MasterChiefIDI
Registered User
Hi,
I am brand new to the forum so please let me know if I am not posting in the right place.
I am looking for direction on things to consider and part/vendor recommendations for recommended upgrades to consider for building my 7.3 IDI NA. I do not know very much about building an IDI. I do know how to service a stock unit as I have had my 6.9 for many years and done all the work myself. I have included pictures of my truck w/ 6.9 and my 7.3 I am wanting to build.
I have a 1986 F350 with the 6.9 idi. The block is horribly rusted thin internal from PO running straight water for YEARS. There is a 7" crack above the starter and the head gasket is blown. I picked up a 91 7.3 NA idi that was being parted out. History is unknown but appears to be solid with no pitting in the timing cover. Have not pulled heads yet but will to start deep inspection.
Main goal: not trying to build the absolute best but modest 7.3 IDI. I want more get up from a stop. The NA 6.9 in it now feels too sluggish to get out of its own way. I tow occasionally so want to be able to tow without issue.
Performance items I am researching:
- 7.3 idi NA a good candidate for building?
- Turbo (what stage?)
- IP (what cc's in an IP should I look for?)
- head studs
- cam (is a new cam needed/worth it?)
- lifters (is one brand better over another?)
- Rockers (are stock ones just fine?)
- push rods (is it necessary to replace these for a build if they're all straight?)
- Anything else I need to consider to meet my goal?
Nice things I already have include:
- set of Russ Repair injectors I purchased a few years back now with 20k mi on them
- New valley pan gasket
- Stock IP works perfectly with no leaks (though I think I need more cc's for a turbo?)
Trying not to break the bank but not wanting to cheap out either. Hoping the pistons and cylinders are STD and serviceable and could dingleball and rering.
Really appreciate any guidance.
Douglas
I am brand new to the forum so please let me know if I am not posting in the right place.
I am looking for direction on things to consider and part/vendor recommendations for recommended upgrades to consider for building my 7.3 IDI NA. I do not know very much about building an IDI. I do know how to service a stock unit as I have had my 6.9 for many years and done all the work myself. I have included pictures of my truck w/ 6.9 and my 7.3 I am wanting to build.
I have a 1986 F350 with the 6.9 idi. The block is horribly rusted thin internal from PO running straight water for YEARS. There is a 7" crack above the starter and the head gasket is blown. I picked up a 91 7.3 NA idi that was being parted out. History is unknown but appears to be solid with no pitting in the timing cover. Have not pulled heads yet but will to start deep inspection.
Main goal: not trying to build the absolute best but modest 7.3 IDI. I want more get up from a stop. The NA 6.9 in it now feels too sluggish to get out of its own way. I tow occasionally so want to be able to tow without issue.
Performance items I am researching:
- 7.3 idi NA a good candidate for building?
- Turbo (what stage?)
- IP (what cc's in an IP should I look for?)
- head studs
- cam (is a new cam needed/worth it?)
- lifters (is one brand better over another?)
- Rockers (are stock ones just fine?)
- push rods (is it necessary to replace these for a build if they're all straight?)
- Anything else I need to consider to meet my goal?
Nice things I already have include:
- set of Russ Repair injectors I purchased a few years back now with 20k mi on them
- New valley pan gasket
- Stock IP works perfectly with no leaks (though I think I need more cc's for a turbo?)
Trying not to break the bank but not wanting to cheap out either. Hoping the pistons and cylinders are STD and serviceable and could dingleball and rering.
Really appreciate any guidance.
Douglas
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