Upgrade path

[5280]

I think I have developed PMS I have the uncontrollable urge to make my 7.3l go faster and tow better! I'm on a tight budget so I can not afford to replace the same thing twice or perform mods that do not add to the efficiency and performance of my truck. I'm not looking to win any drag races, just get as much as I can out of my PSD for everyday bumming around and towing. This truck is the grocery getter and family vacation mobile so I don't want to do anything that will kill the fuel mileage or negatively effect reliability. I'm currently towing a 5k GVW 21' travel trailer but plan on upgrading to something bigger next year, probably 10k GVW 35' max. My truck is a 2000 2WD Ex with 175k miles on it, I purchased it a few months ago from it's second owner. Here is what I'm thinking of doing. I will probably do everything in the order I have it listed, spread out as I can afford it. Please let me know if I'm missing anything (without breaking the bank) or if there is a better alternative; - gauges - I have a Hypertech tuner that the PO installed, I think gauges should be number one on my list so I know what is going on under the hood. - 6637 and CCV - seems logical to do these together - hpx and frx. - get rid of the Hypertech in favor of a DP Tuner - 4" turbo back exhaust - CFM intake manifold - What about the turbo? At 175k miles should it need rebuilding? Are there any reasonably priced upgrades I can do here? I seem to recall seeing a waste gate actuator that claimed more controlled boost and helped to prevent surge? Guessing I should replace the intercooler hoses and clamps too? In addition to the above I'm going to flush the cooling system, replace the water pump, hoses and the thermostat housing and add a larger trans cooler. This will be done next spring before I do any towing or long distance trips. I have performed all of the routine maintenance I could think of including fluid and filter changes.

[Izzy351]

Good plan. Move the exhaust up the list, think about some trans upgrades (like the TransGo & upgraded cooling). As far as the turbo, you can rebuild it yourself with simple hand tools. To drop EGTs, get a 1.0 exhaust housing, get a WW to help with surge, and don't waste your money on the wastegate jazz or intake. With the 6637, the rest of the intake flows plenty. Then get custom tuning of your choice.

There are a lot of folks in CO that could help or show you the common mods...

[megawatt00]

Your plan looks good I would do them in this order:

6637 & CCV (inexpensive and quick to do = instant gratification)

Exhaust (coupled with the 6637 truck will have a whole new sound)
If the exhaust is not in the budget just delete the muffler for the time being

HPx & FRx (inexpensive and a good time to do the intank mods as well)

Guages Very important to do before the DP Tuner

Trans Valve Body Mods (Like Joe said, Some need to have the Tuning modified for it)

Tuner

I would stay away from the CFM manifold It seem ti be very pricey for what they claim it does.

At any time you can upgrade to a 6.0 trans cooler and an Intercooler.


All the basic mods can be done for around the $2K mark.

[agg_bagg]

i would also throw in the in tank mods around the same time you do the 6637 or the HPX. it is also relatively cheap and will help your truck alot.

[5280]

Thanks for the feedback. Looks like I have a reasonable game plan with a few minor changes

What is the 1.0 exhaust housing and where do I find one?

[Izzy351]

The 1.0 exhaust housing is larger than stock. With tuning, you don't need that tiny stock .84 housing. The small housing is great for fast spooling, but becomes a huge restriction on the top end. That shoots up EGTs and performance peters out. With tuning, the turbo will spool up fine, and won't become such a restriction. This is good for lowering EGTs when towing. You can find it in a few places -- check with Clay @ Riff-Raff Diesel...

[robs01f250]

Sounds good!! I do have to agree with Joe and Jim about moving the exhaust up on the list. If not just delete the muffler until you can afford the full exhaust