Looking for Advice on a 7.3 IDI Turbo Build

COOL! I just subscribed and I didn't connect the dots between here and You Tube. Mostly for inspiration to get back to my 87 CC dually project.

IDIBRONCO said:

COOL! I just subscribed and I didn't connect the dots between here and You Tube. Mostly for inspiration to get back to my 87 CC dually project.

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Sounds very similar to mine, but I'm ditching my 6.9 for a 7.3 IDI-T and I have a ZF-5.

I was watching some R&D IDI video on YouTube and he mentioned using cylinder heads that had an acceptable amount of cracking or words to that effect. Where does these heads normally crack and what would be considered an acceptable amount?

Thanks

bulletpruf said:

Sounds very similar to mine, but I'm ditching my 6.9 for a 7.3 IDI-T and I have a ZF-5.

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I'm installing a 7.3 and it already has a ATS093 on it. Then, in the future, I'll be building an engine that will be able to handle a lot more power. I'll be using the Turbo rods in it. I'm ditching the C6 for a ZF5 and I'll keep the transfer case so I can use 2 Lo for backing trailers.

bulletpruf said:

Where does these heads normally crack and what would be considered an acceptable amount?

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Between and around the valves.

How difficult is it to find forged 7.3 IDI turbo pistons, standard bore?

bulletpruf said:

How difficult is it to find forged 7.3 IDI turbo pistons, standard bore?

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Looks like Summit has Piston and Ring Sets in stock and ready to ship.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mah-2243512hawr

FrozenMerc said:

Looks like Summit has Piston and Ring Sets in stock and ready to ship.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mah-2243512hawr

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Doesn't appear to be the correct one. I'm looking for IDI turbo pistons; these have a piston pin diameter of 1.3086". The NA motors had a diameter of 1.1104". This piston is listed at .927".

bulletpruf said:

How difficult is it to find forged 7.3 IDI turbo pistons, standard bore?

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Not sure on forged but do know a cast number I got.

turbo pistons

bulletpruf said:

Doesn't appear to be the correct one. I'm looking for IDI turbo pistons; these have a piston pin diameter of 1.3086". The NA motors had a diameter of 1.1104". This piston is listed at .927".

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Good luck finding rings and remember those pistons take a keystone second ring. I got the Total seal S1474 set in 20 over for my build that is on hold waiting on a lead for decompression pistons. As for oem part number unsure on and not sure on alternatives since a has keystone.

towcat said:

total seal is it.
from their online catalog....
Make FORD-LINCOLN, Mercury Model 445CI NAVISTAR DIESEL NON-TURBO, SPECIAL GAP 2ND RING .062”-.072”
Part Number S1474 Available Sizes STD 20 30 40
Dimension Details
Bore Inch 4.110 Bore mm 104.394
Groove Sizes 3.0 2.0 3.46 TSD Cylinder 8

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Call Summit. Mahle Part Number 224-3512 is correct for Turbo Pistons. They could very easily have some wrong info on the website, especially since the quoted pin diameter does not match either NA or Turbo.

Individual pistons are not available, but at least this has the right pin diamter.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mah-2243512ha

The website lists these pistons as Not Available at this time.

I have owned two IDIs over the years that suffered offset core cavitation failure. The latest was at 108k miles! You never know if the PO ran the right coolant. Or if the cores were centered at the factory.

So rather than boring, think about sleeving the block back to standard bore then using stock size pistons. Sleeving costs $60/hole at my local machine shop. If you sleeve rather than bore, you'll be certain that you have plenty of metal around the combustion chamber. I'm told that some who want max power for mud trucks etc will sleeve down to 430 cid (6.9) and run a lot of boost. The guys at Classic Diesel Design in Texas sell a 250cc IP, so would probably know how those customers set up their motors for strength. We live only a couple hours from them so I plan to use them for my current TIDI build (https://www.oilburners.net/threads/...ple-motors-plus-new-parts.91670/#post-1108438)

For comparison, 238cc injectors in a 7.3 psd can give up to 600 hp. But IDI to PSD comparisons are tough.

bulletpruf said:

I was watching some R&D IDI video on YouTube and he mentioned using cylinder heads that had an acceptable amount of cracking or words to that effect. Where does these heads normally crack and what would be considered an acceptable amount?

Thanks

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I searched for R&D IDI on goolagtube but only found this Justin Anderson channel. Is that it?

That`s him, his shop is in Gillette,Wyo.



Goat

Thanks for all the input. I just finished the Sky Offroad Design 4x4 conversion for the truck with reverse shackle kit and Super Duty springs. Dana 60 cleaned and painted and bolted in but still have to finish refreshing king pins and assembly. Will rebuild the ZF-5 and 1356 next and then tackle the engine.