Adding a turbo... - Diesel Forum

JH3Rob · 11-14-2009, 10:02 PM

My box truck has a 7.3 IDI diesel that was dropped in it five years ago. It runs like a champ and seems to get good mileage, but my business partner and I would love to add a turbo for that extra hauling power. Money is a little tight right now and there are bigger needs for this truck so it won't happen right away. Still, I'd appreciate any insight from our local gear heads about this project. Is there any particular brand that works best with this motor? Can we bolt the parts on ourselves or is this something that really needs a pro's touch? Going with a baseline of 185HP and 360PF torque, how much can we expect this motor to produce with a good turbo kit? Is it true that a turbo actually boosts mileage on a diesel? Thanks in advance!

LMJD · 11-15-2009, 09:21 AM

No, they don't really increase fuel mileage, but you get a big power increase. If you look, there's a recent post that answers your questions Help, I live in the mountains .

NH2112 · 11-15-2009, 10:11 AM

I used to have an 85 GMC with 6.2l diesel, and after dropping a valve I replaced it with a built 99 6.5l turbodiesel putting out about twice the power. My mileage went up by 2mpg when I wasn't having fun with all the extra power. I'd say it's because of more efficient burning of the injected fuel, even though more fuel is injected.

JH3Rob · 11-21-2009, 03:59 PM

Has anyone here tried installing a turbo on their own? The truck runs out of breath around 70mph and I would like to give the motor a good boost.