94' IDIT...... Recommended turbo upgrade? Banks? R&D? etc?

flyarmyguns

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Hi OilBurners,
I have a 94' F350 dually crewcab I use to pull a heavy boat in California hill country. It runs like it should, but is really under powered with the factory 7.3 IDI turbo and E4OD, and 4:10 gears. From what I understand, with a better turbo and down-pipe it should run as strong as an early Powerstroke.

So the question is; What turbo should I buy?

I've been trying to get hold of R&D research for days with no luck. If they are still in business I would worry that support isn't available. Banks is expensive. However, I would be willing to try either with good recommendations. What ells is available?

Thanks everyone!
 

Mike_42

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the stage 1 drop in turbo from R&D is a great turbo without having to change all your piping. However your factory turbo could handle more fuel as well so its not all turbo related. A bigger IP, injectors and a new turbo will go a looooong way. He is a little behind on IP's at the moment.

How heavy is the boat? Whats holding you back right now?
 

Mike_42

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Justin is also building me a pump now at R&D, he is VERY busy, its a huge 2 man operation with a lot of work. It may be best to send an email and wait for a response or try and get a hold of him on facebook messenger. Justin is an amazing guy and has really done some crazy things with customer service keeping his customers happy, things I myself wouldn't cover.
 

Clb

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Someone needs to read up...
Hit the stickies\tech section.

Tune the stock setup first,
the statement about making stroke power is misleadingly thrown around.

We do have a few astronomical hp members here.
Russ,Justin,Mel,(look em up)
I pull 7k in hill country with a stock 7.3, and so far have not held up traffic,(aint passed nuthin either)
 

Mike_42

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my truck with an ats 088 would pull a 10k lb boat, with a better turbo like yours you shouldlnt be having too much problems. something may be wrong.
 

IDIBRONCO

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First, I would check the timing to make sure that it's set right. Then, I would toss the factory downpipe and exhaust. They are pretty restrictive. lastly adjust your fuel to match the new, better exhaust flow. Then see where you're at. I'll bet you'd be amazed at the amount of power that your current set up will make. The Factory Turbo, ran as stock, Isn't that great ogf a performer. According to the valve cover stickers that I've read, the turbo engine is only rated at 10 horsepower more than the N/A 7.3. 195 vs 185. Opening up what you have now can be amazing.
 

flyarmyguns

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Thanks for all the tips!

The guys at Ultimate Performance Diesel in Oxnard turned up my pump, cranked up the boost, and set timing a few months back, and it did help quite a bit. I have 3 inch straight exhaust too...

My boat, trailer, and gear is about 8000lbs and definitely gives the truck a workout on big hills. I grew up in a semi, and spent many years on the road jamming gears- so, maybe I'm just asking too much...lol.. nahhh...

It sounds like R&D is the way to go. Does anyone hear have experience with the stage 1 drop in?
 

Mike_42

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Thanks for all the tips!

The guys at Ultimate Performance Diesel in Oxnard turned up my pump, cranked up the boost, and set timing a few months back, and it did help quite a bit. I have 3 inch straight exhaust too...

My boat, trailer, and gear is about 8000lbs and definitely gives the truck a workout on big hills. I grew up in a semi, and spent many years on the road jamming gears- so, maybe I'm just asking too much...lol.. nahhh...

It sounds like R&D is the way to go. Does anyone hear have experience with the stage 1 drop in?
There are a few people on the facebook group with em. I wouldnt get it without getting a 90cc pump, personally. Then again when you replace IP its a good idea to do injectors as well.
 

Macrobb

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I'm sure that the stage1 will do just fine. Never heard anything negative about R&D turbos, aside from cost - it's why so few of us are running them.

I'd definately install headstuds if you are going to be pushing that much power through it - a stock 7.3 seems to hold up well enough to 10-15 PSI and a stock pump, not so much when you get a turbo that ought to do twice that...

I'd also look at a Rd2-110 at least, and a set of Stage1 injectors to round out the setup.
 

mblaney

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Sorry for borrowing your post but on the topic of R&D, I sent him an email yesterday to ask about an IP for my truck. I doubt I will hear back and I don't do Fakebook so I thought I would ask here: how backed up is he on pumps? What pump should I order for my truck? (Signature for details). Looks like flyarmyguns has the same setup as me; there have been recommendations (above) for a 90cc and for the 110.
 

Clb

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You guys research egt's and ficm before scortchin an eng.
 

IDIBRONCO

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The guys at Ultimate Performance Diesel in Oxnard turned up my pump, cranked up the boost, and set timing a few months back, and it did help quite a bit. I have 3 inch straight exhaust too...
You didn't mention the downpipe. If it's still the factory one, replace it.
 

saburai

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You didn't mention the downpipe. If it's still the factory one, replace it.

Definitely a big restriction, it's gotta go...

I'd like to humbly suggest that you spend a lot more time reading and researching before you (or anyone else) turns wrench one.

In regards to suppliers of pumps and injectors, Mel at Conestoga is a sure thing with fantastic products.
Imho, Justin might be awesome as well, but even his fans will make excuses for his communication skills. Regardless of talent or skill, costomer communication is paramount...
Again, just my opinion...
 
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