I finally got my turbo installed
 

I purchased an ATS turbo off a 94 F350, and finally got it installed. before i installed it, I have a new return line kit installed. The mechanic moved all the electrical out of the way and installed the valve cover. He also checked out all the parts and made sure I had everything. The Mineke muffler boys did the piping. I did the bending of the lip on the cab to allow the piping. I turned out really nice, the muffler guys made me a 3" down pipe and covered it with header wrap. I have a pyro and the temperatures are about the same. I will install the boost guage next week and see what the boost is. I understand the pressures for a stock ATS is about 12 psi, I have not taken the engine over 2400 rpm. I also removed the muffler so I have a 3" straight pipe, the engine is extremely quiet. It seems the power is up, but not a significant increase, but I don't have any smoke and thats good. I have not adjusted anything as far as the IP or anything else. I have to run more tests and see how it handles a trailer.
The air box bolted right to the intake just like it was made for it. I have a hard time believing my mechanic, he says its an 87 6.9 out of a school bus. I almost tend to agree with him.
By the time I finished with everything, it set me back about 2000.00.
I hope it works out.

I have a feeling you are going to like it. If it is a 6.9 I think about 10# of boost is about all she can take without head studs.

If it were my 6.9 with stock head bolts, I would limit the boost to 10PSI. If I were setting up a turbo for some one else, I would go closer to 7-8 PSI if reliability is the chief concern but I tend to err on the side of caution.

Some guys can go close to 15 PSI in a stock 6.9 and get away with it. I didn't get away with it in my case....

Two flats on the fuel screw will probably give you a good result. Just adding a turbo doesn't do much for power until you turn up the fuel.

i herd of one going to 17 psi regularly how idk

Just because the boost hits 15 pounds or even 17 pounds does not mean instant head gasket failure.

But the fire rings will be leaking compression past them.

Every time they leak, they are damaged a little more untill they do fail.

May take 15 pounds 200 times, or it may take 15 pounds 5 times.
Why tempt fate any more than you have to?

Head gaskets are not fun, you can figure on about 22 hours to replace them on a turbo motor going by the shop time guide.
22 hours at todays shop rates, pile of dollars.
Plus you will be looking at about 275 for gaskets and related parts.

Once the fire ring gets pushed off if the gasket, erosion starts to set in on the block and head mating surfaces. In my case there were no symptoms at all that the fire ring had been pushed back. Only way I found out there was a problem is when I tore the engine down for other reasons and noticed what was happening at the head gaskets.

I was just posting what i have herd from other people, me i will never approach 15psi on my stock bolts when i hook my psd turbo up, but i may on accedent hit 13 or 14 psi cough cough:rolleyes::-down

As soon as I get the boost guage installed I will set the boost to 8 PSI as a top rate. I have not run the engine up as of yet. I have driven it prehaps 20 miles.

David 85 you say i need more fuel to make decent power?? we have not touched fuel settings.

ok you have a 7.3 and your afraid to get over 8psi:-huh

If you are happy with the power the way it is, then you can leave it alone and just use it that way. But if you ever want more, you can have it by turning up the fuel a little. I noticed a slight gain after first adding my turbo, but was dissapointed with how little it was. Then I turned up the fuel......whole different truck.

If you want to stay at 8 PSI, you will still see a considerable difference over stock. You might even find that you will be happy with that.

Tune it with the Pyro. Sneak up on a good fuel setting by driving, and monitoring the temps.

I have a 6.9 engine in a 91 model truck

I think you are right, just add a little fuel and watch temperatures. I know I have standard head bolts and don't want to take chances. I'll get the boost guage hooked up this week. First thing I'll need to know is what the boost is, and go from there.

David, I will err on the side of caution. 8 psi will be it. This truck runs perfect, I just wanted to eliminate smoke and get a little more power. The truck runs different, the power seems easier, no smoke, but so far the power increase has been negligible. I'll be asking questions and when I feel i have all the safe power I can get, that will be it.

The boost will increase, as You increase the Fuel.
As stated, there are 6.9 engines with lotsa miles @ 10 PSI+

I guess Your the only one that can make the decision on how much, is to much.