strokin_it7.3 and anyone else:

I've got a budget of $2000 (for goodies - maybe more) and I want a fast as hell 2001 excursion (because of the forged rods if it makes a big difference but do want the 7.3L). We're looking for the right vehicle right now but haven't acutally purchaced it yet. I would like to have a list or some idea of what I would need to put into it or should put into it. Also, am I really going to need the forged rods for this build up or would the 2002 model be sufficent? For $2000 is that all for parts or is labor costs in with that.

 

Did you see his post? Check my sig.

 

I think his list was a DIY type thing so no labor included, but with the help available here there's no reason to pay anyone to do those things.

Where is Kris when you need him anyway?

 

Did it finally snow out there!?! Maybe he is makin mod money!

Yep, the prices are DIY, but the longest/hardest install is the gauges. The only reason that takes so long is tucking wires and measureing and remeasureing about six times to make sure you don't mess anything up.

 

Even easyer than taking the turbo exgaust tube off

 

If you want "fast as hell", buy a 6.0, duramax or a dodge.

 

or build a engine that is about the same as as what's in the truck snow white. that truck is pretty fast

 

Daaayyyammm. I guess "fast as hell" is relative, eh??

 

izzy i like your signature. its pretty cool with the pictures and all

 

Youre not going to do that for $2000, youre not going to do that for $20000 either. Thats a purpose built racing truck and i wouldnt want to drive it on the street.

 

yeah the guys at swamps told me that 450 horse street truck is the most fun you can have. they said 500+ isn't very streetable

 

Your best bet is to find one that someone has already modded properly, but has not beat the snot out of it. Believe me, this is the cheapest route. There are folks out there with more money than they know what to do with and when they get tired of a toy, they sell it and get a newer one. Look for a good one like that.

 

I think we should race one of those tough guys! With 20k on the gooseneck for three hundred miles! We will see who can man up then!!!

 

DING, we have a winner!
You can pick up a truck that someone dumped 20k worth of mods and repairs for a couple of years and then gets the itch for something else and sells it.
I used to belong to that club and now have made the firm decision to keep what I fixed up for a very long time.
There are several cars in my past that I want back but never will.

 

What He Said . If you go that route though, make certain that something has been done with the trans. That is the single most expensive part to replace, and has the highest failure rate when you mod these trucks. However of course you take a chance on getting one that has been done wrong. If you get a Stock truck then my short list for 2,000 would be

Intake
Exhaust(straight pipe if your're cheap)
Wicked Wheel
Dp Tuner F5
CCK fuel kit( )
Sonnax/Tricumulator kit for trans
Gages
Dinner for the wife for letting you do this stuff.

And you about have it covered for 2,000. Fast as hell, not really. Able to hold it's own against most other trucks, deffinately. Able to melt tires- No problem.

I'll take you up on that once mine is back together.