Hey guys I have an '03 PSD, recently wrecked :-( The cab is off the frame so head studs and an Airdog fuel system are going in... I am debating between the SCT tune with custom tunes from ID or Tadd or..? My question is for the occasional towing of a gooseneck (maybe for a year before I purchase a new DRW down the road), and daily driver should I:

1.) Upgraded injectors
2.) Upgraded turbo, I love the whistle with my straight pipes
3.) Other options???
4.) Any other parts I should replace while I'm having this beast put back together...

I have a bit left in my budget and just want more power than the average ford truck with a chip but want the reliability I have come to love. Please share your thoughts, Thanks

 

How heavy will you be towing? If you go too large with injectors, you can kiss towing goodbye. Compounds and larger injectors will work, but how much $$ you want to spend? You can't forget transmission upgrades if you're running big power and towing heavy.

That whistle is your 03 turbo and notorious for that turbo. You wont get that crazy whistle on the other turbos (unless they retain the 10 vane design).

I would do the larger drilled out banjo bolts for the front of the heads, since that will now be the biggest restriction. Make sure it's an Airdog 2, since it is regulated as well.

Get the newer turbo oil drain tube while it's apart, it's inexpensive ($35).

Personally I'd just do an SCT from Eric @ Innovative and get a good towing tune, and a good extreme tune. Use the towing for when you haul your 5'er, and then any other time slap the extreme tune in.

MAKE SURE: you get the heads decked and they are 100% flat before you put the studs in, otherwise you will be doing this again.

 

Would you really need to deck the heads if the studs were installed one at a time. You know, pull a bolt, put in a stud. It makes sense that you wouldn't unload the head or the gasket if you did it in that manner. Now if you pulled ALL of the bolts out, then yes, your next stop is the machine shop.

 

Some have done this, but it is not the preferred method. If I was going to go through all the trouble, I would definitely have the heads machined.

 

I will have the heads taken to a machine shop. I've heard nothing but positive in regards to an SCT and ID tunes. I will also make sure I get the Airdog2. I want to keep that whistle. In terms of budget I wouldn't mind dropping some money. I do tow from time to time but not on a weekly basis. I'd be down to put up some chunk of change (i.e turbo/injectors) I just don't want to be back at the diesel shop after I put on 20k miles. Thanks.

 

My own personal opinion on the SCT tuner is River City Diesels custom tunes and while you got everything apart you might want to think about a EGR delete kit if not deleted already also top of the line delete kits sold by River City Diesel and definetly upgrade the steel braided hose to the upgraded Quick Connect on back of HPOP if not done already and mabey replace all High Pressure O-rings and for Futer Injector protection slap that Amsoil Bypass filteration kit on that bad boy extra clean oil and mabey think about Evans waterless coolant just some suggestions.. dont know what alls been done to your P-stroke