6.9 performance

[tjl]

I've got a buddy at work that has an 85 f250 with a 6.9. He loves his truck but would like a little more power to haul and tow heavy loads. I don't know anything about the IDI engines so I told him I would check with you guys and see if there is anything he can do. Thanks.

 

[Mr_Roboto]

Turbo. Nothing else will make significant changes until you can get more air in.

 

[FordGuy100]

Yup, without a doubt the best performance mod you can do to an IDI is turbocharge it. New units are rather expensive, so I would look for some used units.

If a turbo is out of his price range, then open up the intake, and do an exhaust, and maybe turn up the pump a little bit (only if he has a pryo installed). This will help out some, but definatly not as much as a turbo.

He could also do a propane injection system. Zigg has a writeup on a homemade system that he uses on his IDI, though I dont have the link.

Those are the basic mods, you could do more, like moose pump, more boost, intercooler, lower compression, stage 1 injectors, ect....but that gets spendy fast.

 

[Optikalillushun]

i threw in a set of G-code (turbo) injectors and finished my own intake coupled with the exhaust the PO has installed and im satisfied with the power. im gunna turn the pump up a flat or two and see how that works out.

 

[tjl]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll let him know when I get back to work.

 

[kcw12]

Building an IDI.

Turbo BB injectors with pop pressure upped, fuel screw turned up, timing played with.

 

[Agnem]

And while it is not really engine related, a Gearvendors OD will really make a truck that vintage more usable, especially if it is a manual. The T-19 has a huge gap between 3rd and 4th, and a GV in 3rd over will get you up the same hill 5 to 10 MPH faster.

 

[FordGuy100]

And while it is not really engine related, a Gearvendors OD will really make a truck that vintage more usable, especially if it is a manual. The T-19 has a huge gap between 3rd and 4th, and a GV in 3rd over will get you up the same hill 5 to 10 MPH faster.

Thats the truth right there

 

[Ford428CJ]

And while it is not really engine related, a Gearvendors OD will really make a truck that vintage more usable, especially if it is a manual. The T-19 has a huge gap between 3rd and 4th, and a GV in 3rd over will get you up the same hill 5 to 10 MPH faster.

Even if you have a C-6 like me ....I want one!

 

[Dieselguy123]

And while it is not really engine related, a Gearvendors OD will really make a truck that vintage more usable, especially if it is a manual. The T-19 has a huge gap between 3rd and 4th, and a GV in 3rd over will get you up the same hill 5 to 10 MPH faster.

I just finished the install of my US Gear unit on my T-18 and What a Differance. Was worth every penny

 

[FordGuy100]

I just finished the install of my US Gear unit on my T-18 and What a Differance. Was worth every penny

T-18, do you mean T-19? Just wondering...

 

[kcw12]

there about the same tranny, t19 has a syncronized first.

 

[FordGuy100]

there about the same tranny, t19 has a syncronized first.

I know, its just I havent ever heard of a factory IDI with a T18, all have been T19's or ZF's

 

[Diesel JD]

Its not factory, it lives where a C6 was.....

 

[Cheaper Jeeper]

And while it is not really engine related, a Gearvendors OD will really make a truck that vintage more usable, especially if it is a manual. The T-19 has a huge gap between 3rd and 4th, and a GV in 3rd over will get you up the same hill 5 to 10 MPH faster.

Thats the truth right there

OR if it has 3.55 axle gears, and he just wants more low-end, a gear splitter underdrive will work too - instead of 3rd OD, you'd shift into 4th UD to split that big 3rd-4th gear gap. I happen to know where you can get one cheap if you're interested Just send me a PM for details.

It is true that adding the turbo is the BIGGEST improvement you can make. HOWEVER, it isn't the only improvement. A better Y-pipe, better intake (ram-air / cold air intake) and turning up the pump can be good for 10-15 extra ponies. More than enough to make a noticeable difference. At least it did in my non-turbo with the C6 and 3.55 axle gears