1997 7.3L Powerstroke Strength's

[Hillbilly Dan]

I was wondering what the maximum Horsepower ratings the stock, pistons, crank, rods, can handle, I am trying to find out how much power I can put into it before I have to start replacing the parts. It is vital to get this information so I can determine what size injectors to purchase.

Thanks

[1Dieselman]

It's not unheard of these engines pushing 500 hp or more on the stock bottom end but I don't think anyone would stick their neck out and say that you wont have any problem because anything can happen. I believe that most are installing head studs if trying to push more that 400 hp and 35 lbs of boost. A lot also depends on the chip or tunes you plan to run. I'm sure there will more input from guys that have done it.

Edit: forgot to add I'm not sure at what point the valve springs and push rods are getting swapped.

[351fifty]

guy built a 600 horse SD with a 7.3 and pmr rods in DP mag a few months ago, these blocks have forged internals tho so possibly more welcome to the org btw, and before you get injectors and think thats all you need to get to 500 horse, mite wanna check the supporting mods you will need to get there as well

[Hillbilly Dan]

"mite wanna check the supporting mods you will need to get there as well" Can you define supporting mods? New Cam Lifters, Springs? Etc...

[Hillbilly Dan]

In all reality I am not looking for a super pulling truck, I was thinking 300CC Injectors, new studs, valves, push rods, and springs. It already has a HPOP on it, this is going in my 1978 F-150, I know I have suspensions and axel upgrades I am just looking for a decenlty powered Stroker. I have a turbo setup that I like and I am using my skills as an engineer to make sure I put just the correct ammount of boost in it. As for chips do you have any suggestions? Has anyone ever tried holley live?

[1Dieselman]

He's talking about bigger turbo, intercool, e-fuel along with the things you have already mentioned. Lots of good chips on the market but go with custom rather than canned. Haven't heard of Holley live. Shouldn't need to do valves and what hpop do you have.

[Hillbilly Dan]

I already have the bigger turbo taken care of, and intercooler. Thats why I said I need to do calculations, I don't want to be some half-chucked job of just slapping bigger things on. As For E-Fuel you are talking Ethanol?

[Hillbilly Dan]

As for the HPOP type I haven't looked at it yet, it is a little bit lower on the list of things to look at, even though I know it needs to be done.

[ol_Blue97]

i think he means EFI-LIVE......they are releasing a 7.3 tune soon but i belive its for 99+ 7.3s

Originally Posted by Hillbilly Dan

I already have the bigger turbo taken care of, and intercooler. Thats why I said I need to do calculations, I don't want to be some half-chucked job of just slapping bigger things on. As For E-Fuel you are talking Ethanol?

electric fuel. 94.5-97 7.3s had a mechanical fuelpump which cannot keep up with larger injectors as it wil damage them when the fuel pressure drops too low

[Hillbilly Dan]

Darn yeah I did mean EFI live ha my bad.