Hey guys. I bought a project truck (93 7.3 idi with turbo). I have so far a hyper max turbo with 2.5” down pipe. And 5” straight pipe. Have get and boost gauge. Highest boost I’m seeing is 3.5-4 psi. I assume injector pump is not turned up. That’s my next step but I don’t want a ton of smoke. I can already put a complete haze in front of cars behind me anytime at low rpm and moderate to heavy throttle. However power is most important. What do you think I should do next to add hp and trq. Tia

 

slight haze means you are getting enough fuel. check air filter for dirt.
boost is only built under load. just driving you will see little boost. but put a trailer on the back with 5,000 lbs on it and pull a long steep hill, and you should see 10 + lbs boost.

 

Most I’ve pulled so far is 3500lbs dump trailer included. Granted I took it easy because it was my first time pulling any weight with this old truck. Will be hauling scissor lift nd dump next week. I’ll watch the gauge.

 

Do you have a pyrometer? Buy one if you plan on adjusting the fuel screw.

 

I have it just haven’t installed yet

 

The easiest place to install the pyrometer is in the driver's side exhaust manifold between cylinder #6 and #8. You can do it from the bottom or the top. If you do it from the top and you have an automatic make sure it doesn't interfere with the gear shift mechanism.

 

I have a pre-threaded port on the turbo kit I installed from hypermax. It is located behind cylinder 8 on manifold pipes feeding turbo. It’s easy install. Just haven’t gotten to it. It won’t take an hr to do from start to finish. I am really looking for more upgrades as far as maybe is it work it to upgrade injectors and turn pump up (after pyro). Turbo and big intake it should be getting plenty air. I’m thinking I need more fuel and better injectors to burn it.

 

If your injectors are good there's no need to replace them, there really isn't much needed to upgrade. You normally go with a bigger pump.

More fuel=more heat=more boost
Side effects include higher egt's and black smoke

 

That's for sure, exhaust gases drive the turbo and exhaust gas volume increases at least threefold when a diesel is under a heavy load, therefore that's when a turbo really puts out boost/power. Years ago myself and a couple others got sent to a Cat diesel school at a Cat region headquarters and they had a turboed engine in a stand hooked to a dyno. The reps ran the engine right up against the governor for a few moments and no big deal. Then at the same RPM they put the engine under a severe load by engaging the dyno and suddenly that nonwastegated turbo caused such a power increase we thought the engine would twist off of the stand.

 

Honestly that is about as much as you are going to get out of your setup. Turning up the fuel may help some, but really on in the higher rpms. You also dont really want to be heavy accelerating in lower rpm just because rolling coal is a douche thing to do. This is a v8 Use your rpms, You will also build slightly more boost this way. Turning up the fuel may help some, so will getting timing set properly with a timing meter. I would install that pyrometer and learn about how to drive with it and what temps you are seeing and should see. You will also see less boost unloaded than loaded. I doubt you will see over 12 psi boost.
Properly maintaining the rest of the truck will help you to loose as minimal hp throughout the drivetrain as possible. (examples: new fluids in both differentials, transfer case and transmission, properly aired up tires etc)
I really think with a properly maintained truck, and decent boost, guages to monitor it and then learning how the truck drives, and learning how it wants to be driven you will be happy with it. if not start looking at having someone like Typ4 modify your turbo or swap a bigger turbo on, and then add a intercooler as well!

 

I know these trucks aren’t going to be fast without spending tons of money. I bought it for semi restoration and for a truck that I will have for years to come. I was just trying to get a little more pep in it. I think I’m going to leave things the way they are as it is running good now. I just got a quote for paint today and waiting on flatbed quote. Dana 60 is supposed to be getting dropped off today. Now I just gotta find lift kit and new trim pieces and I’ll have this thing finished in no time. 3 months I’m thinking. Thanks for the input.