First Diesel. Tips??
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 26
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From: Idaho
First Diesel. Tips??
Hi Guys, new here and just bought my first Diesel. It's a 1990 F250 With a 7.3L, and luckily its a 5 speed. I know it has a new head, glowplugs, and various other work done to it. What are some things I should know? It's a great running truck, and I love it so far. These older 7.3s without the turbo seem to get a bad rap for being on the wimpy side, is it true? Thanks....also, what are some good power upgrades?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 333
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From: Montana
Way I heard it, and no offense to the Powerstroke boys, but rumor on the street is that you can get the same horsepower out of the older 7.3 as the later Powerstroke by simply adding a turbo. I'm by no means a diesel expert, just what I heard.
By the way, welcome to the site.
-"$lick"
By the way, welcome to the site.
-"$lick"
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
JayH, Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.
A good power upgrade is a turbo.
You can do small improvements with exhaust and intake mods, timing and fuel mods.
But a turbo is the biggest bang for the buck.
Yes, a turbo will put you right up with the first generation Power Strokes for both torque and HP. 1999 is when they went over 235 horse if I remember right.
Check the coolant for SCA's (Supplimental Coolant Addaive) test strips are available at NAPA. This addative goes in the coolant to prevent cavitiation.
A good power upgrade is a turbo.
You can do small improvements with exhaust and intake mods, timing and fuel mods.
But a turbo is the biggest bang for the buck.
Yes, a turbo will put you right up with the first generation Power Strokes for both torque and HP. 1999 is when they went over 235 horse if I remember right.
Check the coolant for SCA's (Supplimental Coolant Addaive) test strips are available at NAPA. This addative goes in the coolant to prevent cavitiation.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
JayH, has the air filter been changed recently?
Black smoke is incomplete combustion of the fuel, which is a result of more fuel than it has air to burn. So at todays fuel prices you have to answer how much black smoke is to much.
Also if you live an an air quality area, the air police may tell you how much is to much.
themtb,
Need a little more info about the truck to even guess what the mileage would be.
Also your driving style will affect the mileage more that the truck equipment will.
Black smoke is incomplete combustion of the fuel, which is a result of more fuel than it has air to burn. So at todays fuel prices you have to answer how much black smoke is to much.
Also if you live an an air quality area, the air police may tell you how much is to much.
themtb,
Need a little more info about the truck to even guess what the mileage would be.
Also your driving style will affect the mileage more that the truck equipment will.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Fitzpatrick Alabama
The turbo will be awesome. I personally would go with the Banks, but others prefer the ATS. https://www.ford-trucks.com/classifi...cat=all&page=1 <a href="https://www.ford-trucks.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=9444&sort=1&cat=all&page=1 ">Click here for an ad for a used turbo.</a>
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 26
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From: Idaho
Thanks Guys, the black smoke usually occurs when shifting. Maybe cause I'm still getting used to it? But I can tell that when I stomp on it a bit more, there is more smoke. There isn't any when I'm just cruising. I will check out the Air Filter though. I was thinking the Banks turbo too, but I'll do my research. I saw earlier, that somebody said they could figure my gear ratio by the various rpms, what would about 1600rpms at 45mph in 5th or overdrive be?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
235/85-16 tires with 4.10 gears and a ZF 5 in overdrive should be doing 47.35 MPH at 1600 RPM.
Different tire manufacturers and tread styles will vary the speed as much as plus or minus 4 MPH.
Different tire manufacturers and tread styles will vary the speed as much as plus or minus 4 MPH.
ahh the wait begins......