Thinking about turboing my truck

[jonmercer05]

Im considering buying a turbo for my truck, which one is the better kit?, is it really worth it? How hard to install?, can i find a good used one for a decent price? money is kinda scarce but i can make it work.

[huskyhauler]

i personally believe the ATS is the better kit. the turbos and intakes similar, and will give you very similar results in power. the reason I LIKE the ATS kit are as followed. first ATS was the supplier and designer for the factory 93-94 factory idi turbo. second, i think it is a MUCH easier install. working for a Banks dealer for years, i cursed those damn kits. trying to get the bracket mounted on the back of the head for the turbo mount was a nightmare at times. the ats kit uses a bracket that attachs to the old CDR valve, mounted at the back of the intake. most Banks (i have yet to do a sidewinder only the older style kits) took in the range of 8-12 hours depending on the condition of the 3 bolt holes on the back of the head. plus, you need to do NO rewiring (2 glow plug wires, remount the controller, as well as the oil pressure sensor) like the Banks kit. the first ATS kit i did took 6.2 hours, though they claimed 8 hours. i hate doing injector pumps on the banks kit. hat to take the pressure box as well as the contoller off. this would often add 2-3 hours depending on how "proffesionally" installed the kit was. the first 93-94 7.3lT idi i did a pump on took a bit more than a hour longer than a N/A truck did. i ended up removing more than i needed. most of the assembly of the turbo to mounting bracket is done off the vehicle on the ATS, and you end up installing "sub assemblies". the banks mounting is done on the vehicle, and it seems to be piece by piece.those dang mounting bolts from banks for the turbo to bracket can be a real $0B. i have a small Kennedy tool box filled with all the tools i have made over the years for installing and servicing Banks kits. keep your eyes open for a factory 93-94 kit on EBAY. a simple down pipe and exhaust housing change will yeild as much power as the new ATS kits. i have seen them sell in the price range of 500-750 depending on how complete the kit is. most parts that are missing can either be aquired from ford or from ATS directly...