If you have a truck with a Powerstroke engine, you’ve likely wondered about its origins and what innovations it has inspired. The Powerstroke came from not-so-humble beginnings and continues to develop into a better version of itself over time. While the engine might undoubtedly inspire a longer deep dive into its background and engineering, here’s a brief history of the Powerstroke engine to whet your appetite.

The Beginning…

The Powerstroke brand refers to a string of diesel engines developed and produced by the Ford Motor Company and Navistar International, successor to International Harvester. The Powerstroke diesel engine was initially conceived in the early 1990s. The first engine to emerge under the Powerstroke brand came out in 1994, when Ford and Navistar unveiled their first diesel engine controlled by an on-board computer. The first Powerstroke was notable for its electro-hydraulic injectors in each of the engine’s cylinders. This kept the fuel-burning process cleaner, which improved efficiency overall. For the first time, the new power control module (PCM) oversaw engine and powertrain management—a revolutionary concept. Powerstroke engines debuted in Ford’s F-Series and turned up under the hoods of Ford Super Duty, E-Series, Excursion, and LCF trucks. The 6.0 Powerstroke engine was just one of several designs.

Other Pluses

Direct injection was another noteworthy addition to Powerstroke engines. Adding direct injection permitted a cooler mixture of air and gas to enter the cylinders, which meant lowered heat. Lowered heat in turn allowed a higher compression ratio, leading to improved performance, reduced fuel usage, and lower emissions. Another happy aspect is that the engine starts and runs better in cold climates. Keep that in mind if you work in northern climates. The Powerstroke has also been proven to help trucks last longer, sometimes well over 300,000 miles. The engine became a guidepost for the industry, particularly in regard to computer-controlled engines.

Later Versions

Ford continued to tune up and refine the Powerstroke engine through the end of the decade. The 1999 edition featured the improvements of the 7.3-liter engine. It possessed greater injection pressure and better turbo tuning. This boosted horsepower to an impressive 235 hp, while torque was pushed upward of 525 lb.-feet. Ford added an intercooler as well, which diminished engine knock while goosing up the power. The 7.3 retains its high status as a legendarily high-powered and efficient engine.

That’s a brief history of the Powerstroke engine. If you have any questions about the Powerstroke or other diesel engines and the wealth of products and services we offer, feel free to contact us with any questions or comments!