I'm new to the 7.3l (non turbo) and was wondering what some good mods are to increase power and efficiency. I plan on adding a turbo but the cost has put that in hold. What are some good mods that I can do that won't break the bank?

 

In NA form you are not going to get much. The biggest thing to focus on should be your maintenance. Make sure your IP and injectors are working/timed right. You could look at a cam. This could help your power now and even more when you go turbo.

If you are still on your stock exhaust, you should look at replacing it.....everything from the manifold back. A cold air intake can help some too.

Overall, any NA gains will not be huge. Though, when you add the turbo you NA mods can really shine.

 

I plan on updating the exhaust system when I do the turbo. Just waiting on funds. As of right now it has a 4 in. Exhaust system that was put on by a dealership that owned it before me. Everything else on the truck is stock. It has 185500 miles and sounds/runs like it just left the dealership. I don't have plans to make this truck smoke, I just want to know that I'll be able to pull anything I hook it to without a problem.

 

4" exhaust is plenty....no need for more. For towing you need to think about a few things:
1. What gears do you have? 4.10's are what you would want for towing, but you need to look at your trans.
2. What trans do you have? if it's an auto then it should be an E4OD. If so, you should look at a big trans cooler and put money aside for a rebuild if one hasn't been done already.
3. Define what you expect. These are not modern powerhouse diesels. They will pull just about anything, but don't expect to win a race doing it.
4. If you don't mind spending some $ then contact R&D IDI Performance - About. For about $5000 they can put you at the 400hp/800ft/lbs range. That is a real deal considering you can get a real nice IDI for about $8k ($3kpurchase+$5k in mods) that will compete with new diesels (powerwise) that can cost more than a house.

Check out these threads.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...idi-build.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...urbo-info.html

It all boils down to what you want and how much you are willing to spend.

 

If you're just looking for a modest bump in power... See if you can't find a used Banks Sidewinder kit.
(Note: there are two kits - One with a wastegate, one without. The one /with/ the wastegate is more modern and I like the design better).
They are pretty common, and you should be looking in the $500-$800 range. If you can pick the kit up for that, it'll be an immediate bump in HP. And if 240 RWHP(compared to ~100 stock) HP isn't enough for you, it's got a decent upgrade path with R&D's turbos.

(Note - once you install it, you'll have to increase fueling in the IP to compensate for the new air).