hello all first timer here, my question is what will i have to do to my truck for it to handel the different amounts of horsepower for example-
300hp=
400hp=
500hp= and so on stuff like tranny and headgaskets mabey??
any info will be helpful.

o btw i have a 97 f250 powerstroke thanks

 

Your engine should be able to handle a fair amount of HP without any modifications to the engine itself. I think 500 HP might be pushing it though. At that point I'm sure you would have to upgrade engine parts.

Assuming your truck is totally stock, here is a list of some mods to make before you make any power increases with a chip/tuner:

1. Air intake-I found out shortly after I bought my 1997 (used) that there was a voluntary recall on the airbox that year. If you have the plastic bolts holding the lid to the airbox down you have the "old" airbox. From what I understand, there were problems with the airbox sealing properly and it's very restrictive. I would recommend the Tymar air intake. It flows way more air than the stock air intake and maintains a high level of filtration. You can get the email and phone number for Tymar Performance by CLICKING HERE. I recommend calling since they are usually backed up more than a week with emails. CLICK HERE for a picture of the intake.

2. Larger exhaust system-The turbo downpipe is squashed quite a bit on the older PSDs. A larger downpipe that is not squashed will help with airflow. I called Tymar a while back about some other products and was told that there is now a turbo downpipe available for our trucks that starts at 3" from the turbo, opens up to 3.5" once it clears the firewall, and opens to 4" once it clears the transmission lines. After the downpipe, you will need an exhaust system that opens up to at least 4". This will be good up until at least 450 HP, so if you plan on making more you might as well invest in a 5" system now. If you go 5", you will probably have to make your own. I haven't seen any 5" systems available in a kit for the early PSDs, but I could be wrong. CLICK HERE for a good resource for exhaust parts.

3. Gauges-you will need some additional gauges to help monitor the engine so you don't cause any damage. Assuming you have an automatic, I would recommend pyro (probe mounted pre-turbo), boost, and trans temp gauges. Most people mount the pyro gauge in the exhaust manifold.

4. Transmission Upgrades-if you have an auto, I would recommend installing the Sonnax valve and Tricumulator springs to firm up the shifts. It mechanically firms up the shifts to reduce torque convertor slippage, therefore reducing heat. If you have a manual transmission, you should consider an aftermarket clutch/flywheel. I recommend the LuK. It's a one-piece flywheel that is a much better design than the factory dual-mass flywheel. You can buy them from one of FTE's sponsors, Carolina Clutch, by CLICKING HERE.

With those mods in place you should be ready for a chip or tuner. You should check out MotorHaven for the above mods since they help keep this website free. CLICK HERE to see what they offer. With the exception of the Tymar intake, most of the above products are available at MotorHaven.

 

thanks man jus wanted to tell ya tho i have found a full 5 inch turbo back exhaust (with a 3 in downpipe) for the 97 pds