New to the forum,

I just picked up today a 1993 w250
It need a bit of work but first thing on my mind is that the coolant is low and the exhaust smokes white. I'm assuming head gasket. No big deal, I was planning on doing head studs anyways but.. while I'm there what should I upgrade? I will not be pulling with the truck (more like a Sunday driver) but it has no get up and go. I know Cummins are on the slower side but this truck is almost stock except for a 4" exhaust.

So I would like to do
-Head studs
-A healthier sounding turbo (don't need performance but better fuel mileage or sound is good
-Intake plenum (ram-air?)
-Should I do a header on it?
And what else should be done while I'm there?

I would like also suggestions on parts and brands.
Again not going for extreme amounts of power, and will not be removing the engine.

 

well you could go up to a hx35 turbo which is a noticeable gain in power along with turning up the injection pump, get a denny stage 1 fuel pin, no need for the intake plenum your not gonna make enough power to make it cost effective. do 60# valve spring when you do the head studs, an exhaust manifold is a good upgrade also, diesel auto power makes them fairly cheap compared to other brands. if you go bigger than a 60mm turbo you should go up a size in injectors

 

Hungry Diesel fuel pin, get your injectors tested while you have the head off. If they are good no real need to upgrade unless you are after a lot of power.
Better turbo by all means and check the aftercooler for cleanliness and leaks.
But personally I would just get it back together and running correctly then turn the pump up and see how you like it.
The rest are all bolt in as needed.

 

I run the BD pin & gov spring with HX35. Spools nice and fast. I haven't had to do a head gasket yet. When the time comes, I'll probably do the high-grade fastenal bolts instead... much cheaper.