Having purchased a used 03 F350 4x4 CC Long Bed 7.3, I am in the process of getting it in tip top shape mechanically before I go about considering any type of performance mods. I purchased an OBD2 Bluetooth adapter and a android tablet (I plan on buying the torque pro app for it) so I can monitor everything that the PCM will send it. I want to install EGT probes on each manifold so I can monitor those as well, however I am hesitant on if I should install them now or not. I've read about installing the EGT's on the bend of the exhaust manifold where it meets the up pipes, and this is what makes me hesitate. Considering where they are located it is difficult for me to really inspect the up pipes well enough while they are in place. So me thinks I will buy some international ceramic coated up pipes while I am working on installing the EGT probes on the manifolds. But now I wonder if I am going to get new up pipes, should I consider new exhaust manifolds too? I guess what I am getting at is should I even bother worrying about the manifolds and up pipes right now, or simply tap and install the EGT probes and see how my truck is running now that I will have inputs from both exhaust manifolds and all of the information that I will get from torque pro?

 

Is there any sign of soot in the engine bay?

Try to get a look at the up pipes behind the turbo as you search.

If the manifolds are not leaking I wouldn't replace them. My primary reason is that they are somewhat hard to get to and fear of seized mounting bolts.


If you don't see any soot, my suggestion would be to start with OBD monitoring. You can use that to ck boost, among other things. This will allow you to see if you need to take leak detection to the next level.


When drilling close to the bend seems to be the common suggestion. Since you are doing two, you may want to make some effort to keep them about the same distance from the rear exhaust port.

These suggestions need to be traded off against what you can get to with a drill....

If you DO end up with a new manifold, mark the ideal spot on the old one talking into account the length of the probe, access to it, getting it in/out etc and then drill and tap before installing it.

I think a 1/8 NPT bung welded into new up pipes near the manifold is an interesting idea too. I haven't seen anyone do that though....

 

My memory sucks, but I thought I recall Riffraff Diesel having manifolds pre-drilled and tapped for EGT sensors.

I agree with tjmike on the sequence of the work to be done. If you want to save a little work, first see if there is a need to replace the manifold. If you don't mind risking drilling and tapping twice for the sake of getting good info, just dive in. The "risk" being having to do the same job twice.