How much is too much??

[Mototime2000]

I have a new to me 1997 F-250HD CCSB in my sig. It has the old T-handle Superchips tuner, straight pipe, K&N with the snorkle removed from the factory box and boost guage. Pyro guage is installed but the sender is in the glove box. So after cleaning the K&N that had about 3.5 acres of dirt in it, I took it for a drive. A lot less black smoke, more power and faster spool. My question is how much boost is too much boost? The motor is 100% stock as far as I know, I just bought it 48 hours ago. After cleaning the air filter, finding a nice "tuning hill" and getting out away from people/houses, I made a dyno run and it made ~20-21 lbs on my guage. Is that too much for stock head gaskets/bolts/etc? I really don't want to damage anything seeing as how I just bought the truck and its a really nice daily driver considering all the accessories work very well.

[badyota82]

I've still got stock head gaskets and bolts, and stock turbo, but plenty of other mods and I run around 28-33 psi boost and have had no problems at all. Everyone I have talked to in the past has said that the point were you want to start worrying about it is when you start pushing closer to 40psi.

Mine topped out at 18-19psi when it was stock as a rock, so your well within the norm!!

[Mototime2000]

I hope to have a downpipe and intake soon. Once I get the DP I will install the pyro again and be able to keep an eye on everything. I just don't want to lift a head, etc and be working on ANOTHER vehicle...

[badyota82]

Originally Posted by Mototime2000

etc and be working on ANOTHER vehicle...

Story of my life!!!

You'll be fine with your current boost levels!

[CT Performance, Inc.]

I would check your intake tube and turbo for dusting...K&N's don't filter all that well...

[Mototime2000]

The K&N will soon be long gone, but it will need to work till I get a chance to change it. The turbine wheel and intake tune will have to wait a little while. One of those "If I don't see it, it isn't there" kinda deals, lol. I guess if its bad I will just upgrade(or downgrade) to a wicked wheel.

[ridiculously_necessary]

iirc, studs arent really needed until around 40psi on boost.