David Hathcock
Registered User
As I go through the electrical system, brakes, and suspension of my 1988 F350 dually. I have enjoyed driving this NA 7.3 it is responsive enough and is not a hazard on the roadways, I can’t help but think there is more potential for this truck be a reliable daily driver and good towing rig. I am not thinking anything too extreme. I am new to diesels and especially the Ford/IH IDI engines. My goal is 300ish HP and somewhere around 600 ft lbs of torque, but I would be happy if I hit 270hp and 500 ft lbs. With peak torque hopefully being somewhere around 1600 RPM. As that is a far cry better than stock. At what point is this too much for the NA rods and head gaskets. I am considering building a second motor to reach this goal. My current mill has 120000 miles on it. I just do not want to take the current engine out of service while I do this. The engine mods I am thinking about are as follows:
ARP head studs
7.3 PSD rods (if needed)
R&D IDI Performance RD2-110 or RD4-150
R&D IDI Performance Stage one injectors
R&D IDI Performance Stage one cam
R&D Intake Manifold (for ease of plumbing)
I have no clue on which turbo to use (will most likely be from R&D)
For hot side plumbing I will use the stage one kit from R&D IDI Performance
I have not decided on an intercooler, I will probably look at a PSD
I will add a main cap girdle
I am undecided on gaskets and is o-ringing the block/heads an option with the IDI?
I was considering stock compression with somewhere around 20psi of boost…..but could shaving the pistons and adding more boost be a smarter way to go?
At this point standard performance building practices would be used….(balancing the rotating assembly and weight matching components.
I could use input on valve train and sealing as well as reasonable limits of the power plant. I will keep the C-6 behind it and focus on building a strong reliable C-6 and possibly adding a GV unit while retaining the 4.10:1 rear. Unless it is more cost effective to achieve the same end results and reliability using an E4OD. This is where I could sure use some input and suggestions. This build will kick off as soon as I locate a suitable core and find s decent machine shop in my area.
Thanks
Dave
ARP head studs
7.3 PSD rods (if needed)
R&D IDI Performance RD2-110 or RD4-150
R&D IDI Performance Stage one injectors
R&D IDI Performance Stage one cam
R&D Intake Manifold (for ease of plumbing)
I have no clue on which turbo to use (will most likely be from R&D)
For hot side plumbing I will use the stage one kit from R&D IDI Performance
I have not decided on an intercooler, I will probably look at a PSD
I will add a main cap girdle
I am undecided on gaskets and is o-ringing the block/heads an option with the IDI?
I was considering stock compression with somewhere around 20psi of boost…..but could shaving the pistons and adding more boost be a smarter way to go?
At this point standard performance building practices would be used….(balancing the rotating assembly and weight matching components.
I could use input on valve train and sealing as well as reasonable limits of the power plant. I will keep the C-6 behind it and focus on building a strong reliable C-6 and possibly adding a GV unit while retaining the 4.10:1 rear. Unless it is more cost effective to achieve the same end results and reliability using an E4OD. This is where I could sure use some input and suggestions. This build will kick off as soon as I locate a suitable core and find s decent machine shop in my area.
Thanks
Dave