Tubo a 7.3L IDI Non-Turbo?!

[95 F350]

OK, so we got a 1992 F250 with the 7.3L IDI non-turbo 4x4 and a manual 5sdp. Now that you guys know what I'm working with....can a guy turbo it without distroying the engine? How easy is it, what all will I need to buy/fabricate, and what kind of boost do you think it would suck back? I heard that if you can't really get it to take more than about 9 or 10psi?!
Give me your thoughts guys!
Thanks!!

[red73psd]

bumped.........

[rankroddin250]

ive seen one with a roots blower on it an it was bad ***!

[MrJohnWayne]

yeah you should be able to turbo it no prob. My pops has a 94 (pre powerstroke) that came from the factory with and ATS designed turbo system that was spring operated waste gate. He had his pushin 16 psi with 200K+ miles before he bought my old powerstroke. I'm not sure what you would need to do the job but I know it is possible.

[95 F350]

haha...yeah I figured it would go like a raped ape! But we were toying with the idea and trying to see how easy and cheap we could do it. We still use the truck lots so if there was a kit we could do it over the weekend...but lots of custom work might not be so good! The other option I had in mind was just straight out swapping for the newer Turbo Powerstroke! But then again, the truck is out of commision for a while... we shall see!! haha
Thanks for the input!

[MrJohnWayne]

I would think that there is a kit out there somewhere to turbo one. I'm sure you're not the first to want to do it

[rankroddin250]

pirate the exhaust manifolds up pipes and turbo off a powerstroke... ive never heard of it done but id think it would work? might have to make a custom down pipe for it tho and the stock powerstroke turbo might have a little to much boost for the idi

[Mavsps]

banks, ats, and hypermax all make a turbo kit for them

[mschn99]

they were netorious for burning down the #7 cylender with an aftermarket turbo on them though....they have a little too much compression to safely put a turbo on them and not worry...but a lot of guys have done it and never had a problem...

[ats85]

The problem with our IDI's is cavitation caused by high cylinder pressure of a diesel, the thin cylinder walls of the 7.3's vs a 6.9, and improper coolant maintenance. The 7 and 8 cylinders are first to go because they are farthest from the coolant system. All of the above mentioned companies sell turbo's for these trucks, but do not forget you will need a pyrometer gauge, and make sure your injections are up to spec. Old injectors pop-off at a lower pressure, advancing your timing, which may go unnoticed, until the added strain of a turbo is put on. This can cause pre-ingnition, high cylinder pressure, and blow thru a thinned sleeve... Hope this helps.