Worth Turbocharging? - Diesel Forum

BrazoriaGuy · 10-11-2005, 11:01 PM

I have a 92 F-350 IDI non-turbo and was wondering if the engine would be able to handle a factory turbo setup without a rebuild. The silly thing runs great and uses very little oil (less than 2 quarts) between 5K oil changes. Any thoughts????

thefermanator · 10-11-2005, 11:04 PM

I would, really wakes em up. Just remember it aint a new truck and drive it acordingly.

BrazoriaGuy · 10-11-2005, 11:05 PM

Oh, and it has about 350K miles on.....

aaklingler · 10-12-2005, 12:06 AM

That changes things just a little, thanks for leaving that detail out, mine has 314k and i'm gonna wait until after a rebuild.

thefermanator · 10-12-2005, 12:41 AM

Definately changes things alot. I would say them rings wouldn't last long under a turbo with that many miles already on them. But look on the bright side, you could rebuild it and build it for running a turbo and get full benefit from it. The 7.3L IDI is a great engine, I personally think it has proven itself better than alot of powerstrokes. I f you build it up right you could have alot of go under your foot in the end.

Birken Vogt · 10-12-2005, 01:09 AM

I thought about it on mine, however I never really cared enough to do it and somehow I got to where I was going anyway [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Birken

pafixitman · 10-12-2005, 08:36 AM

I don't think it is the miles on the engine that you should worry about, but rather the miles on the fuel system. When did you have the IP and injectors replaced? Driving habit has a lot to do with the decision also.

I always swore my truck was fine in NA form. Then I got a 5'r and started towing and found the weak link (so to speak). The word went out that I was looking for a turbo and one day the call came in. I picked up a tight factory ATS turbo complete off a '94. Did the 3 upgrades and with the assistance of other members here strapped that puppy on. I will say that at 125k miles I still have the original (tested at 90k) injectors and return lines! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] My only regret is not getting a turbo a year ago. My "to do" list includes a Holley red fuel pump, DPS stage 1 injectors and eventually a DPS "turbo tuned" IP.

HiWayMan · 10-12-2005, 10:55 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I never really cared enough to do it and somehow I got to where I was going anyway

[/ QUOTE ]

That's like saying " I used to have this great engine in my car when I was a kid, but I never stuck a 4 barrel carb on it cause it got me where I was going anyway"
Birken, do you need a vacation? Maybe you've been in that dark, cold shop for too long. Get out and enjoy the Sierra's.. And, if you're towing anything above 4000', I'd suggest you borrow a buddy's rig with a turbo.. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

agnem · 10-12-2005, 02:03 PM

I see no reason to wait if the engine is performing well. Considering your oil consumption level and happiness with the over all condition, a turbo is not going to do anything to hurry that engine to it's next rebuild. The only danger is headgaskets, which is true with any engine in any condition. If it is weak, you will find out. If the engine cooling system has not been maintained, cavitation may be brought about sooner, but here again, it's all relative. I say put it on and enjoy it.

Birken Vogt · 10-12-2005, 04:22 PM

I got you one better, I went out and bought a 97 F250 which is what I drive now. When I did take the old truck on vacation heavily loaded with trailer and crap I would sometimes be down to 35 mph over Donner trying to keep the black smoke to a minimum. Nevertheless it was such a small portion of my trip that it did not make any kind of sense to add a turbo. With proper planning I could maintain 55 for 97% of the drive. Steep hills are not really that big a percent of total distance travelled. Besides the only time it was an issue was when I was on vacation and when I was on vacation I was not in a hurry anyway.

One of the guys at work bought himself a new Dodge, with diesel at my urging, to pull his new 5er. He was commenting on how it definitely does not go as fast with the trailer on and he said the same thing. Screw it I am on vacation. I just like to mellow out

Birken

HiWayMan · 10-13-2005, 01:26 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Screw it I am on vacation. I just like to mellow out

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I here you.. Makes sense to me when you put it like that.

[ QUOTE ]
I would sometimes be down to 35 mph over Donner

[/ QUOTE ]

Donner Pass.. I really miss the Sierra's. Best mountains I've ever lived and played in. I'd love to live in Downieville or Sierra City.. Just can't afford it at this time. Might move to GV if they open up the mines again...

Al

BrazoriaGuy · 10-13-2005, 04:29 PM

I replaced the IP about 2 months ago but have never looked at the injectors themselves. My biggest concern is the head gaskets. You alwasy run the risk of hurting something if your boost numbers are to high.