I’ve got a 1997 crew cab long bed 7.3, and am looking for some decent cheap mods to do. Whether it’s engine or interior, if it serves a purpose, tell me about it. I want to make this a menace to the epa.

 

Cheap is relative, everything is money for a diesel specially what your end goals are for the truck (towing, race truck, daily, puller etc.

The first thing I would do is get the truck 100% mechanical first (maintenance, check for up pipe leaks, check fuel pressure and for fuel leaks in the engine)

After all that is sorted out
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start by investing in E fuel (stock set up works alright but is prone to fuel leaks and not very good once you start adding power.

you can start with an EGT gauge,

6637 air filter
A tune (Hydra, with unlimited library)

​​​​​Replace the down pipe with a 3" you can either leave the stock exhaust (flows plenty) and remove the cat and muffler if you like loud exhaust or just keep the muffler in place (it's a straight thru design from factory)

KC turbo has nice drop in turbos or you can rebuild your using their KC drop in upgrade turbine/exducer wheels.

After that you will need to consider your goals for the truck like previously mentioned, injectors, turbos, play a big role on the decision you make

 

This is cheap but can cost a lot if not careful

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/...in-mod.548500/

 

I’ll keep in mind for further on, I’d like to finish the build before I have to drop money on diapers

 

Greta. I mirror Adam's thoughts. One can spend a pile of cash in a hurry on one of these. Make is solid first and detail the interior, you would be surprised how just cleaning the carpets and seats makes it look and smell inside. Husky liner direct fit floor mats for the fronts fit well and look nice.

Critical items like tires/brakes, all fluids, vacuum pump, high side PS line, brake hoses, brake pressure switch recall, OBOD replacement, and a good air filter (not stock box as leaks apparently). Basically baseline it. Good weekend project

Downpipe from Diamond Eye seems to be the 'go-to' unit and runs about $100, better response, more power, and lower EGTs. No downside. Stock muffler is straight through and going to 4" pointless until you have more injector. Only helps past about 350rwhp.

HD glow plug relay, make sure batt cables good, Denso starter or the late 7.3 offset SD unit, 850CCA batts.

Shift kit with larger external cooler if auto, short shifter is manual.

Speakers and a decent radio.

HVAC working including new heater core ($25 and 30 min) and coolant flush. Most of us run Fleetcharge purple stuff that is premixed with SCAs. A coolant filter works well too on them.



Just that stuff will keep you busy for a while and maybe set you back $1000 total depending how you shop.

 

These guys hit the main points. Check out obs solutions for some nifty interior repair parts.

7.3 powerstroke, bust out another thousand

 

Like a ship aka boat.