Turbo setup ideas/

Joshtheidiguy73

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I recently bought a clean cclb 7.3 idi n/a from the original owner runs flawlessly looking for turbo options that arent a kit. Anyone mathamatically figure numbers or flowcharts for turbos that work for these idis.thinking on hx35/s200 series/garret GTX ,trying to find my best match for my healthy stock sized pump and Injectors .studs will be done prior to boost trans is built using 4r100 parts strictly in need of some advice or tips or experience where someone's done this before and what the results were.numbers/efficiency/hp outcome/wisely choosing a certain size turbo that will flow nicely and match the powerband of these motors. Thanks
 

Joshtheidiguy73

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Definitely have considered it but seems to be alittle different than a few years back when I owned idis stuff was cheap I've had powerstrokes and recently got back into the indirect injection and cant believe how much a used turbo kit is that needs a full rebuild and/or missing or broken pieces (going rate is like 12-1300 in my area) .if I can find one in ok shape complete and not overpriced I'd do it but I feel as if I can build a more efficient better kit (pull motor and build it powerstroke style with equal length upipes and studs while its out) not looking for a race truck by any means.just think itd be a cool project to make some similar hp numbers to a early powerstroke truck.
 

IDIBRONCO

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Definitely have considered it but seems to be alittle different than a few years back when I owned idis stuff was cheap I've had powerstrokes and recently got back into the indirect injection and cant believe how much a used turbo kit is that needs a full rebuild and/or missing or broken pieces (going rate is like 12-1300 in my area)
This is perfectly understandable. I feel the same way, but you have to remember that most these kits (factory offerings) aren't being made any more. There has been an awful lot of them that have been crushed while still on the trucks. Then there's an increase in demand compared to even just 10 years ago with the increase of new truck prices. Of course you also have to factor inflation into the equation too. After all of this, the higher used turbo kit prices are easier to understand.

just think itd be a cool project to make some similar hp numbers to a early powerstroke truck.
That wouldn't be very hard at all to do if you're talking about a stock OBS PSD engine. They didn't make much more power than our IDIs did from the factory.
 

Joshtheidiguy73

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Definitely understandable makes sense.and just trying to be realistic with it .alittle turbo whistle and some more power would be great everything's very healthy on the truck zero blowby built trans so I mind as well tinker alittle bit on it so my 0-60 isnt 5 minutes anymore lol.thanks for the info and not just saying go buy a powerstroke if you want power.i like to be alittle unique and tinker with these old idis
 

ISPKI

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Map done up by some friends of mine for my 94 7.3. I believe he said this turbo could be purchased for around 700. You would need to fab up or source the rest though. I ended up finding a complete banks sidewinder setup off a super duty so I didnt pull the trigger on one of these but this turbo setup, done properly, should put an idi quite a bit over a 1st gen PSD.

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aggiediesel01

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If you're still looking and planning, I've got this setup that I'll never use. I don't know who made it and what's in the pics are all I've got. Someone thought it would be a good fit on the 7.3 but who really knows. The turbo is like new and is a T04B but other than the A/R numbers for the compressor and exhaust I don't know anything about how much air it moves and when. The mount for it looks like an early banks or hypermax design with the uppipe coming up on the driver side but that can be changed to suit someone's desires if they don't like it. Take a look at the pics and see if it's got some pieces or ideas you can use. There's a few more detail shots in the album if you click on one of the pics you can surf around to see the rest.

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71 Highboy

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Definitely understandable makes sense.and just trying to be realistic with it .alittle turbo whistle and some more power would be great everything's very healthy on the truck zero blowby built trans so I mind as well tinker alittle bit on it so my 0-60 isnt 5 minutes anymore lol.thanks for the info and not just saying go buy a powerstroke if you want power.i like to be alittle unique and tinker with these old idis

I have swapped a few turbos into mine over the last 25 years. You can build it easily if you can weld cast iron. Use whatever flange fits the turbo you choose. Crossover from passenger side at the back bottom feeds the old outlet of the drivers side. These WERE originally designed for these engines using a fixed Rajay Rotomaster with a 52mm compressor. I switched my hot side on that turbo to one size smaller than stock, and was fairly happy. 10psi boost.
Then I got a fixed Holset and fabbed up an adapter plate, went with one size smaller hot side (14), and had the compressor housing machined for a bigger (56mm) compressor billet wheel. I have been running this combo for about 13 years and am extremely satisfied. More air into these pumps produces more power.
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Joshtheidiguy73

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Very interesting thanks for the input .exactly the kind of thing I was looking for someone who has lots of experience and knowledge on them with feedback . Any estimate or guesstimate on a hp number? Also pump tuning/mods for your turbo setup?
 

71 Highboy

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Very interesting thanks for the input .exactly the kind of thing I was looking for someone who has lots of experience and knowledge on them with feedback . Any estimate or guesstimate on a hp number? Also pump tuning/mods for your turbo setup?

No HP estimate, although I differ to your stated goal of more than stock. Way more. I can only compare to other trucks I have that have pulled the same trailers and loads up all the same hills, and the notes I made with subtle changes done in the name of improvement. I.E. boost,gear, and RPM. 2002 F350 w/ 7.3 PS, and 2015 F350 6.7 Scorpion. Both of the latter will of course out perform the IDI, but comparing them is apples and oranges.
Now, if you consider the IDI stock torque peak is around 1800 RPM, if you can get one to hang fully loaded as I do in direct drive, which is 3rd in a C6, at 2200-2400 on a 5% grade at 8 lbs boost without needing to downshift or exceeding 850*, your stated objective will be met. Just remember it's not so much boost as volume into the cylinder during the fill event. Then turn the fuel up as temps allow. The same RPM and load on level ground is 550-600* at 3 PSI at 70 MPH scale weight 13,700 lbs. Injectors set to 2100 pop. Stock pump overhauled and nearly maxed out. No black smoke. Total seal second rings.
 
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Joshtheidiguy73

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Most definitely understandable I'm not trying to be unrealistic I understand 1)its an old truck and 2) the limits of an idi I've done the research and all that good stuff so I definitely know it's not gonna be a drag truck by no means just something "quick" not looking to be a coal roller and have skyrocketing egts just something to tow better alittle whistle and some more power .I appreciate all your info and feedback greatly .very interesting stuff!
 

71 Highboy

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Most definitely understandable I'm not trying to be unrealistic I understand 1)its an old truck and 2) the limits of an idi I've done the research and all that good stuff so I definitely know it's not gonna be a drag truck by no means just something "quick" not looking to be a coal roller and have skyrocketing egts just something to tow better alittle whistle and some more power .I appreciate all your info and feedback greatly .very interesting stuff!

Understand that. I'm just agreeing you can assemble/make a kit yourself to meet that goal. Good luck. Happy to share info from past experiences. Did my conversion in early 90's before there were 7.3's from the factory.
 

chillman88

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the limits of an idi I've done the research and all that good stuff so I definitely know it's not gonna be a drag truck by no means just something "quick" not looking to be a coal roller and have skyrocketing egts just something to tow better alittle whistle and some more power

I'm so glad SOMEONE actually did some research. More often than not it's "what's the best chip for smoke" LOL
 
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