Hey guys, first post here. I don't currently have a diesel but wanting to start a 12v build. Thinking about doing a motor swap into a 05-07 Ford but not sure what I am doing yet. That aside... I don't know how to set a hp or torque goal for this, how do you pick an ideal number? Idk what stock is gonna be vs 300 or 500+. I want a truck that will turn some heads, can roll coal if wanted, and will hang with or leave any newer stock trucks in the dust. Anyways trying to figure out a parts list and start wrapping my head around the numbers. Suggestions on what mods I need to start with and ideal HP goal? Gauges, intake, exhaust will be first. Probably run a afc live too. Thought on other upgrades? What about tranny upgrades or axles and rearend?

 

IMO you will want to shoot for 450-500 RWHP. This number is easy to hit, wont break your bank, and most parts on the driveline will live a long time at this power level. I loved my green and white truck the most on the street at that power level. If you want to tow its simple to turn down and hook to a trailer as well.

 

So at say 500 whp how will that compare to new trucks nowadays? Is that gonna hang with them or out do them?

What upgrade path should I look at for 500hp?

And what will be necessary for torque converter and tranny and axles?

 

500 rwhp should leave a completely stock newer diesel in the dust and run damn close to a deleted truck.

 

As far as upgrade path. Do the free stuff first. Remove the fuel plate or cut yours to one of the many profiles you can find on line and loosen the star wheel up. Then set your timing to around 17-18 degrees. After that you can block your wastegate off. This should get you to around 300-350 rwhp and in need of a transmission. After that govenor springs and a good turbo upgrade are in order and last a set of injectors. Obviously you should probably stud the head and some valve springs too just to help it live.

 

Thank guys appreciate that. Really wanna do it right and leave some guys in the dust. Will I need new injectors or DVs? Head gasket arp studs and some rings? What should I do turbo wise? Suggestions for a single or compound setup? Not sure if compound will fit my price yet or not.

Tranny... is there a one is best or a best way to build one? Or one place you need to get one? Is this something me and a friend who was a diesel tech can do with some parts and a guide of some kind?

 

compounds are always better, but a 62/68 sxe or 64/68 sxe will get you to the 500 you want, as for companies, avoid places like industrial and ats like the plauge. look into power driven diesel for anything you can even transmissions. injectors you will likely need eventually. some 5x14 should do for your build. some arp 425 will work, 625 are over kill but i personally like over kill. a cummins gasket and o rings, you can do head work aswell while its off. 60lb spring for valve springs work but again i prefer going overkill a bit and doing things once so i suggest 165's, they are more money but i think worth it. some push rods are a good investment, fluidamper, a proper over flow valve to match what supply pump your using. kdp of course, if your going auto you will need a new flex plate. exhaust manifolds and intake horns practically do nothing so no need to really buy anything fancy, exhaust manifold is more for reliability since stocks are known to crack and take the head out in some cases. 4 gsk, 181 dv can go a long way, or some 191, theres many dv options but id leave them stock if you have 181. keeps it cleaner and cooler aswell. i put arp everywhere possible a cheap insurance. damper bolts, fly wheel, might as well do rod bolts while the engines out. get a billet tappet cover to help properly vent the crank case.run a catch can

 

I definitely really like the new sxe stuff from borg warner. Check out agp turbo they have the sxe chargers in a t3 housing that will bolt right up to the stock manifold and use an hx40 downpipe. Transmission is all dependent on where you are located. There are so many companies out there that build trannys to take power now so its all really location as to where you want to go.

 

Also injectors are going to be a must to get to 500hp. I ran 5x.018s and 5x.013s in my 97 with twins and i would recommend the 13s if you want something thats fairly clean until you want the smoke. The 18s were a little much for daily driving with a set of bigish compounds

 

Alright will plan on injectors for sure then. What do I need to look for finding a truck with an old engine? What engine will need to be replaced or what will warrant a major overhaul? Or should I just plan on a Reman?

I live in Arkansas. Would prefer to do the tranny myself to save money if it is feasible to do and still get a quality build???