7.3L Ford IDI Hop Ups

[Adam]

Need some help guys. I've got a friend who's convinced he needs more power (happened after he drove my truck for a week) but doesn't want to spend the money on a new Ford, and doesn't like the way Dodge hangs the front axle, or the lack of hub-locks. Anyway... I'm looking for any thoughts (NO propane) in the $1000 range that will noticeably improve the performance of his 1989 F-250 7. 3L without causing him to replace/repair his Getrag 5-spd transmission. Sooner or later I'll talk him into a Dodge, but it'll be awhile. Until then, thanks for the help.

-Adam

 

[jerryrigg]

For under a grand there is not a whole lot you can do to the IDI. Airfilter, Cowl Induction. Note the cowl induction is louder than a straight piped CTD when you get on it. Your friends problem is his price limit, otherwise you could add turbo and intercooler etc. I'm actually going to put a CTD in my Ford in the next year or so. The 7. 3 IDI had its time it just can't compete with the new engines. But it does have an advantage over all the new stuff... . No computer, twice on long hauls I've lost the alternator, it doesn't need it except to charge the batteries for starting and running the lights at night... . feed it air and fuel and it will run forever...



-Matt

 

[JLinder]

You need to find a diesel shop that is familiar with the 7. 3 injection pump. I'm going from memory, but I believe there are two adjustments that can be made. Both deal with adding fuel. You prolly don't want to add a bunch, but a mild increase should be no problem and very cheap (almost free).

 

[dpetre]

Adam have your friend go to the Ford site and read some of their posts. http://www.thedieselstop.com/? If your friend is in Fairbanks the best place I found for mechanic's that work on Fords is the Diesel Doctor. But he is expensive.

 

[DT]

I thought the ford five speed in that year was a ZF???

 

[Johnboy3]

The best thing to do is get either a Banks, Hypermax, or ATS turbo setup for it. They are close to $1000. The IDI will run really respectable with a turbo on it.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

DT is right, the Ford has a ZF 5-speed in it.



As for upgrades, yes you can turn up the pump, but be sure to have a pyrometer in the exhaust manifold. A non-turbo rig with the fuel turned up will run hot.



A better choice is the buy the Banks Sidewinder turbo system. It works great, but is expensive... $2,500 or so. Well worth it, and really works like a charm. IMO, a 7. 3 IDI with a Banks turbo on it will easily outperform a stock 94-97 PSD--not to mention be more reliable. An intercooler is not needed on the 6. 9/7. 3 IDI engines, as the boost levels are low enough to where you won't see any gain by using one. With the Sidewinder on a hopped-up 7. 3, you will run about 11 psi maximum boost. Anything more than that, and your cylinder pressure will be waaaaaay too high. The CR on the 7. 3 is like 21. 5:1, so anything more that 12-13 psi boost will blow headgaskets all the time.



Be sure to run the new turbo system without the muffler... Spool-up is much better, and it sounds really good. We have an '89 F350 7. 3 with a turbo on it, and it sounds great with no muff. The thing hauls butt too! It's no Cummins, but it goes like hell!!!

 

[Adam]

Thanks

Just wanted to say thank-you to everyone who responded. I'm going to try and talk him into the Hyper-max system. It's a bit cheaper than the ATS or Banks, and I think I like the way it installs.

-Adam