Upgrades list.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Upgrades list.
Hey guys, I am just starting to upgrade my 2003 7.3 F350. Truck has 130,000 miles on it. The trans has started slipping when towing my 10k trailer. I am on the list for a BTS trans and it will ship early next month. I had already upgraded to a mishimoto cooler and installed guages.
My goal is to get some more power for pulling over the mtn passes. I have but are not installed yet an S+B dry intake, 4" straight exhaust, and bellowed up pipes. Bellow is what I am getting ready to order from RiffRaff.
1. Downpipe T-Bolt clamp.
2. AIH delete plug.
3. Plenum reinforcing inserts.
4. CAC intercooler complete boot kit.
5. Intercooler T-bolt set.
6. O-ring Combo kit.
7. PHP Hydra tuner.
8. RiffRaff billet compressor wheel.
9. RiffRaff high flow outlet.
10. RiffRaff non EBPV pedestal and bolts.
11. Banks Big Head wastgate actuator.
Is there anything else I should add while going at it? Or anything on that list I should skip? I live in the PNW so winters are mild. Truck will be towing 10k trailer over passes.
My goal is to get some more power for pulling over the mtn passes. I have but are not installed yet an S+B dry intake, 4" straight exhaust, and bellowed up pipes. Bellow is what I am getting ready to order from RiffRaff.
1. Downpipe T-Bolt clamp.
2. AIH delete plug.
3. Plenum reinforcing inserts.
4. CAC intercooler complete boot kit.
5. Intercooler T-bolt set.
6. O-ring Combo kit.
7. PHP Hydra tuner.
8. RiffRaff billet compressor wheel.
9. RiffRaff high flow outlet.
10. RiffRaff non EBPV pedestal and bolts.
11. Banks Big Head wastgate actuator.
Is there anything else I should add while going at it? Or anything on that list I should skip? I live in the PNW so winters are mild. Truck will be towing 10k trailer over passes.
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,813
Likes: 1,335
From: Elk Grove, CA
Generally nice list of mods, but my first concern is the Mishimoto trans cooler. If the current trans has digested some friction material the cooler will essentially act as a filter and hold the material. And then poison the new trans. How does the trans fluid look? If it's red and clean I think you'll be OK.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Generally nice list of mods, but my first concern is the Mishimoto trans cooler. If the current trans has digested some friction material the cooler will essentially act as a filter and hold the material. And then poison the new trans. How does the trans fluid look? If it's red and clean I think you'll be OK.
Because racetruck
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 104
From: Monterey Bay, CA
Hey guys, I am just starting to upgrade my 2003 7.3 F350. Truck has 130,000 miles on it. The trans has started slipping when towing my 10k trailer. I am on the list for a BTS trans and it will ship early next month. I had already upgraded to a mishimoto cooler and installed guages.
My goal is to get some more power for pulling over the mtn passes. I have but are not installed yet an S+B dry intake, 4" straight exhaust, and bellowed up pipes. Bellow is what I am getting ready to order from RiffRaff.
1. Downpipe T-Bolt clamp.
2. AIH delete plug.
3. Plenum reinforcing inserts.
4. CAC intercooler complete boot kit.
5. Intercooler T-bolt set.
6. O-ring Combo kit.
7. PHP Hydra tuner.
8. RiffRaff billet compressor wheel.
9. RiffRaff high flow outlet.
10. RiffRaff non EBPV pedestal and bolts.
11. Banks Big Head wastgate actuator.
Is there anything else I should add while going at it? Or anything on that list I should skip? I live in the PNW so winters are mild. Truck will be towing 10k trailer over passes.
My goal is to get some more power for pulling over the mtn passes. I have but are not installed yet an S+B dry intake, 4" straight exhaust, and bellowed up pipes. Bellow is what I am getting ready to order from RiffRaff.
1. Downpipe T-Bolt clamp.
2. AIH delete plug.
3. Plenum reinforcing inserts.
4. CAC intercooler complete boot kit.
5. Intercooler T-bolt set.
6. O-ring Combo kit.
7. PHP Hydra tuner.
8. RiffRaff billet compressor wheel.
9. RiffRaff high flow outlet.
10. RiffRaff non EBPV pedestal and bolts.
11. Banks Big Head wastgate actuator.
Is there anything else I should add while going at it? Or anything on that list I should skip? I live in the PNW so winters are mild. Truck will be towing 10k trailer over passes.
https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/turbo...uator-99-5-03/
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
I like the TurboSmart unit better than Banks personally.
https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/turbo...uator-99-5-03/
https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/turbo...uator-99-5-03/
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Yeah, just a new wheel to remove surge. And the EBPV delete. I probably wont get the banks big head.
