Curious...7.3L Godzilla Motor???

[MrScottly]

the 6.4L HEMI was impressive and would be my choice if buying today between the two.

I would really like to drive a Chevy 2500 with the 6.6L gasser to compare to the 7.3 and 6.4, but there are none anywhere to be found

I know time doesn't matter much, because you trade so often...But I gurandamntee you that Hemi will work great, right up to 70K, then it will systematically fall apart, starting with the lifter/camshaft failure, followed by cracked exhaust manifolds, broken manifold studs, ect. That POS has oiling issues and Stellantis just stares off into space instead of fixing it. The manifolds are an easy fix with aftermarket parts, so ya gotta wonder why RAM can't fix it. Try Gordon in Orange Park...He usually has a bunch of Work Trucks/Customs with gas engines sitting on the lot.

 

[securityguy]

I know time doesn't matter much, because you trade so often...But I gurandamntee you that Hemi will work great, right up to 70K, then it will systematically fall apart, starting with the lifter/camshaft failure, followed by cracked exhaust manifolds, broken manifold studs, ect. That POS has oiling issues and Stellantis just stares off into space instead of fixing it. The manifolds are an easy fix with aftermarket parts, so ya gotta wonder why RAM can't fix it. Try Gordon in Orange Park...He usually has a bunch of Work Trucks/Customs with gas engines sitting on the lot.

So what you're saying is go with the FORD and avoid the RAM Still leaning towards the F250 Tremor between the two. Need to drive them some more.

 

[Sentinel]

2 years ago, I ordered a 2024 6.6 gasser AT4X 2500 and a 7.3L F250 Tremor at the same time. I had never owned a Ford, and have had very good luck with my GMs.

Despite my positive GM experiences, I am in no way a "fanboy" of any brand. When I was ready to buy, I made myself test all 3. Ram is always the cheapest, as it seems you can get 12-15k off any brand new on the lot Ram. But after driving it, I still liked the GMC and Ford more.

The GMC arrived first. Damn, I love how it looks so much... but the shifter blocking the screen really bugged me. Drove great, looked great, but that was a deal breaker. I knew the ZR2 fixes that problem, and decided if I go GM, it will be the ZR2.

The Ford came shortly after, and I bought it. I really like how different it is after several GMCs. At the time, I told myself I would keep it until I got bored or had a significant problem, and then change to the ZR2 2500.

22 months later, I really have no interest in going back to GM until a refresh, and what that looks like. I'll openly admit the Ford has the ugliest front end of any truck on the market. It gets better with some lights, but I still don't love it. The back end of the Ford looks great for me. The interior is much more "truck like" than the GMs. The GMs are sexier. However, everything in my Ford works, every time. 0 infotainment system problems. Android auto is flawless, and integrates perfectly with the Ford system. The center console on the Ford is vastly superior, with lots more storage options.

Things I prefer about the ZR2:
- front end
- multigate tailgate (had that on my Sierra 1500, best in class option)
- driver's display graphics and screens are nicer than the Ford

Things that are simply much better on the Ford:
- seats. I have the Lariat with the Ultimate package. Real leather, super comfy (they stopped real leather on the 2025 MY and it is not synthetic on Lariat, I would think Platinum still has real leather). In my Sierra, I really wanted to get out and walk around after an hour or so in the seat. Not at all in the Ford.
- B&O stereo system - not even close. The B&O is very respectable, the GM Bose system is an embarrassment
- visibility - over the hood and especially out the front doors. I am a big fan of the door dip and Ford towing mirrors compared to GM
- interior storage - in addition to the console, the door panels and rear underseat storage are much better on the Ford
- power running boards, there is a setting to extend the auto up to 5 minutes after a door is opened. I love it. I can load the truck, open and close doors, and the boards don't go up and down. Maybe GM has that option now, on the 2024 GMC I ordered, it was not active and those damn boards go up and down every time a door is opened.
- upfitter switches included on the overhead switchgear, with hookups right in the engine bay
- FORSCAN! I had no idea what the hell that was when I bought the truck. Download free software, hook to a laptop, and adjust many parameters to your liking. For example, seatbell chimes. All mine are off. They never make a peep. Tire PSI, diameter, light settings (like running fog lights completely independently, on with high beams, only w/ running lights, etc).

Things on the Ford I don't like:
- can't fold my tow mirrors unless the truck has acc power
- pickup box corner attachment points - 1 per corner. GM gives me 3, and I frequently used the different height options

The 7.3L moves fine for me. I squarely average 14.5 in what is roughly 70% city driving. When I do highway trips, I get 18 if I stay under 68 MPH. I prefer to drive faster and therefore get less, but the truck will easily do 18mpg if you cruise at a reasonable number. I don't really care about MPG, and imagine the L8T yields similar numbers. My TT is only 7500-8000 LBs fully loaded, and Godzilla does not sweat that at all. I use my HD more for payload, frequently carrying stone crates 2500 - 3000 LBs.

All in all, I was surprised to like the Ford as much as I do. Neither truck is perfect, or even close, but for my tastes, the Ford checks off more of the boxes that are important to me.

That's about all I can say for now. I will soon start some mods on the truck now that I know I am keeping it. When I get another truck, I will very likely add and not trade, especially if I do the full suspension system. Still deciding if I want to do that, 37s fit rather easily on this truck with no lifting or cutting required with the right wheels (I think that is the same on the ZR2). But I will always want to have an HD gasser.

 

[securityguy]

2 years ago, I ordered a 2024 6.6 gasser AT4X 2500 and a 7.3L F250 Tremor at the same time. I had never owned a Ford, and have had very good luck with my GMs.

Despite my positive GM experiences, I am in no way a "fanboy" of any brand. When I was ready to buy, I made myself test all 3. Ram is always the cheapest, as it seems you can get 12-15k off any brand new on the lot Ram. But after driving it, I still liked the GMC and Ford more.

The GMC arrived first. Damn, I love how it looks so much... but the shifter blocking the screen really bugged me. Drove great, looked great, but that was a deal breaker. I knew the ZR2 fixes that problem, and decided if I go GM, it will be the ZR2.

The Ford came shortly after, and I bought it. I really like how different it is after several GMCs. At the time, I told myself I would keep it until I got bored or had a significant problem, and then change to the ZR2 2500.

22 months later, I really have no interest in going back to GM until a refresh, and what that looks like. I'll openly admit the Ford has the ugliest front end of any truck on the market. It gets better with some lights, but I still don't love it. The back end of the Ford looks great for me. The interior is much more "truck like" than the GMs. The GMs are sexier. However, everything in my Ford works, every time. 0 infotainment system problems. Android auto is flawless, and integrates perfectly with the Ford system. The center console on the Ford is vastly superior, with lots more storage options.

Things I prefer about the ZR2:
- front end
- multigate tailgate (had that on my Sierra 1500, best in class option)
- driver's display graphics and screens are nicer than the Ford

Things that are simply much better on the Ford:
- seats. I have the Lariat with the Ultimate package. Real leather, super comfy (they stopped real leather on the 2025 MY and it is not synthetic on Lariat, I would think Platinum still has real leather). In my Sierra, I really wanted to get out and walk around after an hour or so in the seat. Not at all in the Ford.
- B&O stereo system - not even close. The B&O is very respectable, the GM Bose system is an embarrassment
- visibility - over the hood and especially out the front doors. I am a big fan of the door dip and Ford towing mirrors compared to GM
- interior storage - in addition to the console, the door panels and rear underseat storage are much better on the Ford
- power running boards, there is a setting to extend the auto up to 5 minutes after a door is opened. I love it. I can load the truck, open and close doors, and the boards don't go up and down. Maybe GM has that option now, on the 2024 GMC I ordered, it was not active and those damn boards go up and down every time a door is opened.
- upfitter switches included on the overhead switchgear, with hookups right in the engine bay
- FORSCAN! I had no idea what the hell that was when I bought the truck. Download free software, hook to a laptop, and adjust many parameters to your liking. For example, seatbell chimes. All mine are off. They never make a peep. Tire PSI, diameter, light settings (like running fog lights completely independently, on with high beams, only w/ running lights, etc).

