7.3 na performance

[res0wc18]

im sure this has been hashed to death but, im asking again.

Since its looking like i wont be able to put a turbo kit on my truck without trimming my firewall what can i do for performance on an na motor?

Also there is a company out there that makes custom headers for the 7.3 na's anyone remember who that is?

Also does anyone know where i can find all the necesary items to make my long block engine run? I know where to get fuel stuff, but need the intake maniold, exhaust, wiring and so on?

 

[Exekiel69]

You can install a body lift to make it fit more comfortably.

 

[argve]

Stan's Header is the place to be...

Poke Here

Now EZ used a scissor jack and just pushed his firewall back to gain the needed room, which in my opinion is a better way to do it than cutting and bending it back (I did the cut and bend deal).

 

[Pipeliner_86]

Propane, and or methanol injection. I doubt the cost/hp ratio with headers are worth messing around with. Ram air and turned-up IP will offer some more ponies.

 

[suv7734]

Here's a thread where a member is really happy with the performance he gets using the headers. I know the stretch of highway he went through and those are some long steep climbs.http://www.oilburners.net/forums/showthread.php?t=20022

 

[icanfixall]

Any 6.9 or 7.3 intake manifold will fit. They both use the same part. The exhaust manifolds are the same from any 6.9 or 7.3 truck only. The vans use a differant drivers side exhaust manifolds as do the bigger dump trucks and buss'es. Ebay has them listed from time to time. Also you could find these parts on a wrecking yard blown motor really cheap. These parts usually don't wear out or break....

 

[RLDSL]

I notice you mention a long block, do you have the engine out? if so, it's a piece of cake to bend that flange back on the firewall.
I cut it with a cutoff wheel about every 6" and stuck a big piece of pipe in there and levered it up, it bent easily ( and my old bones don't have much oomph left in them these days

Even with the engine in, it looks like it wouldnb't be too bad if you went in there with an air nibbler or body saw from underneath, then bend from above.

---------Robert

 

[res0wc18]

some of you have just bent the firewall on the 1976 body style? Would that just work? But when just bending it can you tell from inside the cab or in the engine bay? Will this affect anything strength or fit ment wise in the interior?

 

[Diesel JD]

IDIdieselman decided againsta turbo cause he didn't like the firewall cutting he'd need to do to make it fit in his '79. Other guys have found it acceptable and use a turbo in the old 70s body style with a 6.9/7.3 swap. Try and talk to one of these guys and then make your decision. Doubt it makes any difference unless you're going to be showing it at a truck show or something like that.