Still only $500 if I did all that. What does a new turbo setup cost? And then what other supporting mods for new turbo?
Still only $500 if I did all that. What does a new turbo setup cost? And then what other supporting mods for new turbo?
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,648
Likes: 893
From: north of Minneapolis, MN
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 125
From: Colorado Springs
I put in a Stage 2 KC300X drop in turbo for $1190. I had already done the bellowed up pipes when I modified the stock turbo. (MST) The MST was a big improvement over the stock configuration but NOWHERE NEAR the performance I’m getting out of the KC300X Stage 2...
https://kcturbos.com/products/kc7300...e-turbo-l99-03
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,355
Likes: 5,949
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
I wasn't going to comment in this thread, but since I was summoned I will give my .02 worth... Keep in mind, pennies are not worth much though...
I started with a MST and was towing a 5th wheel cross country at 2800 - 3000 RPM, 30+ PSI of boost, 1200+ EGT's and still downshifting to 4th or 3rd (ZF6) at times in order to maintain speed. I decided I needed a better running truck and went to it. I saved my pennies for a long time and I have zero, none, zilch regrets about my choice. Now I tow at 2000 RPM, 20 - 22 PSI of boost and 900 - 1100 EGT's without downshifting out of 5th gear (ZF6) on the same exact terrain. The ONLY thing that changed was the T4 plumbing and Borg Warner 364.5 large turbine SXE turbo. Well, I also dropped 1023 and Gear Head tunes because they made my truck run like garbage after installing the new turbo. I went to PHP 65 HP tune on the Hydra and it is great.
I have two tunes programmed on my Hydra...
1. Forward (65 HP Performance)
2. High Idle (1100 RPM)
Don't take my word for it though, take a look at this thread...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...arts-list.html
I started with a MST and was towing a 5th wheel cross country at 2800 - 3000 RPM, 30+ PSI of boost, 1200+ EGT's and still downshifting to 4th or 3rd (ZF6) at times in order to maintain speed. I decided I needed a better running truck and went to it. I saved my pennies for a long time and I have zero, none, zilch regrets about my choice. Now I tow at 2000 RPM, 20 - 22 PSI of boost and 900 - 1100 EGT's without downshifting out of 5th gear (ZF6) on the same exact terrain. The ONLY thing that changed was the T4 plumbing and Borg Warner 364.5 large turbine SXE turbo. Well, I also dropped 1023 and Gear Head tunes because they made my truck run like garbage after installing the new turbo. I went to PHP 65 HP tune on the Hydra and it is great.
I have two tunes programmed on my Hydra...
1. Forward (65 HP Performance)
2. High Idle (1100 RPM)
Don't take my word for it though, take a look at this thread...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...arts-list.html
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 107
From: BoCoMo
MY suggestion..... if you are going to put a BTS in your truck ( I have one ) YOU make an appointment and Go to Brian's shop and be there while he takes your tranny out and overhauls it. If you have a camper, there is a campground a few miles from his shop. The experience is second to none to watch him work. Very very friendly as he shows you what he is doing to beef up your tranny. I did not even ask him to do this before hand, but he put on a 6.0 tranny cooler while I was there. Also, he has a several different 'shift plates' and when done you take it for a spin and any questions he will adjust it right then and there. I use a 'SuperChip' (I know, not a big fancy turner) and I took it for a spin and Brian and I talked about how it was running and shifting and I said I would 'kind of' like it to shift like this..... He said to pull it back into the shop and he dropped the pan... put in a different shift plate and in less that 7-8 minutes later out test driving again..... and don't forget to get the T-shirt 
Also, your fuel bowl heater connection, you do not need it and if the element breaks, you are dead in the water and will not know why.
Also, your fuel bowl heater connection, you do not need it and if the element breaks, you are dead in the water and will not know why.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Choose wisely or choose to do nothing. There are quite a few just on this site and throughout the country that have a 100% stock truck regarding turbo system and are perfectly happy, even after 20 years. Clearly that is the cheapest route, but may not be the right route for you.
Good luck!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 33
From: Utah
$2500 local rebuild in my trans with 50k serious towing miles (coast to coast 2x). It's not rocket science, just find a reputable builder.
I suggest the MST or T4. No in betweens. Had a 38r and it was worse than the MST low to mid range, has turbo surge and ended up puking oil out the exhaust. MST was missed, but the T4 is the best.
I suggest the MST or T4. No in betweens. Had a 38r and it was worse than the MST low to mid range, has turbo surge and ended up puking oil out the exhaust. MST was missed, but the T4 is the best.