a Ford F-350?
Power Stroke turbo diesel engine
2024 Ford Super Duty F-350 Tow Capacity
With its rugged 6.7L high-output Power Stroke turbo diesel engine in a 4x2 regular cab configuration, the 2024 Ford Super Duty F-350 boasts a colossal towing capacity of up to 32,900 pounds.
What years did Ford use the 7.3 idi?
The 7.3L IDI engine was produced for Ford trucks from 1988 to 1994. It was a naturally aspirated engine for most of its run, but a turbocharged version was introduced for the 1993 and 1994 model years.
- 1988–1993: Naturally aspirated version.
- 1993–1994: Turbocharged version (7.3L IDIT).
- 1994.5 and later: The 7.3L Powerstroke engine replaced the 7.3L IDI, beginning with a mid-1994 production release.
What year to avoid a 7.3 Power Stroke?
The 7.3L Power Stroke years to avoid are generally late 2002 through 2003 because they used weaker, powdered metal rods (PMRs) instead of the stronger, forged rods found in earlier models. These PMRs are a point of concern for anyone planning to modify the engine for higher horsepower. Otherwise, all 7.3L Power Strokes are considered reliable, though the older 1994-1998 models produced less power and may have more age-related issues.
This video discusses potential issues and areas to inspect when buying a used 7.3L Powerstroke: 1mThoroughbred DieselYouTube · Jun 19, 2020
Years to be cautious about
- 2002-2003 (specifically, late 2002-2003): These years are often mentioned for their use of powdered metal rods (PMRs), which are less durable for high-performance applications. However, they are still reliable for stock use and are not necessarily a "bad" year if you don't plan on heavy modifications.
- 1994-1998: These are the oldest models and have less horsepower than later versions, which might be a drawback for some users. They are still considered reliable but are more likely to have age-related wear and tear.
Why these years?
- Powdered Metal Rods (PMRs): The main reason to avoid the late 2002-2003 model years is the switch from forged connecting rods to powdered metal rods. Forged rods are stronger and can handle more power, making PMRs a potential failure point if you plan to significantly increase horsepower.
- Lower Horsepower (1994-1998): The earliest models had less horsepower, which may not be ideal for daily driving or heavy towing compared to later models.
General considerations
- Reliability: Despite these specific concerns, the 7.3L Power Stroke is widely regarded as a very reliable engine.
- Age: All 7.3L engines are now quite old, so any model you consider will likely require maintenance and part replacements due to age, regardless of the specific year.
- Modifications: If you're planning modifications like performance tuning, staying away from PMR engines (late 2002-2003) is the most critical guideline.
What Ford truck has the 7.3 Godzilla engine?
The Ford "Godzilla" 7.3L V8 engine is found in the Ford Super Duty line of trucks, including the F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550. It is also available in Ford's E-Series vans (E-350/E-450) and larger commercial trucks like the F-650/F-750 and the F-53/F-59 stripped chassis.
- Ford Super Duty: The engine is a popular option for the F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 models.
- Ford E-Series: The 7.3L Godzilla is also offered in the E-350 and E-450 cutaway and stripped chassis models.
- Other commercial applications: It is used in larger commercial vehicles such as the F-650/F-750 trucks and F-53/F-59 stripped chassis vehicles.
