New Truck, Check My Upgrade List

[tbonemcniel]

Hi guys, I'm obviously new around here, but not new to powerstrokes, just new to modding them.

I've had a variety of company trucks with Ford diesels in them, an '89 7.3 IDI, a '95 7.3 PSD, '05 6.0 PSD, '06 6.0 PSD, '08 6.4 PSD, although my current truck is damn Chebby with a 6.6L Duracrap, but I can't really ***** about a free truck.

Anyway, about two weeks ago, I bought a '96 F-350 CCLB 4x4 7.3 PSD ZF-5 mainly to tow my '93 Lightning with. I think it'll look killer being that they're both the same bodystyle.

Here are some pics of the new truck, a couple towing my Mustang, and pic of the Lightning for good measure.






















Anyway, I'm not satisfied with the power level of the PSD, and I've been doing some reading on here, but I've still got a few questions, like which brands and parts to go with specifically. Here's a list for the first round of upgrades so far. Motor is all stock at the moment with 240k, except for the exhaust, which I hate.

Pyro, Boost, Coolant, Oil Pressure Guages
3" Downpipe (What brand?)
Single Exhaust (Should I buy the whole thing, or have it made? 4" or 5"? What muffler, not looking for real loud at cruise, WOT loud is fine, but fairly quiet at highway speeds while towing.)
Intake (What is reccomended besides the Napa/Home Depot stuff?)
Tony Wildman 4-pos Tune
Intercooler (Should I go with 7.3 or 6.0? Where do should I source the piping?)


Where do you guys like to shop online for your go fast parts? I don't really know where to start.

In the future, I'd like Stage 1's, which brand?
Also for the future, an aftermarket HPOP (Adrenaline seems to be popular)
And what about a turbo upgrade? What would be a good choice, not looking for ballz out, just a mild upgrade from stock.

I don't plan on making this a drag truck and I'm not looking for 500hp, I just want to be able to tow two cars behind me and not drop too much speed when I hit a grade.

Also, I'm sure somebody on here has done a ZF-6 swap. What all is involved? I'm assuming it bolts right up to the motor, what about the trans crossmember? Can I still use the stock transfer case? Do the driveshafts need lengthened or shortened any?

Thanks for all you help in advance guys.

[STROKE_THIS_F-250]

Parts list i would go with if you towing 2 cars would be

Rosewood Stage 1 injectors- cost $500

17* HPOP or modded 17* HPOP anywhere from $150 to $400

7.3l intercooler with metal endtanks and Banks piping set up. Run you about $600

Beans custom tunning- I think about $475

I would get a 4" exhuast. Check ebay for diamond eye, i have hear there exhuast are pretty good.

This should make your truck around 330hp to 350hp and around 650 to 700 ft/lbs of torque.

You will feel like you are driving a new truck, and shouldnt have a problem pulling anything.

[Strokeorcroak]

I agree with John. ^^^^

But you can also put together your own piping for an IC for about $50. I installed my IC completely for $200.
As for the tunes you can't go wrong with any of the tuners (tony wildman, beans, swamps, PHP)
The "napa or home depot" intake that you seem to not want to run is actually the best system out there. You wont get anything better out of a $300 system. It may seem weird to run a "napa" intake but its just what works. Guys pushing 600hp run them
Here are some sites to check out for the parts

Anything besides the tuner and injectors from here:
Riffraff Diesel

Tuner/gauges:
Stealth Automotive Inc
http://www.totaldieselperformance.com/

Other good sites for stuff:
http://www.dieselsite.com/
http://www.totaldieselperformance.com/
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

[STROKE_THIS_F-250]

Ya if you can find superduty piping and dont mind welding a few things and a little fabrication than it would be what you want, But if you want to take it out of the box and have it fit like a dream then i would go with banks.

[Chunkspowerstroke]

I agree with all the mods listed so far!

[BudDog]

T Bone I see your over here too!

[tbonemcniel]

Hey bud, yeah I'm over here now too now that I have a PSD. Still got those seats? I'll be up there in August for L-Fest.

Thanks for the replies guys, what about the ZF-6 swap?