I just bought a 2003 7.3 diesel and am looking to add an exhaust but don't know much about these diesels and from what i read so far there are alot of things to consider. First 4" or 5" and single or dual. I'd like to get the best value but also don't want to regret a cheep purchase. Is a 5" better than dual 4" for egt? Any suggestions or thoughts fon this would be appreciated. Next, i've read how important gauges are when you start adding this stuff. I've seen the pods that replace the trim bezel in the dash and add two gauges by your factory ones right behind the steering wheel. What gauges do i want/need? From what i read i need an egt forsure and not sure what other ones. Also seen the pods that go by your rear view mirror. Do i need add a gauge for tranny temp if my dash has a factory one. Are the factory ones accurite and reliable. Also i will be adding a cold are intake. Any suggestions on which ones are a better value since i don't know much at all about these diesels except i love it and will never buy another gasser. The last thing i want to do right away (unless anybody has more suggestions for me) would be a chip. From what i read on here jt chips are the best way to go. Please help me make the best decisions with my money and make my truck and me smile. Thanks in advance for all the help from you guys.

 

exhaust - 5" will be better for EGTs than 4"... 4" is better than stock... stock with muffler delete is better than stock. A simple muffler delete will do wonders for lowering EGTs, but a full turbo back 4 or 5" will do even better. Single or duals only really matters for looks/sound. Check out MBRP exhaust systems - seem to be a great value.

gauges - you need EGT (pyrometer), boost (intake manifold pressure), and tranny temp (the stock tranny temp gauge is worthless). Check out ISSPRO, autometer, etc. There are a-pillar pods, below-cubby pods, above rear view mirror pods, etc... personal preference.

Intake - homemade tymar (aka Kwikfilter), Ford AIS, afe stage II, etc... all good choices.

Dp-tuner is the way to go for chips, yes.

Doing a search on any of the terms I mentioned in this post will lead you to more posts on each topic than you could read, so that's a good place to start. Search on things like gauges, intake, exhaust, chip, EGT, etc.

Oh, be sure to check the site sponsors out for buying all this stuff, they support the site and it helps out when we support them.

 

Thanks for your suggestions. Are the gauges easy to install the sending units. Where do the sending units mount. Do you just have to drill and tap them. If so i probally have to take the parts out of the truck so the shavings don't run threw the truck? Where in the exhaust does the pyrometer go. Does the aftermarket tranny temp just replace the factory or am i going to have to mount a knew sending unit in the tranny? I can turn wrenches and have lots of experience just looking for a little help and knowledge since i've never had a diesel or done gauges befor. Last, do fi want mechanical or electrical gauges. thanks

 

I agree with what is said above. MBRP, DP-Tuner, Gauges and you will be good to go. Install isn't that hard and most install while it is in the truck.

Here are some good install instructions (gauges & exhaust).

 

Check out the page CBSuperduty posted... find the instructions for installing ISSPRO gauges and check those out.

Some quick info: pyro can be drilled and tapped into exhaust manifold or drilled and clamped into the uppipe. Either way, if you use small bits and work up, and coat them in grease, and even use a shop vac on the hole afterward, you won't have to worry about shavings.

Boost reading can be drill and tapped to the intake manifold, use a "T" to hook it into the MAP line, or use an AIH delete plug from blackclouddieselperformance.com that has a boost fitting built into it.

Tranny unit should go in this port on the drivers side, toward the front. All this is covered in the above link, as well.

I believe mechanical gauges are generally considered to best choice. I think only the pyro and tranny gauges will have sending units, and they can be mounted inside under the dash on the firewall... whatever gauges you buy should come with full instructions, and if you buy from a site sponsor or similar vendor, they'll probably come in a full kit with everything you need. I still recommend a good search and lots of reading, because it's all been discussed to no end in the past, and there's plenty to learn from old discussions.

 

Thanks for the link it shows alot and now i feel i shouldn't have any problems with the install. It had two options for the pyro and boost gauge. What are the advantages to the tee fitting for the boost vs. drilling and tapping for the boost. Also the clamp vs. drilling and tapping for the pyro. Is the tapping method more reliable or should i take the easy way out and just use the tee and clamp methods. if there is no advantage i will just do it the easy way but if the tapping is more reliable i have a tap and die set and will go that route. thanks

 

For boost and pyro, the various ways to hook it up are pretty much all as reilable as the next. I'd say hooking up to the map line or using the AIH delete plug is easier than drilling and tapping the intake manifold. I'd also say that the clamp on style on the uppipe for pyro is easier than drilling/tapping the exhaust manifold. Whichever way you choose will be fine. I actually just ordered gauges myself a couple days ago for my new truck - I chose the clamp on style pyro (just for ease of installation), and am going to just use the "T" in the map line for my boost hookup.

 

I did the "T" boost connection and clamp-on EGT probe this weekend. Both were way easier than I expected. My EGT & boost numbers compare to what I'm seeing from other members and I checked the EGT probe in the turbo up-pipe after running it a few times and I felt no leaks (seals with a very soft, maliable crush washer). Use dieselmanor.com's instructions...good stuff.

 

i used that tee for the map line for the boost guage. i also drilled and tapped my manifold for the pyro. personally i think it is best to drill and tap but i havent heard of any problems with the clamp on. one you get all the wiring figured out the guages are very easy to hook up

 

same as muktown, i did the Tee and the manifold tapping. i have the pictures if you want.