So just how much does a turbo help? Pics too!

[79jasper]

Duramaxs are the same way.
Had one kicking in halfway up steep hills, which would slow me down more.
Sometimes the fan on my 94 psd will kick in when I get off the highway and come to a stop. But actually it hasn't done that since I flushed the coolant, filled with new, and sprayed out the radiator.

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[dizdak]

i reading through this post, folks saying that the turbo gives about 50% more pwr, just curious what the n/a power output is? my factory turbo idi is rated at 190hp from what i have read .. so the n/a barely puts out 100hp ?

 

[PwrSmoke]

The "50%" increase is for aftermarket turbo systems, which use more aggressive fuel settings and a bit more boost (6-7 on the factory IDI turbo stock vs 10+ on the aftermarket). Ford deliberately detuned the IDI turbo for various reasons: a warranty safety factor being the main one. Also, the Power Stroke was in development... in fact nearing the end of the development process... at that time. With minor tuning, the IDI turbo could equal the initial output of the new, whizbang Power Stroke (and have sufficient durability IMO). Oh, no... can't have that! Can't upstage the new PSD! So the IDI was deliberately turned back a bit from it's true potential.

Of course, the PSD as a design has much more power potential than the IDI but the first generation PSD engines were conservatively tuned because they were new. They gradually moved up the output foodchain, eventually beyond the reliable output (meaning the power level at which a manufacturer is willing to stick it's neck out) of an IDI. In general, the power potential of an IDI combustion chamber is lower than a DI (DI breathes better and has a more controllable combustion process) but emissions is the main reason why IDI diesels of all types and brands left the scene. Similar story for two-stroke diesels. It would be interesting to see how electronics could improve a 6.9 or 7.3L IDI. Imagine a common rail, electronic IDI! Infinitely tunable and adaptable!

 

[dizdak]

thanks for that answer, which makes me ponder another question, mine for example, being a factory turbo,and most likely never been touched, is not at its full potential? i like mods so if there is stuff that can be done to it to push more power, whistle louder then i am all for it.. hell i would even try for a swap for a bigger turbo...

 

[sjwelds]

Well first off get you a set of gauges if you haven't already. Boost and pyro are two things you must watch if you're going to start playing around. Most guys will say boost should be no more than 15 psi on stock head bolts, with EGT's 1200 max.

On the turbo kit I installed, I adjusted the wastegate to about 12psi, and turned up the fuel 2, maybe 3 flats. So far I've seen about 1100 tops on the pyro. Haven't got a very heavy load on it yet tho.

Also "they say" the downpipe on the factory turbo set-up is a big restriction.

 

[dizdak]

i got rid of the factory DP, for a 3" one.. have a pyro just not installed yet, still gotta order a boost gauge...

 

[sjwelds]

Also on mine I ditched the stock airbox system and built my own. It's a Hypermax cowl induction piece to a free-flowing cone filter and then into the turbo. PM user Sycostang67 for some pics and other info. It whistles great and I would think it would add power there as well.

JM2CW

 

[ve290]

For all you with factory turbos, how much boost do you see? I can't get above 5psi unloaded, and pulling 5k lbs up a steep grade I was only able to make 8psi, and that was while hitting the governor. I have the wastegate rod shortened, but it doesnt even matter as I can't make enough boost to open it. My fuel is turned up 3 flats (from n/a setting), and I have a 3" DP with 4" straight pipe. Seems to me like I should be making more boost??

I have the opportunity to buy a banks non-wastegated kit, is that a worthwhile upgrade over the factory system?

 

[sjwelds]

Hmmm you might check for boost leaks? when I first installed the turbo on my truck i was only seeing 7psi or so even with the wg completely disconnected. turned out the gasket between the intake and hat had become displaced. Fixed that and I can easily hit 10 psi unloaded. I have the fuel turned up about like yours. A 3" full-round dp as well.

I suppose exhaust leaks could be a factor as well.

 

[dizdak]

i plan to build a better air box soon for mine as well

 

[ve290]

When I first installed the kit i used a paper material gasket around the intake from a SBC, I thought I might be loosing pressure there so I cut out a rubber gasket for it. Pretty sure I'm not loosing any boost there. I'm also fairly certain I don't have any exhaust leaks on the way to the turbo, I've been looking for soot on the pipes. I suppose high elevation could make a difference? I've never taken the truck below about 5000ft. I still need to get it timed, I get the feeling I could make a lot of gains there.

 

[sjwelds]

True, timing could be the answer.

 

[dizdak]

my IP still has yet to be timed also since i installed it

 

[franklin2]

Don't the factory idi turbos have a smaller outlet elbow on the turbo? I believe I read Ford used a ATS turbo system on their factory trucks, and the aftermarket ATS turbos have a larger outlet elbow to hook the downpipe to.

 

[ve290]

I've played with timing quite a bit. I have it advanced about a dimes width from the static timing mark, seems to make the most boost here, but I would like to have it timed more precisely. Still, seems weird to me to only have half the boost others have. I was hoping to have more boost, and have it at more usable RPMs.