can someone please tell me,the difference between stage 1, stage 2, and hybrid injectors are. and the advantages and disadvantages between the three groups.this is the first diesel pickup I have ever owned.just trying to learn stuff.so thank you for any advice and information about my questions.

 

The terms vary a bit by injector builder, but for the most part the applications are:

Stock - split shots, zero mods to the injector, limited power capability.

Stage I - standard A-code single shot 160cc, stock nozzles - bit more power than stock splits, requires a little less oil than split shots, typically a slight increase in fuel economy depending on tuning and driving habits. Requires tuning that compensates for single shots. All single shot injectors have a different idle quality than splits.

Stage II - standard A-code single shot 160cc, either 30% or 80% nozzles (typically) - even more power available over Stage I with the increase in nozzle size allowing fuel to empty out of the injector in less time (noticeable at higher RPM's). With correct tuning it should drive almost identical to Stage I's, with improper tuning they will smoke more.

Hybrids - standard A-code injector, but taking the plunger/barrel assembly from a B-code and keeping the original 16mm intensifier piston. This reduces the injection ratio from 7:1 to 5:1, decreasing the overall injection pressure out the nozzle which can in some cases cause additional haze. However the flip side is it requires far less oil to make way more power than an A-code injector. Various CC/nozzle configurations will determine overall power, EGT's, smoke, haze, and mileage. Far more flexibility in terms of power output, but tuning on some configurations can be far more difficult even for the most professional in the business, and often requires live tuning.


For anyone considering injector swaps, it's always best to first determine your overall power goal, the supporting mods you will have with it, and the tuner you will be working with. Speak to your tuner and go over in depth what you will be doing with the truck, including how you plan to drive it. Once the two of you are on the same page and agree on a set of injectors (and other mods), then pull the trigger and buy a set. Continue to work with your tuner closely to get the truck running exactly as the two of you planned from the beginning. You'll be far happier than just shooting from the hip and hoping for the best, then complaining later that the first set of tunes didn't work and your truck ran like garbage.

Also speak with others that have done injector swaps. Find out which brands are recommended, as the quality of the injector builds will play a huge factor in how the truck ultimately runs.

Hope this helps.

 

thank you for your reply,it helped me understand a lot.my goal is for about 500 horsepower.so what mods and injectors do you recommend.and thank you in advance.

 

FYII already have,cold air intake,4 inch from the turbo down straight exhaust,and a TS 6 position chip,and a new rebuilt 4r100 transmission.

 

How much money do you want to spend? And how do you plan to drive the truck?


500hp is nothing to sneeze at, so you'll need to give us some more info to give you better recommendations. At that power point you're looking at turbo, fuel system, connecting rods, valve springs, and on and on and on. It's going to add up quick.


Also at that point you'll need fairly good sized hybrids. Some smaller hybrids might juuuuuuuuuuuust baaaaaaaaarrrrreeeeelllllyyyy get you to 500hp, but you won't be able to use much of that power for anything other than a quick drag race. Smaller hybrids are easier to tune, but larger ones will give you a broader power band that you can utilize better. Of course they are harder to tune, so you'll need to have someone in mind that you will be visiting in person to live tune your truck.


Give us more info on your plans and goals so we can make better recommendations.

 

Here is a good recipe for 500HP.
500hp 7.3L Power Combinations | Irate Diesel Performance LLC

 

To save the OP the addition....that Irate list requires an $8-10K investment in parts alone.....which is probably what someone is looking at to reliably make 500rwhp assuming everything else on the rig is up to snuff.

 

I run new PIS 160/30's. And for what I do I think they are nearly perfect, maybe the 80% nozzle might improve my towing EGT somewhat. But with the tunes from Cody, it's just a joy to drive as it is.

There is also some consensus that driveline can't handle towing heavy above 350 rwhp...is that true or an urban legend? I don't know.

 

Thanks for the information you provided. 500 horsepower is super expensive, I thought it was easier to obtain, so maybe I should rethink my goal. What is a horsepower that you can get with say, stage ones and maybe a turbo upgrade. I don't want or need a all out race truck just a daily driver and to pull my stock trailer. I am thinking of maybe doing some hot shot work as well. Sorry it took so long to reply. I work nights and was busy last night.

 

There's some truth to it. Been there done that. Stock transfer case seems to hold up fine, but the u-joins and rear diff have required a lot of attention.

 

Sounds like your goals and mine are about the same. I think a 160cc SS injector with your choice of nozzle and a turbo upgrade will get you what you want. I'm going to add head studs just for good measure. That should get you just over 400hp/800tq. Of course you will need gauges and a tuner as well as air/exhaust.

 

Compared to a stock truck, 400HP is way fun. Those 6.4's and 6.7's can hit that 500HP level for far less money spent on upgrades, but the initial outlay/payment far exceeds most 7.3's at this point, and they aren't as cheap to maintain as the 'ol 7.3. Just my humble opinion...

 

What turbo and injectors do you recommend for the 400hp range. All so who do you recommend for turning the chip?

 

The 38R can get you to 400 with a set of stage II's and good air, some fuel mods and any competent tuner at this point. If I were going to go that route today, I would probably get a Hydra and get Tony Wildman or maybe Caleb down at BTS to tune it.