Yeah anything can be done, like an above post mentioned, there is a ton of aftermarket parts for the powerstroke, and little for the idi, but I believe the op mentioned power and speed weren't a factor, but rather cost, not just initial but upkeep. So maybe a good response would be some idi common problem prices and then powerstroke common problem prices.
An idi injection pump is a wear item, the price can range from 350-1000 for a replacement, just dependent if you are buying from a company or buying a moose pump.
The idi injectors are a wear item and can range from 160-400, respectively.
Both are generally given a lifespan of 100k miles but that's not guaranteed to be shorter or longer.
The idi also has cavitation issues, so being that it is a use truck, you may have no idea as to the antifreeze maintenance and that is a replacement block, possibly a motor. I can't comment on price because I don't know that figure. But also cavitation is a diesel problem, so the powerstroke has the same potential threat but it is my understanding that the block doesn't wear the same.
Now powerstrokes have hybrid injectors, replacement of these injectors is approx 1200+ and are under the valve covers, in addition to the injectors, they have a wiring harness built into the valve cover gasket which is generally replaced during injector replacement and a short in this harness will cause a no start that can be hard to diagnose.
Also the ps has a high pressure oil pump, replacement isn't the simplest task but neither is a injection pump for the idi. I can't remember approx price, but they aren't cheap.
Also a note is that idi glow plugs are in the valley of the motor while powerstroke glow plugs are under the valve covers as well.
Idi motors also have valve guide wear issues that of not caught can be catastrophic.
They both have their fair share of problems, it's just which generation you would prefer, because with the powerstroke you also have a plethora of sensors that may go bad and nickel and dime you to death, while the idi is mechanical and it is more of a look listen and feel for finding problems. Do you want to work on a mechanical engine, or do you want to work on an electronic engine? Idi's are slow but good workers, ps have more power but also cost more to upkeep. Hope this post has helped you in some way and veterans feel free to correct me if I have posted anything wrongly, I'm not thin skinned lol.
1994 Crew Cab F-350, 7.3L idi Turbo Diesel, 4x4, auto, DRW, Tollesboro, Ky
