Hey everyone, this forum is awesome ive been lurking as a guest for a few days now. Ok, im in the army just did a year in iraq, commin back home to alaska in 2 weeks. Befor I deployed i bought a 97 f350 powerstroke on 38's with 202k miles. I don't know much about the truck at this time, its my first diesel. Its a 7.3 its not running very strong, but it gets around. Its also only getting 10 mile to the gallon. I know I have stock intake and exhaust. Ive been told some of the turbo tubing up top is aftermarket. Its got a super chips sticker on it, but im pretty sure on on the stock tune. That is about all I know for now (i'll figure more out when it gets pulled from storage).

And yes ive done alot of research, and yes i could probably answer all these questions by searching, but I decided it was time to register and make my first post so here goes.

I was wondering if I should look into a top end rebuild at this mileage. And if so what should i look into. Oversized valves? What poundage for springs? So on and so forth. From my research so far i don't think I'll need to go into the bottom yet, depends on what the cylinder walls look like when i open it up, if i open it up. I'll be running compression tests first ofcourse, and i do need glow plugs befor winter so get the chance to look close then.

Ive also read alot about intake, exhaust, and tuners thats definetly on the shopping list, and a turbo rebuild kit (Ive read their cheap and easy). Id like to pick up some mpg if possible, im already looking at getting some 35s for road tires. I hate using the swampers that are on it just to cruise around town.

Aslo, my suspension is very very stiff (i know duh its a 350). I don't know what brand the lift is but it has blocks in the rear. Is there any way to soften it up, maybe get some flex in the rear? Perhaps pull a couple leafs from the leaf packs.

Few more Qs

Are the aftermarket turbo housing worth it?

Is an intercooler a bad idea in extreme cold weather (-40 or lower)?

Holy crap injectors are expensive, what are the hidden costs. Do I have to do the fuel pump at the same time?

Thanks in advance guys.

 

 

as far as rebuilding it i would have a compression test done on it. as far as the turbo goes just buy a good aftermarket one to go along with the injectors. as far as intercooler goes i think your truck is non intercooled. might want to look into getting new trans if it is and auto. as far as the ride goes its and 1ton. do a 4" exhaust and a afe cai. oh and welcome to db

 

Welcome to the site...

You have a long list of questions there...

I would do a compression check and go from there.... 325# or better is fine, 300# or less is getting weak, less then 275 is a dead hole.

Do that first and go from there.

As far as mods go, what do you want to use the truck for? How much do you want to spend and how much horsepower do you want...

 

Save your money on a Cold Air Intake, A tymar type intake will flow every bit as much as a AFE or others, but only cost you $50 or so...

 

Hey thanks for all the posts. Yeah I know I need to have it tested out, im just familiarizing myself right now, and brainstorming. It passes the time here in iraq.

Well basicly it just a huge toy, I basicly just want to play with it and make more power. I also bought a brand new harley this deployment so I have a second much more economical set of wheels.

Im also PCSing to fort bragg in january so I gotta have her road worthy by then to make the drive. I figure i'll need 500 or so gallons diesel to get there unless I pick up some fuel economy somewhere.

Well any post without pics is worthless so heres a pic of me with the truck near delta junction alaska. We picked up this german hitch hiker/cyclist. She was riding her bike from Fairbanks alaska to New orleans!

Go Play Outside Photo Gallery - Photo 8 of 42 by Alex - MySpace Photos