Educational Project Ideas
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Educational Project Ideas
Hey guys, I picked up a 99 f-250 diesel a few months ago as a project truck to learn mechanics. I'm a senior in engineering looking to get into the automotive performance industry and most of the companies I interviewed suggested I get some experience. The truck so far has a cold air intake, 6 position tune, lift kit, all new sound system, exhaust, and a bunch of small less complicated things. My question to you all is this: What other improvements to the truck (handling, power, etc) could someone who is reasonably handy but not a mechanic by any means do that would be of educational value? I'm thinking about adding an anti-sway bar to the rear and maybe some things like that, and maybe when I get more comfortable doing some work to the turbo/engine. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Clark
Clark
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Puget Sound
Educational - OBDII tools (link in my signature). It doesn't do anything for more power, but it helps with understanding what's going on in there, plus it give a measurable baseline and progress chart with each mod. I was surprised to see a measurable change in stock boost behavior just by changing the exhaust from 3 1/2" to 4" (with the red line mod already in place).
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,278
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From: Las Cruces New Mexico
Removing the red line from the turbo's waste gate and capping that line, all it does is prevent the waste gate from opening thus not loosing boost.
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Logistics Pro
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Educational - OBDII tools (link in my signature). It doesn't do anything for more power, but it helps with understanding what's going on in there, plus it give a measurable baseline and progress chart with each mod. I was surprised to see a measurable change in stock boost behavior just by changing the exhaust from 3 1/2" to 4" (with the red line mod already in place).
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The red line, via a pcm controlled solenoid, directs manifold pressurized air ( "boost pressure") to that canister, to give it a little "helping hand" beyond just what the spring tension provides. It is know to cause the wastegate to partially open much too early, bleeding off boost pressure.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,399
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From: Norco,CA
All good suggestions, but if you really wanted to learn something you should of bought a 6.0L instead. Then you could fix something that really breaks down. Our 7.3L are pretty safe bets. And you can get a lot more power out of the 6.0L for less money if get all the problems are fixed first.
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