Things on the Ford I don't like:
- can't fold my tow mirrors unless the truck has acc power
- pickup box corner attachment points - 1 per corner. GM gives me 3, and I frequently used the different height options

The 7.3L moves fine for me. I squarely average 14.5 in what is roughly 70% city driving. When I do highway trips, I get 18 if I stay under 68 MPH. I prefer to drive faster and therefore get less, but the truck will easily do 18mpg if you cruise at a reasonable number. I don't really care about MPG, and imagine the L8T yields similar numbers. My TT is only 7500-8000 LBs fully loaded, and Godzilla does not sweat that at all. I use my HD more for payload, frequently carrying stone crates 2500 - 3000 LBs.

All in all, I was surprised to like the Ford as much as I do. Neither truck is perfect, or even close, but for my tastes, the Ford checks off more of the boxes that are important to me.

That's about all I can say for now. I will soon start some mods on the truck now that I know I am keeping it. When I get another truck, I will very likely add and not trade, especially if I do the full suspension system. Still deciding if I want to do that, 37s fit rather easily on this truck with no lifting or cutting required with the right wheels (I think that is the same on the ZR2). But I will always want to have an HD gasser.

Thanks for the great write-up! My local Ford dealer just shared with me that they are going to custom order the EXACT F250 Platinum Tremor the way I built it. Loaded to the max but no sunroof since I never use one anyway. No deposit required...if I like it I buy it. If I don't, they'll just put it on the lot as it will be an easy sell. They are offering the custom order at invoice plus any incentives at delivery if any are available. Not a bad deal considering.

 

[MO_ZR2]

That FORSCAN sounds legit - really wish I had that capability on the zr2 - seatbelt chime is ludicrous

 

[AXE]

2 years ago, I ordered a 2024 6.6 gasser AT4X 2500 and a 7.3L F250 Tremor at the same time. I had never owned a Ford, and have had very good luck with my GMs.

Despite my positive GM experiences, I am in no way a "fanboy" of any brand. When I was ready to buy, I made myself test all 3. Ram is always the cheapest, as it seems you can get 12-15k off any brand new on the lot Ram. But after driving it, I still liked the GMC and Ford more.

The GMC arrived first. Damn, I love how it looks so much... but the shifter blocking the screen really bugged me. Drove great, looked great, but that was a deal breaker. I knew the ZR2 fixes that problem, and decided if I go GM, it will be the ZR2.

The Ford came shortly after, and I bought it. I really like how different it is after several GMCs. At the time, I told myself I would keep it until I got bored or had a significant problem, and then change to the ZR2 2500.

22 months later, I really have no interest in going back to GM until a refresh, and what that looks like. I'll openly admit the Ford has the ugliest front end of any truck on the market. It gets better with some lights, but I still don't love it. The back end of the Ford looks great for me. The interior is much more "truck like" than the GMs. The GMs are sexier. However, everything in my Ford works, every time. 0 infotainment system problems. Android auto is flawless, and integrates perfectly with the Ford system. The center console on the Ford is vastly superior, with lots more storage options.

