Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Please suggest some upgrades

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 15, 2012 | 03:39 PM
  #1  
t_jones792002's Avatar
t_jones792002
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Please suggest some upgrades

Hello all! I'm new to the 7.3L and haven't had a lot of time to research the many upgrades there are for it and I am wanting known/proven combinations to make to a 1997 F250 standard cab long bed. For example, best bolt on exhaust, what size 3.5" or 4", best intake and possibly a programmer or chip... etc...

I'm looking to do upgrades that won't toast a stock transmission with approximately 215,000 miles.

I've looked at Banks Power and AFE to start with, but that's about it so far. Just doing homework right now before I purchase any upgrades.

Thanks, TJ
 
Reply
Old May 15, 2012 | 04:39 PM
  #2  
fordpride's Avatar
fordpride
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 15,505
Likes: 18
From: Livoina,La
Mods in this order

6637 intake
3" Down pipe
get rid of the cat an muffler the stock 3.5 pipe is fine
Upgraded trans cooler
Gauges Boost, EGT and trans temp
Chip with custom tunes

A bone stock engine can destroy a stock trans. After doing mods it all depends on your right foot on how long the trans last
 
Reply
Old May 15, 2012 | 04:47 PM
  #3  
1dieselman's Avatar
1dieselman
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 737
Likes: 0
From: Page Az.
What Mike said plus if your trans is healthy now (do a pressure test on it) consider a torque converter and valve body upgrade, that should help your trans lead a longer happier life. You may also consider a 1.0 turbo housing on down the line.
 
Reply
Old May 15, 2012 | 05:18 PM
  #4  
DarkStarMedia's Avatar
DarkStarMedia
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 4
From: Southern AZ
Before you start doing upgrades I would highly recommend fixing any leaks or issues first... You know you have a few...

Check the valley for moisture and keep it clean. Check all your hoses and belt, etc... maintenance first...

Richard
 
Reply
Old May 15, 2012 | 10:28 PM
  #5  
ReBilld's Avatar
ReBilld
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 11,132
Likes: 3
From: Southern West Virginia
Check the up pipes for leaks.
 
Reply
Old May 16, 2012 | 12:02 AM
  #6  
oldbird1965's Avatar
oldbird1965
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
Club FTE Silver Member

Intercooler if your going to pull anything. The list goes on.
 
Reply
Old May 16, 2012 | 01:08 AM
  #7  
pjwoolw's Avatar
pjwoolw
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,168
Likes: 10
From: San Ramon Ca.
Club FTE Silver Member

Get your drivetrain, brakes and suspension in good order first. Might want to throw a new set of engine mounts and transmission mount in it. If your transmission is original save up some dough. Its only a matter of time before that needs to be addressed.
 
Reply
Old May 16, 2012 | 08:16 AM
  #8  
redman84's Avatar
redman84
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 6
From: College Station, TX
Fresh trans fluid and filter if it hasn't been done in a while too.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-2

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-4

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-8

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
Old May 16, 2012 | 03:35 PM
  #9  
t_jones792002's Avatar
t_jones792002
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Thank you all!!! I really appreciate all of your info!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
j250hd
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Nov 8, 2011 02:54 PM
superrman77
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Mar 24, 2011 08:34 AM
JamesHajek
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
39
Aug 24, 2010 06:22 AM
clouden
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
13
Sep 27, 2009 08:49 PM
jwe465
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Nov 16, 2005 07:49 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:59 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-3
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-7
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE