What would i gain by putting the turbo on one...how much boost can i run and if i went over it what would happen...bear in mind i completly rebuilt it put ARP studs instead of the stock headbolts...how hard can i push it...I torqued the heads down to a tight 135 pds...versas the stock 105pds..ops I pushed it a bit...

 

As far as I know I've heard 10-15 psi of boost. Thats what ive seen on these boards. I'd recommand head studs just in case. I know on the 6.9l you need them not sure about the 7.3l, but id think it would be a good idea.

Putting a turbo on it really in my opinion depends on the mileage and condition of the truck itself, do you think it can handle a turbo? I'd recommend against it. But it could benefit your truck who knows!

 

yes I put ARP studs in the 7.3 to ward off headgasket leakage...big heads close tolerances high compression ...I figured a little improvment couldn't hurt... in case i decided to turbo it...

 

Is there any cavitation? And how many miles we talking on your ol 7.3l? I've heard horror story's with turbos, then I've heard amazing things. But im fairly certain its 10-15 boost, thats what ive seen most people running on these boards, I'd use the search feature, theres a turbo thread just about every other page

 

Some of the guys with fairly fresh engines and installed head studs are pushing 20, 25, close to 30 lbs of boost. Head gaskets have not been a problem with studs.

The valley pan can be a problem sealing when boost gets high (25).

Your power gains are going to depend on your injection pump and injectors. Stock, you should see a healthy gain in power and a bit more fuel mileage.

Honestly, without a turbo and turned up a bit, I really dislike the 6.9/7.3 for hauling. I had my first one (different 86') less than 6 months and 1 trip with camper and boat before putting on a turbo and having the injection pump gone through back in 89'

 

30 pounds of boost seems dangerous to me. If I'm not mistaken isn't the IDI a low compression diesel and it can really mess with the motor if the boost is to excessive? Please correct me if I'm wrong I don't want to spread misinformation!

 

Im running 20 psi boost with stock compression and cranked studs... More has been seen on stock engines without IC's... Dirtydiesel ran 17 on the stock headbolts...

Its up to you, and how far you want to push it.

 

putting a turbo on is like getting out of a volkswagon and getting into a mustang.
15 lbs boost is no problem.
my 88 has 493,000 miles on it, and has had a turbo since 3,000 miles. still runs like a raped ape and regularly sees 15 lbs with a load in the bed.

 

Agreed, its a totally different engine with a turbo.

 

I was planning on finding a turbo out of a laye model 91...they were set up for my 1991 IDI for its when Ford put the turbo on my motor...they have a bypass valve on them so as not to over pressure the cylinders...unfortunatly I have yet to find on in decent shape. I don't want to blow headgaskets or burn a piston...So when I do get oneis i will be on top of the pyro/water/oil...Anyone know where I mite be able to find one for a decent price...this my first Ford and I wish I'd bought one years ago...I like it

 

For a complete wastegated turbo (ats 093 or banks sidewinder) you can expect to pay probably 700-1100$ if it's all there in good condition. Check marketplace here, eBay, or Craigslist

 

91 never came with a turbo.
if i remember correctly mid year 93 was when the turbo was introduced.

 

Yes late model 91's came with a turbo...I've spoke to alot of people on this subject...its when the turbo's were put into the 7.3 however too much boost blew the head gaskets hince ford redid there 7.3 engines

 

ford dint build the 7.3. navstar did and the main they re did the idi was mainly for emsions. there dirty motor. more power The Power Stroke is an electronically controlled, direct injection engine not a gear driven like. idi and ats built the factory turbo option

 

Putting a turbo will make night and day difference in the engine. Much better powerband. I remeber my truck when my Dad first got it and was NA. It had great low off-idle power, but once running down the road when you floored it would be more noise and smoke and not much acceleration. Put on an ATS turbo and now it actually has some higher rpm power. The factory turbo design is basically the same as ATS, Ford just purchased the design to holdover until the new powerstroke 7.3 came out.

I am not an expert on boost, butfrom my reading 15 psi is the safe limit for stock head bolts. Since you have studs, I think 20 or more could be done. An intercooler will help tremendously at these boost levels since you are starting to get a lot of heating of the air. Remeber that the point is to get more oxygen available. Heated air takes more volume. So intercooler makes denser air, or more available oxygen, at the same boost psi.