Things I prefer about the ZR2:
- front end
- multigate tailgate (had that on my Sierra 1500, best in class option)
- driver's display graphics and screens are nicer than the Ford

Things that are simply much better on the Ford:
- seats. I have the Lariat with the Ultimate package. Real leather, super comfy (they stopped real leather on the 2025 MY and it is not synthetic on Lariat, I would think Platinum still has real leather). In my Sierra, I really wanted to get out and walk around after an hour or so in the seat. Not at all in the Ford.
- B&O stereo system - not even close. The B&O is very respectable, the GM Bose system is an embarrassment
- visibility - over the hood and especially out the front doors. I am a big fan of the door dip and Ford towing mirrors compared to GM
- interior storage - in addition to the console, the door panels and rear underseat storage are much better on the Ford
- power running boards, there is a setting to extend the auto up to 5 minutes after a door is opened. I love it. I can load the truck, open and close doors, and the boards don't go up and down. Maybe GM has that option now, on the 2024 GMC I ordered, it was not active and those damn boards go up and down every time a door is opened.
- upfitter switches included on the overhead switchgear, with hookups right in the engine bay
- FORSCAN! I had no idea what the hell that was when I bought the truck. Download free software, hook to a laptop, and adjust many parameters to your liking. For example, seatbell chimes. All mine are off. They never make a peep. Tire PSI, diameter, light settings (like running fog lights completely independently, on with high beams, only w/ running lights, etc).

Things on the Ford I don't like:
- can't fold my tow mirrors unless the truck has acc power
- pickup box corner attachment points - 1 per corner. GM gives me 3, and I frequently used the different height options

The 7.3L moves fine for me. I squarely average 14.5 in what is roughly 70% city driving. When I do highway trips, I get 18 if I stay under 68 MPH. I prefer to drive faster and therefore get less, but the truck will easily do 18mpg if you cruise at a reasonable number. I don't really care about MPG, and imagine the L8T yields similar numbers. My TT is only 7500-8000 LBs fully loaded, and Godzilla does not sweat that at all. I use my HD more for payload, frequently carrying stone crates 2500 - 3000 LBs.

All in all, I was surprised to like the Ford as much as I do. Neither truck is perfect, or even close, but for my tastes, the Ford checks off more of the boxes that are important to me.

That's about all I can say for now. I will soon start some mods on the truck now that I know I am keeping it. When I get another truck, I will very likely add and not trade, especially if I do the full suspension system. Still deciding if I want to do that, 37s fit rather easily on this truck with no lifting or cutting required with the right wheels (I think that is the same on the ZR2). But I will always want to have an HD gasser.

JFC......I couldn't read all that shit, but from what I could tell, I have determined Furds are ugly, but they're like any other chick, they are all pink in the middle!

 

[MrScottly]

So what you're saying is go with the FORD and avoid the RAM Still leaning towards the F250 Tremor between the two. Need to drive them some more.

I had an original 5.7 Hemi. It failed. They never really changed anything about them, except for using a different kind of lifter. They still fail. I wouldn't own another...But my last Ford was a disaster. You do you, I'm only trying to make sure that you do it with eyes wide open. I wish you the best, either way.

 

[scubatech]

I had a 2018 F-150 for 51K. The only thing I ever had to do was replace an APIM module in the radio. It was a 5.0 V8. I had a 1985 Mustang GT. Both Fords were excellent. Ford gets a lot of shit. There is a lot of Fords up here in the gas and oil fields and the drivers like them.

When I worked for CDOT we had all of the "big 3", and long term they were about the same in overall cost of ownership! Of course that was from the 70's through the 90's. I've had three Dodge/ Ran trucks and they were all good. Especially the Dakota with the 318 CI, Magnum. For what it's worth, none of my friends have had much trouble with their Ram trucks. They tow campers quite a bit. Luck of the draw I guess?

 

[securityguy]

Each of the BIG 3 are selling pieces of crap. Sometimes it's just luck of the draw as we have seen on our own forum You can have a GREAT Chevy...a GREAT Ford, and a GREAT RAM. You can also get a piece of $hit. Anyone that thinks one is better than the other is delusional. We all just have to pick our poison and hope for the best.

