Wanting to purchase. needing info

[Fordman1988]

For years I have wanted a diesel, but I just refuse to spend the $$$$$$on a newer truck, the new diesels are scary expensive and can have problems that cost thousands to replace. One thing I hate with passion is emmisions, and that **** smelling DEF, I hate DPFs, I drive proffesionally, I don't know how the issues go for the smaller engines but the filters are a massive PITA (I run a C15 CAT) I want a nice turbo diesel but I don't want to spend every dime I have to get and maintain one. All mechanical appeals to me. My mind thinks tractor reliability. Cheaper and easier to maintain.

So I have been looking at the old IDIs. Now that said I don't expect to make 800 ft lbs of torque and 400hp and run with new trucks. However I'd like better performance than the N/A idi gives. I am looking to build a work truck, single cab 2wd. Reliable decent power no speed demon but able to pass and run a 75 mph speed. I've been looking and I've seen them for a good price locally, $2500 or so. Now my questions. What do you look for on one?

Second, with an aftermarket turbo, fuel injector pump, exhaust, what numbers can I expect? I see both hypermax (intercooler avaliable non wastegated) and banks sidewinder (wastegated, no intercooler) still avaliable, and plenty of aftermarket fuel components. But no real numbers. Just estimates and "up to %"

Mileage?
Power numbers with turbo?
What to look for?
Acceptable boost levels?
What fuel injector pump?
Any pointers for me?

Thanks.

 

[79jasper]

Main thing to look at is rather it has had (or still has) the sca additive in it.
For the money you'll spend on past due maintenance and that parts list you have, you would (IMO) be better off starting with a different platform. Especially if you will be toting a trailer around a lot for work.
Don't get me wrong, the idi can do it. 400 or so whp has been hit. But it probably took around $5k to do it.

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[Fordman1988]

Main thing to look at is rather it has had (or still has) the sca additive in it.
For the money you'll spend on past due maintenance and that parts list you have, you would (IMO) be better off starting with a different platform. Especially if you will be toting a trailer around a lot for work.
Don't get me wrong, the idi can do it. 400 or so whp has been hit. But it probably took around $5k to do it.

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Eh, what other platform would I start with? The PSD? I love the older trucks. Particularly the 80-86 body. And I like the all mechanical aspect. I'd drive my FE powered 1969 F100 If it didn't get 11 mpg. After second thought a bolt on turbo and turning up the injector pump will be fine. Prob still cost more than the truck but o well. You can't have everything you want (body style or powerplant pick on lol) I'll occasionally pull a 16ft trailer. Maybe a car hauler some. By work truck I mean to drive back and forth to work, carry a tool box, etc. Something to get into dirty and not worry about. And a sicker for old stuff.

 

[IDIoit]

IMO, as a hobby builder, of all types of domestic vehicles and vessels, if youre looking to build something i would be looking for a solid body and frame first and foremost.

2500 can buy you a ok 4wd with issues. but a 2wd single cab can be had for alot cheaper.

i myself like to get trucks without engines or with a blown head gasket for a couple hundred bucks max.

tear it apart and fix it yourself that way youre not relying on someone elses word.

now everyone has their own idea of "build" so take this post at face value.

i have a 87 F350 CC LB with a 7.3 IDI with an ATS 093 a ZF5 and 3.55 gears, 75 is not an issue with my truck
and getting on the freeway i dont have one bit of an issue. i can peg the speedo if i wanted.

banks and hypermax are still available, but we have a member (typ4)that rebuilds all types of turbos. so even a stock unit isnt an issue bringing back up to standard.
weigh your options and find the right, rust free truck..

ive been building my truck for the past year or so while dealing with issues and life.
but its been a great truck and is pretty awesome!

good luck!

BTW welcome to the absolute best IDI community on the web.

 

[IDIoit]

im a not nice to my trucks. my right foot tends to lead me into all types of issues, and with a manual my left foot keeps slipping off the pedal as well...

i get about 16 mpg in my 87 with my foot into it.
my 71 FE powered F250 gets about 6-8

go with what you like, but the OBS style 92-97 has alot more aftermarket parts than the previous years.

why not get another bump side and transplant an IDI in it???

 

[no mufflers]

I'm pretty happy with the power I've got with my upgrades. the truck weighs 8500 dry and it still tools along pretty good. look at my signature for the details.

 

[Fordman1988]

I may end up building a 4x4 later if I end up getting attached to the idi. I have found a company that makes parts for build making ungodly power for an idi. But first I. Looking for a 2wd that's in good enough shape to drive daily. Probably just bolt on a turbo. Saw one today that was clean good paint good tires good interior for $2500. I've seen the. Cheaper but at $1000 or so they look like they have been in a demolition derby. I am fine with driving a cheap truck but I prefer it not look like a dumpster. For a daily I'd like a 4 speed auto or 5 speed. The c6 with no OD I'm afraid wouldn't get the mileage I'm after. But I could always swap an E40D using a stand along controller.

 

[typ4]

If you tow and want torque as well as good mileage out of a dd, My truck gets 18 if I lightfoot it, I have done turbo mods, camshaft and it is just a stock turbo cal pump turned up.
HP and torque is in sig, and I havent even fine tuned it.
I have available a torque cam, turbo mods and good injectors.
hope this helps.

And being a career heavy equipment mechanic, my preference is also mechanical all the way.

 

[Waystro]

Where in Texas are you?
And what year truck or you looking to buy?

 

[Black dawg]

With turbo, turned up stock pump and injectors, the factory flywheel hp/tq are easily achieved at the rear wheels. And that will tow a trailer just fine. My truck with a conservative pump setting feels like 200/450ish to me.

Anybody know what a STOCK obs powerstroke does at the rear wheels??

 

[IDIoit]

KEEP YOUR EGT'S BELOW 1100 OR YOULL END UP LIKE ME!!!

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[79jasper]

Seeing that, I want to ask, is it common to "stake" the precup in like that?

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[Fordman1988]

Where in Texas are you?
And what year truck or you looking to buy?

East texas. It will be spring at least. But hoping to get one and get it fixed up before the oilfield picks back up again. And I'm not ute what year. I prefer the 80-86 body, but I'd rather have the E40D or 5 speed trans. I suppose I could always swap.

 

[Waystro]

Cool. I'm in Spurger.
I might be putting my 86 in sig up for sale. Soon. Needs a engine.

 

[Fordman1988]

I know where that is. I'm a sicker for the 80-86 body. I could aways swap in a newer trans and use a standalone controller. I had a 300 I6 4r70w and a 3.08 gear 8.8 in rear end to build a work truck with, but then I got to looking into the IDIs. I'm just a suckered for old trucks. Dove my 69 daily for a while but getting 11 mpg really kicked my butt. And that's no ac power nothing. I know the 1980-96 body trucks pretty well. Been around them a motor owned several friends on Wed several. It's a comfort zone for me to work in. I have a 1994 5.0 that I've modded. But it comes back around to electronics and computers and it's all a PITA. And price to mod jumps through the roof when something is controlled by a PCM. I just love old mechanical things. I'm an old farts trapped in a young man's body.