6.9 idi turbo help

[85idikid]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum. First time poster. Anyways I just bought an 85 f250 that had a 6.9 swapped in it at some point in it's life by a previous owner. I'd like a turbo for increased performance when daily driving and towing. Both of which I do a lot of. Now being 16, the funds for a $3000 complete banks or hypermax kit aren't there and I'm wondering about possibly using a turbo from a 12 valve cummins or a 7.3 powerstroke in order to get the turbo. Now because it was swapped in (the diesel) I'm not sure if I have as much clearance as a factory 6.9 would. I'm wondering how I'd get oil to the turbo if anyone has and idea for that and also like how large of a pipe I should use to go up to the turbo from the manifold? They may be nube questions but I'm a little new at the custom part. The basic principles I know which Is exhaust powers the turbo and all that. Just some ideas from other people that I was wondering about. Thanks so much everyone

 

[IDIoit]

without knowing how to weld, your options are stuck to IDI units.
something you can bolt on.
the correct way is to pull the heads, have them done, new headgaskets, and new injection system before turbo.

but we all do things our own ways.

keep your eye on craigslist, theres an 800 dollar turbo kit that bolts right up with everything for 800 bucks.
you can find them cheaper if you wait it out.

 

[Waystro]

To add to what IDIoit said. Head studs are a must if your going to Turbo.

 

[85idikid]

Probably should have included that but yup I can weld. I have a miller stick and miller mig. My bad for not including that

 

[cpdenton]

A custom setup is always cool to see working, but not very practical to achieve for one you are trying to save money on. You will easily spend a lot of money on little things like the oil feed lines and intake parts. You also would need turbo pedestals and exhaust piping which can all add up quick.

In all honesty, watch here and on Craigslist for turbo kits or whole engines with a turbo kit. Bought my banks sidewinder kit on a complete engine with the whole banks exhaust and everything for less than 600 bucks. Doing it that way was a good way to ensure I had all the parts I needed to install it. Using a kit that has been engineered for an IDI also ensure the turbo is sized right. Too small and your exhaust temps will be too high, and too big won't spool well.

 

[85idikid]

I'm just looking for a cost effective turbo because I know that's the best way to add horsepower and torque for towing and just driving a little faster. At 16 $3000 is a lot for a whole new setup when you have the tools and friends with some know how on everything. I know I have them but I was just seeing what everyone on here wants to say. Please keep them coming. And if anyone has a full custom design from themselves let me see some pictures if I can. Thanks everyone so far too

 

[IDIoit]

im gearing up for a custom build myself.

ive spent
160 on a turbo of my choice.
250 on header flanges.
60 on v-band style clamps for up pipes.
200 on tubing
100 for consumables.(not including Argon)
80 on 3/8" Stainless steel plate.
50 on AN fittings
this is all for the mock up install, and i expect to spend another 2-300 on other things needed like intake, oil lines, etc etc.
its going to take me a solid 25+ hours to do.
but everything will be stainless steel and TIG welded.
this is without any work done to the engine....

ive already spent 310 on the cam,
going to spend $ on the injectors, big $$ on the IP,
machine work.... is what you can get it at..... i do trade work for machine work.
gaskets, an easy 150.
granted im going to make this thing killer, but you need to think....

you dont know much... ( no offense)
you dont have much cash.
and youre thinking way too big...

baby steps young grass hopper...

start from the bottom and gain knowledge for the future.

thinking big is encouraged here. but you need to think within your means....

 

[icanfixall]

Welcome to the forum. Not knowing much is not a problem. First you need to know what you want. then knowing the questions to ask helps everyone see where you are going. As posted it best that you stick with what is a bolt on turbo. That way your up and running and no fab work. As for finding an oil source most turbo applications take from the driver side block flange. Behind the hanging oil filter is the very bottom of said flange. See the tiny 1/8 inch national pipe thread plug. Thats clean oil from the main oil galley. Banks runs a stainless line from there up to the turbo. The factory turbos use the oil pressure port behind the turbo. Its very hard to see or reach too. Now you have not said if you want a wastegated or non wastegated turbo. Both work well but the gated turbo brings in the boost much earlier. Knowing what miles are on the injection pump and injectors is another big question to answer. Then finally the timing. If thats unknown then it must be timed. Running an engine thats timed around 5 advance or less makes for a real slug with not hp or mileage.

 

[FastestIdIinthe707]

i agree with IDIoit keep your eyes on craigslist or ebay for a full kit for an idi for cheap. personally i would recommend the 093 kit although ive only had 2 kits in my time of owning an idi but any kits better then no kit. you could turn up the pump if it is not already. but you wont notice too much more power without a turbo. but if your 16 and love to "roll coal" then turn it up.

 

[85idikid]

Well here's my plan. I'll start piece by piece with building the engine to handle the horse power and then I'll get the turbo. I have the fabrication equipment and the know how for that. Keep them coming too please

 

[TahoeTom]

Was this a conversion from a gas engine to a diesel? The '85 came with a 6.9 diesel so as long as correct factory parts were used in the swap your clearance issues would be the same as stock. The pinch weld seam between the firewall and cab floor will need to be sliced and bent back.
Here is some literature on the factory turbo (thanks F250HDXLT)
http://mid-atlanticema.org/wp-content/uploads/93-94-7.3-IDI-Turbocharged-Diesel-Engine.pdf
Check the tech articles at the top of the page for more reading.

 

[ironworker40]

Here are the ats turbo installation instructions