Building 94 7.3 IDI

[BP73idi]

What’s up everybody. I just recently bought a 94’ 7.3 IDIT. Currently has 228k on it only ran into one issue. This is my first diesel I’ve owned so far.

I’m looking to really begin building the internals and searching for some advice. The plan isn’t to pull heavy equipment or max out HP but, I do want the motor to run strong.

The thoughts I have right now are listed.
- Upgrade IP to 90 or 100cc
- ARP Head Studs
- Banks Sidewinder Turbo
- Banks Sidewinder Intake from CDD
- Exhaust system from CDD
- Stage 1 Injectors (CDD or R&D)

After reading for the last month of 2 I’ve found that I could easily add 50-100 HP without needing to upgrade internals on the transmission. Also learned that I can only run about 10 lbs of boost?

The issue I’m running into right now is inconsistent puffing of white smoke from exhaust which led me to swapping out injectors which I’ve ordered from CDD. I assume this leads to a slight misfire which would cause the white smoke.

The other issue I believe it could be if the problem persists is a turbo leak. I did notice some oil residue leaking from the turbo. I’m not too familiar yet with where to begin searching but I’ve read forum on forum for the last bit of time.

Honestly, any and all advice right now would be appreciated. Definitely not a diesel mechanic but also not a complete **** when it comes to working on vehicles.

Last thing I will say is, taking the turbo off might be the worst experience I’ve ever endured. Ain’t no way you can get a wrong on that damn nut and turn it in the back. Never in my life have I wanted to break something so bad. Anyways, I appreciate yall and all the threads you be posting.

 

[Clb]

Why banks?
You have an ats...
No gain there.
You should research much more before you start buying stuff from wes willy nilly.
What transmission?

We don't have a lot of choices in vendors any more.

However you don't list an ip.
So I'm going to say you should stop short now and find out why I don't recommend you follow the path listed.

I.p. and injectors are a matched setup, turbos are capable of delivering way over 10 psi.

I'm not trying to be harsh but you can throw alotts bucks at vendors for little gain.
Search the tech 101 files and see what you can get.

You should be on ip #3 and guys love to just keep driving a worn out ip then sell it off.
Good luck and welcome

 

[BP73idi]

Why banks?
You have an ats...
No gain there.
You should research much more before you start buying stuff from wes willy nilly.
What transmission?

We don't have a lot of choices in vendors any more.

However you don't list an ip.
So I'm going to say you should stop short now and find out why I don't recommend you follow the path listed.

I.p. and injectors are a matched setup, turbos are capable of delivering way over 10 psi.

I'm not trying to be harsh but you can throw alotts bucks at vendors for little gain.
Search the tech 101 files and see what you can get.

You should be on ip #3 and guys love to just keep driving a worn out ip then sell it off.
Good luck and welcome

I appreciate that my man!! I’m going to keep doing more research to see what I can find.

I got the ZF5 trans right now which I don’t plan on swapping. If anything when it gets to that point I’ll probably try to rebuild it.

When swapping the IP I would order it from CDD or R&D and match the injectors with it.

As far as the turbo, after reading I’ve seen most people say that it’s best not to go above 10 psi with the current build.

Thank you for the warm welcome and I’m looking forward to learning more about these trucks. Pretty fun stuff so far.

 

[Clb]

Before you start spending $$$....
Get it out and load it up heavy, take it out in the hills and get it hot and sweaty for an hour straight.
This will do 2 things...
1 Remind it what it's supposed to do, by blowing out the cobwebs fron chugging around town.
and
2 show you what's really needed to work on.
All the fuel in the world is useless without the air to burn it.
Read that as, psi = charge density and volume...
Now lookup intercooler