Is this IDI the right truck for me?

[mblaney]

IMO the best reason to get an IDI is because you really particularly want a IDI, .

+1

"Will this be a reliable and low maintenance truck?" That depends on you.

IMO owning an IDI is approaching a status symbol... "yes I am able to keep a 30 year old truck viable (and hopefully goodlooking).." Same difference if you want to run a damn British car or a Harley. If you want the best value for your buck, then maybe a newer model 1/2 ton that can easily handle a dump trailer is a better investment.

I put a lot of pride (read "maintenance") in my truck, not because it is a lemon but a little TLC, very regularly, goes a long way. I am well known for being 'particular' about maintenance and there is a reason why.

The best investment for me is love... for an IDI. Can't put a price on that!

 

[OldManNeil]

Golden helmet, my thought exactly. For 7k I’d want one of those low miles barn find kind of trucks that’s in really good shape. I would have happily paid 5k (even if still a little too much) because it was othewise in good shape.

Jake 60, I want an idi because I like OBS fords, and I want a diesel but don’t want the potential repair cost of a power stroke and I don’t need to pull extreme loads

 

[Jake60]

I have a Powerstroke 6.0 and I love it for what it is. I really wouldn't want to tow the 5th wheel through the mountains with the IDI. I also have a (new to me) '91 IDI and I've totally fell in love with that engine. After building the 6.0 I just love the simplicity of the IDI and the wannabe road warrior in me loves that it will survive an EMP and run on rendered hog squeezins.
I've been thinking about the topic of this thread a lot this week cause I'm fixing to spend about that amount on a '93 F-250 tomorrow hopefully, and I'll be happy to overpay if I can get the no-rust cab with original paint and zf5 and IDI /N/A.

Good luck finding yours, Neil! Wish me luck if mine goes through I'll post pics tomorrow.

 

[OldManNeil]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

Cold start in 40 degrees. Seems the compression is fine. Wish I got more pics.

 

[lotzagoodstuff]

Just my .02 worth: tThat's not how I would expect a $7K IDI to start in 40 degree weather.

 

[Jake60]

+1

"Will this be a reliable and low maintenance truck?" That depends on you.

IMO owning an IDI is approaching a status symbol... "yes I am able to keep a 30 year old truck viable (and hopefully goodlooking).." Same difference if you want to run a damn British car or a Harley. If you want the best value for your buck, then maybe a newer model 1/2 ton that can easily handle a dump trailer is a better investment.

I put a lot of pride (read "maintenance") in my truck, not because it is a lemon but a little TLC, very regularly, goes a long way. I am well known for being 'particular' about maintenance and there is a reason why.

The best investment for me is love... for an IDI. Can't put a price on that!

It's interesting there's a long thread on the Powerstroke forum "why would anyone buy a new truck" and it got a little heated at times but the interesting part is the baseline for an "old truck" in that discussion is a new body style powerstroke 7.3, with the "news" going up to '19 Platinum.

A lot of the reasons beyond the obvious costs and simplicity factor was this, pride in keeping an old truck looking like it just rolled out of the dealer lot, or not too awfully long ago anyway The IDI is that to me. I rebuilt a 6.0, that's kind of becoming "old" in those circles I love it, appreciate it's costs and that it's simple enough for a simple guy to work on, but the IDI + manual trans with it's electronically controlled nothing is about as close to perfection as it gets in my mind.

I'll keep the 6.0 sure for towing and showing off, but when I pick which one to hop in for a drive it'll usually be the IDI.