Rebuild Wishlist
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Naples, FL
Rebuild Wishlist
It appears that I will soon be installing a rebuilt longblock in my 1999 F-450 and I am in the process of trying to decide what options or upgrades I should include at the same time. I am more interested in options that will improve longevity/reliabilty. Enhanced performance would be welcome but not at the expense of reliability. The truck will be used almost exclusively to tow a toy hauler. In addition to the normal stuff included in a longblock some options I am considering are:
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
- ARP head studs
- Upgraded valve springs
- Exhaust valves for intake - It is my understanding that the intake and exhaust valves are the same size but that the OE intake valves are of a softer metal than the exhaust valves.
- Forged rods - My original 7.3 has forged rods and whatever long block I install will have forged rods.
- New high volume oil pump
- New clutch - Not sure what kind at this point in time but it seems to make sense to put in a new one while it is easy. Any recommendations as to what kind or brand are welcome.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: NW Arkansas
I would try to find a cryo shop close to you and try to cryo everything you can get your hands on.
You could do upgraded pushrods. You could machine the tops of the pistons to relieve stress cracks. Ceramic coated piston tops. Teflon coated side skirts.
Let me find my thread.. I was gonna do an engine build a while back. Also, Clay has the best deals on a OEM rebuild kit. (What you wanna use first and foremost)
Riffraff Diesel: Ford Overhaul Kit
You could do upgraded pushrods. You could machine the tops of the pistons to relieve stress cracks. Ceramic coated piston tops. Teflon coated side skirts.
Let me find my thread.. I was gonna do an engine build a while back. Also, Clay has the best deals on a OEM rebuild kit. (What you wanna use first and foremost)
Riffraff Diesel: Ford Overhaul Kit
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,392
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From: NW Arkansas
GT42 Engine Build - Powerstroke Nation
This is my thread.. I learned alot from it. PM me if you have any questions.
This is my thread.. I learned alot from it. PM me if you have any questions.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 823
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From: Dallas, Oregon
When you do the clutch replace the throwout bearing, pilot bearing, release arm and release arm pivot point. The arm is prone to cracking and the pivot point costs so little it makes sense to replace it now.
Because of the CPS problems, I would suggest that the rebuilder "blueprint" everything that affects the CPS, including cam end play, cam gear (for sensor lobes), and CPS clearance to cam gear lobes. I have had good luck with the latest OBS (1997-older) CPS. Mine is dark grey, and I used dielectric grease on the tin-plated pins to resist corrosion.
Pay special attention to the fit of the exhaust manifolds to the heads. Ford did not use a gasket at the factory, and you should be able to get a good enough fit to do the same.
Keep us posted on your progress!
Because of the CPS problems, I would suggest that the rebuilder "blueprint" everything that affects the CPS, including cam end play, cam gear (for sensor lobes), and CPS clearance to cam gear lobes. I have had good luck with the latest OBS (1997-older) CPS. Mine is dark grey, and I used dielectric grease on the tin-plated pins to resist corrosion.
Pay special attention to the fit of the exhaust manifolds to the heads. Ford did not use a gasket at the factory, and you should be able to get a good enough fit to do the same.
Keep us posted on your progress!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 470
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From: independence,mo
these engines in stock form are pretty reliable and alot of folks on here have put alot of miles on thier motors. is your engine an early 99? if it is i would look into the later 17hpop which can be modded fairly cheap, newer injectors, later turbo setup. i would consider doing ih up pipes, fuel cross over or regulated return. it all depends on your budget and how fast you want to pull that toyhauler. good luck and keep us posted.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Naples, FL
Updated Rebuild Wish List
Thanks for all the help. Being new to powerstrokes I would have overlooked some of these improvements. So, here is my updated wish list:
- ARP head studs<LI itxtvisited="1">Upgraded valve springs <LI itxtvisited="1">Exhaust valves for intake - It is my understanding that the intake and exhaust valves are the same size but that the OE intake valves are of a softer metal than the exhaust valves. <LI itxtvisited="1">Upgraded push rods<LI itxtvisited="1">Forged rods - My original 7.3 has forged rods and whatever long block I install will have forged rods. <LI itxtvisited="1">New high volume oil pump <LI itxtvisited="1">New up pipe - IH style with bellows (I am still trying to locate someone that has one in stock.)<LI itxtvisited="1">CPS "blueprint"
- New clutch, throwout bearing, pilot bearing, release arm, and release arm pivot point - Not sure what kind of clutch at this point in time but it seems to make sense to put in a new one while it is easy. Any recommendations as to what kind or brand are welcome.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Naples, FL
Thanks to all for the helpful info and sorry about the long delay in getting back about my progress.
Due to time and financial contraints I have decided to keep the rebuild mostly stock at this point in time with one exception...I am installing the bellowed up-pipes.
I hope to be on the road with my freshly rebuilt motor by next weekend.
Due to time and financial contraints I have decided to keep the rebuild mostly stock at this point in time with one exception...I am installing the bellowed up-pipes.
I hope to be on the road with my freshly rebuilt motor by next weekend.