Installing a new drop-in replacement engine in my early 99 F-3 50. Any recommendations on upgrades while I'm there? Thank you guys for your help

 

Rust abatement, lots of it.

 

Bellowed up pipes if they aren't already done/on the list.

 

Upgrade the engine to the late 99 setup, if you're ever going to consider getting beyond the stock power levels. there are more parts out there, and just that upgrade alone will add a little.

Replace the factory up-pipes with bellowed pipes, eliminate that eventual leak while it's out there. Protect those stock fuel lines (from filter housing to heads) from wear due to vibration. I used a heavy electrical shrink wrap over the lines under the factory clamps.

Paint everything to minimize surface rust and keep it cleaner, easier to find any potential leaks in the future. White engine valley, seriously. If anything leaks, it's likely gonna go there and this makes it easier to find and clean.

 

I'd like to make the switch to the late 99 but don't know about the electronics or any parts I would need. This is my first diesel

 

There is nothing in electronics that has to be changed. The injectors in the 99.5 and up are AD's but changing them is not necessary. What gets changed is turbo pedestal, turbo, turbo inlet tube (rubber piece at turbo), spider and plenums and their boots, the HPOP is a better model, and the up pipes (that's all I can think of, there might be an item or two that I forgot). You will have to work at it to get your down pipe to the turbo as it sits about 1/2" higher. Your E99 spider is worth more than a later model spider will cost you due to supply and demand and older 7.3 owners adding aftercoolers to their trucks. You might not have to change the turbo but the newer version is bigger and better.