Any problem with putting a turbo on 7.3 IDI - Diesel Forum

redneckerson · 01-24-2007, 08:29 AM

Is it adviseable to put a turbo on a non-turbo 7.3?
Have a choice of engines either a 1989 or a 1992. It will be used for predominately towing, in a 1989 F350, 2wd, Automatic Transmission.
Thanks, Gene

OkieGringo · 01-24-2007, 11:01 AM

Well, if you don't put a turbo on, you ain't gonna tow anything unless it's all downhill to where you are going, and back again [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]OkieGringo

ltl_jrw · 01-25-2007, 08:08 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Well, if you don't put a turbo on, you ain't gonna tow anything unless it's all downhill to where you are going, and back again [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]OkieGringo

[/ QUOTE ]

Okie, that is just not true, I have pulled my 30' fithwheeler without a turbo many times. Just slower going up hill.

Jim

luckys420 · 01-25-2007, 08:40 AM

youll be able to tow anything, It just depends on how fast you want to go.

Mr_Roboto · 01-25-2007, 10:46 AM

Only people with turbo's say you can't tow without one!

A turbo does make a diesel a more "pleasurable experience".

mont91 · 01-25-2007, 04:15 PM

Non turbo 7.3s are built a little different inside than a turbo 7.3. I believe 5 to 7 pounds of boost is all that is recomended.

fordtrucks · 01-25-2007, 04:29 PM

a buddy of my put a non wastgated turbo on his 93 ford 7.3 and all he does now is work on it is pretty mutch a pos now.

redneckerson · 01-25-2007, 05:23 PM

I need to clarify the intent of my question, My dad just purchased a 1989 7.3 IDI and would like to put a turbo on it. I would like to know if this is adviseable, responses like above about the amount of boost is helpful. The endstate is that the engine not crack pistons, blow head gaskets etc... any help with your experiences would be appreciated.
Thanks, Gene

OkieGringo · 01-25-2007, 05:36 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Well, if you don't put a turbo on, you ain't gonna tow anything unless it's all downhill to where you are going, and back again [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]OkieGringo

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Okie, that is just not true, I have pulled my 30' fithwheeler without a turbo many times. Just slower going up hill.

Jim

[/ QUOTE ]

Well then, I guess you've never towed out west of the Mississippi [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]OkieGringo

Supercab79 · 01-25-2007, 06:41 PM

I run a 93 F-250 with a Banks Sidewinder on it and about 80,000 miles later in runs great and I've had no problems AT ALL....

Just a little cramping in my face from driving it and grinning to much. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img]

Don't hesitate go for it.
Good Luck
Marc

Mr_Roboto · 01-25-2007, 07:28 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I need to clarify the intent of my question, My dad just purchased a 1989 7.3 IDI and would like to put a turbo on it. I would like to know if this is adviseable, responses like above about the amount of boost is helpful. The endstate is that the engine not crack pistons, blow head gaskets etc... any help with your experiences would be appreciated.
Thanks, Gene

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes it can absolutely be done, and be done safely.

The benefit of a turbo on a diesel isn't so much the "boost" but the ability to increase the air flow faster in acceleration....

Basically an NA diesel when you accelerate, you add more fuel and things go way rich until the engine RPM increases and more air gets drawn in. With the turbo, you have more air available so the engine is able to utilize the additional air sooner and more efficiently. So you don't need "big" boost numbers to have a better driving experience. Running a turbo with moderate boost levels will improve acceleration, efficiency and reduce smoking under acceleration.

It's only when you start trying to get substantially more power than the engine was designed for that you will run into problems.

If I had a diesel truck worth keeping, it would be turbo'd in a heartbeat.

Dave Haven · 01-25-2007, 10:57 PM

My only problem after installing my ATS turbo was that I kept kicking myself in the @$$ for WAITING OVER 2 YEARS TO DO IT. And the cramped face muscles from grinning. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
As of last week, I've put over 100K miles on "Big Red" since I installed the turbo.
If I had to do it over again, I would install the turbo as soon as I could afford it.

OkieGringo · 01-26-2007, 12:41 AM

[ QUOTE ]
My only problem after installing my ATS turbo was that I kept kicking myself in the @$$ for WAITING OVER 2 YEARS TO DO IT. And the cramped face muscles from grinning. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
As of last week, I've put over 100K miles on "Big Red" since I installed the turbo.
If I had to do it over again, I would install the turbo as soon as I could afford it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Dave, can you imagine trying to pull a 5th wheel trailer up to Flagstaff from Phoenix without a turbo. That is a mutha of a grade. OkieGringo

Dave Haven · 01-26-2007, 02:38 PM

I once towed an 18' boat from Phoenix up to Flagstaff in my pre-turbo days. That was bad enough. I imagine a 5th wheeler would require another downshift or two on those grades.