New Guy's Fantasy Build!

[SPUR]

Hey guys I'm a long time Ford nut but brand new to the glory of the Powerstroke and thus brand new to the org. I've got a bone stock 97 crew cab 4x4 F250 that we call Papa Smurf. After I sell off my old gasser and it's parts I think I'm going to have somewhere in the neighborhood of $4000 to throw into the truck. I'm spending about a grand on fixing some of the issues it currently has (broken down springs, terrible shocks, sagging doors, bad glow plugs, leaky antifreeze etc.) but I'll have roughly $3k to spend on upgrades. My question to you guys who have been down this road (or want to go) is: If this were you, what would be your first priorities? Where would you put the money to get the best performance per dollar return?

After lurking on the site for a while, the general jist I've gotten is that a gauge package to monitor EGTs, Boost, and tranny temp is a must. I've also figured out that folks are big fans of the Tony Wildman chip. Beyond that it seems the AFE stage two intake, a 3" downpipe into 4" exhaust, and a 17* or Adrenaline HPOP are the best early upgrades. Future plans include Swamps 200/30% (Stage II?) injectors and a Hypermax intercooler (I know some will cry nay saying I should go with the 6.0 intercooler if anything but I don't really want a bunch of custom fit, I want the kit).

Anyway fellas, that's just the ideas I've gotten from lurking. What do you guys think?

[Ryan Rønning]

That is pretty much what I would do with the exception of the intake, I would do a DIY intake with a Napa fleet Filter to save a lot of time. The Gauges are the most important though in my opinion.

[cntryboy17]

Sounds like a perfect set up to me! But instead of buying an intake you could build your own with 4" exhaust tubing and an 6637 NAPA air filter or aftermarket one.

[symbols]

welcome and I agree with the others

[Goose350]

[ianstew]

[cliford]

Originally Posted by SPUR

Hey guys I'm a long time Ford nut but brand new to the glory of the Powerstroke and thus brand new to the org. I've got a bone stock 97 crew cab 4x4 F250 that we call Papa Smurf. After I sell off my old gasser and it's parts I think I'm going to have somewhere in the neighborhood of $4000 to throw into the truck. I'm spending about a grand on fixing some of the issues it currently has (broken down springs, terrible shocks, sagging doors, bad glow plugs, leaky antifreeze etc.) but I'll have roughly $3k to spend on upgrades. My question to you guys who have been down this road (or want to go) is: If this were you, what would be your first priorities? Where would you put the money to get the best performance per dollar return?

After lurking on the site for a while, the general jist I've gotten is that a

gauge package to monitor EGTs, Boost, and tranny temp is a must.
yes that should be first

I've also figured out that folks are big fans of the Tony Wildman chip.
TW seems to be really good with the older trucks but there are also other tuners I.E. dp-tuner, PHP
Beyond that it seems the AFE stage two intake
you can do DIY filter set up as shown in the tech files much cheaper and it is what im running
, a 3" downpipe into 4" exhaust, and a 17* or Adrenaline HPOP are the best early upgrades.
i would do exhaust before i get the chip. as for the HPOP the adrenaline wont be able to handle bigger injectors later down the road unless you do a set of hybrids

Future plans include Swamps 200/30% (Stage II?) injectors and a Hypermax intercooler (I know some will cry nay saying I should go with the 6.0 intercooler if anything but I don't really want a bunch of custom fit, I want the kit).
if your planning on going with bigger injectors the 6.0 is a no go. it has plastic ends and will blow up at higher boost pressures.

Anyway fellas, that's just the ideas I've gotten from lurking. What do you guys think?

sounds like a good list. dont forget once you start putting on all that power together your going to need:
a bigger turbo $2000+
good trans $4000+

i know im forgeting stuff but good luck on your journey. i started with just gauges and now i have waaay to much in this truck and still want more . oh and welcome to the .org

[NoLimits]

I would get a Tymar intake. It comes as a kit that bolts right in and it is only a little over $100. good luck and welcome

[SPUR]

Originally Posted by NoLimits

I would get a Tymar intake. It comes as a kit that bolts right in and it is only a little over $100. good luck and welcome

Don't you have to replace the filter on the Tymar though? I've read good things about it but if I'm replacing filters every so often... Won't that $100 turn into more than I would've paid for a washable?

[NoLimits]

Originally Posted by SPUR

Don't you have to replace the filter on the Tymar though? I've read good things about it but if I'm replacing filters every so often... Won't that $100 turn into more than I would've paid for a washable?

Replacement filters are like $25 and you only have to replace them every 25,000 miles or so unless you drive it in some really dusty condition. Give Tymar a call. he is a great guy to talk to and will answer all your questions.