 

[Sentinel]

Thanks for the great write-up! My local Ford dealer just shared with me that they are going to custom order the EXACT F250 Platinum Tremor the way I built it. Loaded to the max but no sunroof since I never use one anyway. No deposit required...if I like it I buy it. If I don't, they'll just put it on the lot as it will be an easy sell. They are offering the custom order at invoice plus any incentives at delivery if any are available. Not a bad deal considering.

That was the only intent of my post. In no way am I saying Ford is better than GM, just that for this truck purchase, the F250 was better for me, even though I badly wanted another GM. I wanted to share my thoughts as there won't likely be many members on this board driving a 7.3L Tremor, and I am just trying to help you make an informed decision.

While not a brand loyalist, I am definitely much more of a GM guy. It was hard to buy a Ford. I am on my 3rd Cadillac Blackwing (first a 2022 4 as I awaited my 2022 5, and now a 2024 5 in my all time dream color, Black Diamond Tricoat. All manual of course!). I have driven Chevrolet / GMC trucks since 1998 +/-.

On any of these forums, it seems half of the members are convinced the other brands suck and are inferior in every way. I am not one of those guys, I prefer to test drive, research, and make my own decisions. For me it is also OK that when I own one brand, there are certainly attributes on another brand that I deem as better and wish I had. Like I said above, in this comparison, every human on earth would agree GM has a better pickup box, attachment hooks, sharper and better laid out driver display graphics. Looks are subjective, I am an architect and much prefer the Sierra and Silverado front ends to my Ford. But the Ford gives me many things the GM twins don't, and this time around, I went with the Ford.

If the diesel restrictions are changed in the coming years, and any of these brands release a proper diesel engine without restrictions, I am absolutely buying one. I don't currently need diesel, but I don't need 6 44 Magnums either. I will buy one if any really get produced without all the environmental nannies (but I'm doubtful this will really happen).

I ordered my Tremor the same way. Spec'd every option, picked the Baja interior (another advantage here, Ford let's you mix and match several interior colors with all exterior colors), NO sunroof, etc. Refundable $500 deposit, no obligation to buy. Also, if you care, Ford has a great tracking system and you can monitor all progress on the truck's build status.

 

[securityguy]

That was the only intent of my post. In no way am I saying Ford is better than GM, just that for this truck purchase, the F250 was better for me, even though I badly wanted another GM. I wanted to share my thoughts as there won't likely be many members on this board driving a 7.3L Tremor, and I am just trying to help you make an informed decision.

While not a brand loyalist, I am definitely much more of a GM guy. It was hard to buy a Ford. I am on my 3rd Cadillac Blackwing (first a 2022 4 as I awaited my 2022 5, and now a 2024 5 in my all time dream color, Black Diamond Tricoat. All manual of course!). I have driven Chevrolet / GMC trucks since 1998 +/-.

On any of these forums, it seems half of the members are convinced the other brands suck and are inferior in every way. I am not one of those guys, I prefer to test drive, research, and make my own decisions. For me it is also OK that when I own one brand, there are certainly attributes on another brand that I deem as better and wish I had. Like I said above, in this comparison, every human on earth would agree GM has a better pickup box, attachment hooks, sharper and better laid out driver display graphics. Looks are subjective, I am an architect and much prefer the Sierra and Silverado front ends to my Ford. But the Ford gives me many things the GM twins don't, and this time around, I went with the Ford.

If the diesel restrictions are changed in the coming years, and any of these brands release a proper diesel engine without restrictions, I am absolutely buying one. I don't currently need diesel, but I don't need 6 44 Magnums either. I will buy one if any really get produced without all the environmental nannies (but I'm doubtful this will really happen).

I ordered my Tremor the same way. Spec'd every option, picked the Baja interior (another advantage here, Ford let's you mix and match several interior colors with all exterior colors), NO sunroof, etc. Refundable $500 deposit, no obligation to buy. Also, if you care, Ford has a great tracking system and you can monitor all progress on the truck's build status.

View attachment 26016View attachment 26017

Thanks again...great looking truck my friend!!!