Notices
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) Diesel Topics Only

What upgrades first

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 28, 2019 | 05:42 PM
  #1  
crgray1095's Avatar
crgray1095
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
What upgrades first

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
 
Reply
Old May 29, 2019 | 03:50 PM
  #2  
tjc transport's Avatar
tjc transport
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,569
Likes: 5,605
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
Club FTE Gold Member
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.
 
Reply
Old May 29, 2019 | 03:53 PM
  #3  
crgray1095's Avatar
crgray1095
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
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.
 
Reply
Old May 30, 2019 | 06:53 AM
  #4  
Olds64's Avatar
Olds64
Logistics Pro
5 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,979
Likes: 514
From: Edmond, OK
Do you have a pyrometer? Buy one if you plan on adjusting the fuel screw.
 
Reply
Old May 30, 2019 | 07:50 AM
  #5  
crgray1095's Avatar
crgray1095
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
I have it just haven’t installed yet
 
Reply
Old May 30, 2019 | 08:01 AM
  #6  
Olds64's Avatar
Olds64
Logistics Pro
5 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,979
Likes: 514
From: Edmond, OK
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.
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2019 | 11:49 AM
  #7  
crgray1095's Avatar
crgray1095
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
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.
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2019 | 03:27 PM
  #8  
DarkOverCast's Avatar
DarkOverCast
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,036
Likes: 5
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
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jun 1, 2019 | 07:50 PM
  #9  
RaymondIV's Avatar
RaymondIV
Elder User
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 695
Likes: 22
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.
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.
 
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2019 | 01:49 AM
  #10  
03wr250f's Avatar
03wr250f
Cross-Country
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 87
Likes: 13
From: Moscow, ID/ Montana
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!
 
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2019 | 12:57 PM
  #11  
crgray1095's Avatar
crgray1095
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
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.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
StanleyZ
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
22
Aug 28, 2016 12:35 PM
Tom D
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
6
Feb 19, 2014 10:31 AM
Fear no Hill
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
18
Mar 16, 2013 08:36 AM
6.7Fan
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
8
Oct 31, 2010 08:18 AM
Dark Horse Racing
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
35
Feb 25, 2004 09:06 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:58 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE