I just bought a 1996 F250 4x4 with the powerstroke. I'm looking to get some more power for cheap or for free
she is high miles... 317k so I'd like to keep it reliable and hopefully not hurt longevity too much

Any suggestions or advice is appreciated, thanks!

 

Lol...he said cheap and powerstroke and more power...that is funny.

 

Should have bought a cummins. lol


First thing is get rid of the pancake DP with a 3" DP, put on bigger exhaust and a 6637 air filter.

 

Down pipe is 90 on ebay
Filter for 40


That and


fix all boost leaks if any should get about 20 PSI at sea level at 3k RPM
make sure fuel pressure is 45 PSI at WOT in 3rd
check injector armature clearance and shim if needed, ebay has kits
get a chip as these are de tuned to 210 HP and can get 250 or so after


More than that can get expensive really fast, IMO

 

My powerstroke has been more expensive to maintain than my 30yr old Sea Ray with twin 454s. I wouldn't get used to cheap or free with a truck that has 317K on the clock and was likely used and abused. Its like having a kid. They need attention and money.

With that said - welcome to the site. The DP and Air filter are cheap starts. Get some gauges so you can see what it's doing. Trans Temp/EGT/Boost. (Assuming it's an auto)