Best mods for 7.3?
 

My buddy just picked up a 1996 4x4 F250 with 7.3L PSD with 291k on it for $2700. We were talking about modding it here soon. I know we will probably go with a 4" TB exhaust, but for now i am going to cut out the cat and muffler. My questions are, what else should we do?

--tuner? what brands best? Custom tunes?
--CAI? whats the best for this year truck?

What are the stock specs on the 96? and what can we expect with the mods above? Are the head gaskets prone to blow apart like the 6.0"s?

No worries with the head gaskets till you get bunches of power.

Custom tunes are the best, Beans, TW, DP, PHP, all have good tunes. There are some others too.

Get some gauges, at least a pyro to watch the temps.

Stock hp is 225, tq is 480?? I think.

These trucks are pretty limited on making bigger hp until you change the injectors. The most you'll get is probably another 80 max hp without changing injectors.

You can do as much as your buddy's wallet will allow. Lots of power available in these motors, just takes some cash to get to it.

Did I hear a new DP??? here is the "Don't use a torch to cut out the old DP"
link: Ford Diesel Power Forums - View Single Post - Exhaust removal gone horrible.

Ian, that link should be in your sig. Lol!

Thanks for those numbers. Wish my 6.0L got the mileage and modding abilities that the 7.3L does (stock)...

Don't forget the 6637 air filter. Between that and a new DP the old engine wakes up. Ian, you crack me up!

Is that a part number from ford?

Should we stick with teh stock intake system or is there something better aftermarket?

:-X19

whats the size of the stock pipe? how big should i go?

Go to Riffraft diesel performance and ask Clay, he sells a kit. The stock box leaks, get rid of it.

Stock pipe is 3 1/2 inches and 4 inch should cover most mods up to 400hp.

Is it reallly worth it to go from 3.5 to 4 in? I am asking because i do not know, not to be a smart a$$

Downpipe is 3" and the exhaust is 3.5" stock. The new downpipe will still be 3", but will be a real round pipe and not some smashed down POS. That's the best mod you can do.

Yes, the 3.5-->4" exhaust is worth doing. It really opens things up. 5" is questionable, but some guys consider that worth doing, too.

Here is Clay's 6637 kit (6637 is the p/n of the filter)

Riffraff Diesel: RDP 6637 Filter Kit

Pyro gauge should be next. Before tunes.

Have your buddy read these forums. There is a mod sticky at the top. Get to it! :D

Exhaust and 6637 is a good starting place. I suggest shopping at RiffRaff Diesel.

oh i thought that he meant the stock DP was 3.5. they are kind of a pain to get off, and being so old i dont know if it'll even come off for me. i know a 4" exhaust really makes these trucks sound good, thats for sure.

He is a mechanic and FORD gear head in training and he listens to everything i have to say, this forum just makes me sound smarter:-X06

i'll hook him up with an account on here one day and he'll be able to educate himself further when i'm not around.

The DP is easiest to cut with a sawzal and pull out top and bottom. I squeezed a 3 1/2 inch DP in but it was a super pain in the you know what. I just got a deal on a entire system so I went for it.

Don't forget about the LT1 mod.