I am in the process of applying the following modifications to my early model 99 (manufacture 8/98) F250 PSD:

1. Air intake (kwik mod - 6637)
2. MBRP 4" downpipe/exhaust
3. Guages (pyro, tranny temp, boost)

I use the truck to pull a 24' gooseneck 2 horse trailer.

I have been reading a fair bit about turbo surge especially for those that tow heavy loads. I originally was going to add the "wicked wheel" while I was doing the exhaust given the downpipe was going to be removed during the process anyway.

However, the turbo specifications for the early 99 and the 99.5 and beyond are different. The wicked wheel is only for 99.5 models and newer. Additionally, the Turbo Housing kits I've found so far are also only made for the 99.5 and newer models.

Three questions:
1. Does the early model 99 experience the same problems with turbo surge as the 99.5 models and newer.
2. Is there a way to predict under what circumstances turbo surge may occur?
3. Other than installing an expensive $$$ Early 99 turbo conversion kit are their any other solutions to address turbo surge on the Early 99's?

 

Randle. I have early '99,(10/98.) I installed Banks Stinger-plus. They have the upgraded housing in their package but you already have turbo wheel similar to wicked wheel. Therefore replacement not necessary. I have no turbo surge. Read my signature for installed equiptment. Carroll

 

Wicked wheel works on mine. My truck has a birth month of 02/98.

 

Caroll,

Can you elaborate on this "you already have turbo wheel similar to wicked wheel."?

How are they the same/different?

 

I think he means that in the stinger package a new wheel comes with it so you don't need the Wicked wheel as well. :-) Going with a wicked wheel is by far much cheaper than replacing the compressor housing as well. If you are going to go t

 

It is my understanding that when they redesigned the 99.5 they also changed the turbo, wheel, etc. The early wheel worked OK. It was when they changed the turbo/wheel, is when the problems occured. For example, if you order the stinger-plus from Banks for the 99.5, they include new wheel. If you have the early 99, no change is necessary. There no wheel is included in the package.. Simply put, the early '99 wheel is the same as the wicked wheel. Carroll ( there are many posts on this subject but probably a year or so ago)

 

What?! You mean that actually having an early model 99 is actually a good thing in regards to the turbo wheel? Talk about a good break on the wallet! I'll do more research on the wheel and turbo surge as you suggested and let everyone know what I find for the early 99 models.

 

QUOTE=bowedup2003]Early 99's have different compressor wheel in turbo and different air cleaner housing. The compressor wheel was changed midyear because some felt the turbo whistle was too loud. The late 99's with the new style compressor wheel are prone to turbo surging when under a load, and most people swap in the Wicked Wheel or the Banks Quikspool compressor wheels to fix the problem, which are identical to the early 99 compressor wheel

 

The above is one of the early quotes that I found. Many more found if you go to search and type in wicked wheel. Carroll

 

Thanks Carroll! The turbo/wheel news is music to my ears (literally). . . no need to do this mod means more $$ to do other mods. Hmmmmmmm . . . what's next on my list?

 

Yup, early 99s have basically a wicked wheel from the factory. Early 99s tend not to have the surge/stall problems commonly associated with the 99.5 and later turbos. With the mods you are planning I don't think you'll have any problems. My early 99 ( see mods in sig ) doesn't surge.