Forbidden Diesel Performance Reminds Us Of Power Stroke Greatness

In 1994, a lot of cool things happened. Tonya Harding and her husband hired a dude to attack Nancy Kerrigan, O.J. Simpson did a car chase in a white Bronco, and Ford partnered with Navistar to make the Power Stroke V8 turbodiesel. It was a revelation to the diesel world when it came out, and it still is today.

Here to remind us of this is an infographic from Forbidden Diesel Performance in Dothan, Alabama. Although the shop has skill in dealing with all major diesel engines, its attention toward the Power Stroke showcases just how much the engine line has changed over the years.

Forbidden Diesel Performance commissioned this infographic to examine the rise in power numbers of Power Stroke engines over the years. Photo: NewspressUSA

The infographic starts in 1999, since that was when Ford renamed its “Heavy Duty” F-250 and F-350 to the current “Super Duty” moniker. By today’s standards, the numbers for these starting years were meek at best – 235 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque –but the legend had to start somewhere.

The numbers went up noticeably with the 6.0-liter Power Stroke, making its debut in 2003 model year trucks. But with it came the disappointment that was the 6.0-liter. Recall after recall plagued the motor, from torque-to-yield head bolts to turbocharger failures. It needed meticulous care and maintenance to stay running, and would let owners know this is the worst ways possible.

Left to right: the 7.3-liter, 6.0-liter, 6.4-liter, and 6.7-liter Power Stroke engines. Photo: Craigslist

Following the 6.0-liter, Ford and Navistar decided to work together one last time and made the 6.4-liter Power Stroke. This engine debuted in the 2008 model year trucks. It incorporated for the first time dual turbochargers, a DPF, and an active regeneration system. The latter two became the bane of diesel owners everywhere. Soon, the aftermarket had solutions to take care of the issue.

Finally, we have the 6.7-liter Power Stroke, which has been in service since 2011. For 2018 model years, it’s reached untold heights, making 450 horsepower and 935 lb-ft of torque. This makes it almost double what the 7.3-liter could do in its best form.

It’s been an interesting adventure, reliving the development of the Power Stroke and reflecting on the steps it took to get it where it stands today. Which Power Stroke is your most (or least) favorite? Let us know in the comments below.