Ive got a 1993 w250 and im planning on building it up when i get back from afghanistan. im looking for more reliability as it is going to be my primary vehicle and daily driver. but i still also want some power. I was thinking aftermarket injectors, turbo, and either a transmission rebuild or new transmission all together. Any recomendations on these parts or any other upgrade options would be greatly appreciated.

 

Find a good used HX35 turbo, they can be found for a reasonable price. I would go no larger than a 5X.012 or a 7X.010 injector and that would make a good combination for this turbo. I opted for a heavy duty rebuild on my A518 with a low stall converter over a 47RH with lock up. Just personal preference as I heard the lock up on the 47RH isn't as good as I want it to be.

 

I'd go to at least a HE351CW.

 

ditch the 518 for a nv4500 swap.

i've got a built ATS 518 w/ ATS tc and still want a 4500.

 

a buddy of mine is recommending an hx35-40 hybrid and a set of 5x.010 injectors. Any thoughts on that? and what are the differences between an hx35, and the hybrid. and what kind of differences would i be looking at between the two power wise? and the truck is an automatic as of now and im not sure if i want to convert to manual or stay automatic. any recomendations on a replacement automatic tranny or rebuild kit?

 

A solid performance rebuild will cost you $1500-3500+ and then a TC to back it all up is an easy 500-1000+.

I've basically got a $5000 drivetrain (although not what i paid) and a $2,500 NV4500 swap is not only half the price, i'd be willing to bet its got better performance and will probably last longer. But since i got it for the steal i did, im going to give the ATS drivetrain a shot for awhile and see if they really hold up to their name.

 

A 5X.010 is no improvement over your stock 6X.009 in my opinion. I run 7 holers in my work truck because I found it gives me better low end power without high EGT over the 5 and 4 hole injectors I've ran in the same truck. My other truck still has the stock 6X.009s. 3 important things about injectors you should always consider, rated pop pressure, spray angle, and mounting depth. Using the correct timing and injector washer will make a big difference in how it will run.
Nothing wrong with the A518 with a proper rebuild. That is what I have in my 92. After working a few bugs out of it, I like it. What you put into it depends on how you intend to use it. I built mine for towing. Steel pinion gears, shift kit, and low stall TC is all I upgraded. The rest is stock.