Tired Engine...Mo' power?

[kryptonix]

Hi there, my first diesel and first post. I have a 99 (12/98) F350 manual with 303,000 miles on her. Bought it with 260,000 4 years ago. Obvioiusly dont put much for miles on it. I use it for a farm truck which I only do part time. My question is: Is there anything I can do to bump up my power on this old girl or am I looking at a rebuild? She smokes real good especially at start and uses 2 quarts of oil to 5000 miles. Upgrading is the obvious solution but don't have a lot of dollhairs for a new truck. I especially notice the lack of power in 3rd gear towing a trailer. Doesnt even have to have my skidloader on it. I know guys talk about chips and programs and stuff but i dont know the first thing about them. I heard they can be hard on the tranny's but I have a manual. Is there any benefit? To my knowledge, the truck has never had engine work.

Also, from purchase the truck when cold will go to a high idle(I assume this is normal) and then starts to do a surge type noise until hot. YOu can feel the surge if you drive it while cold. Is that normal?

[Dietoremain]

the use of oil could definitely be your injector orings if they are original.. or really old. and the 'surging' is probably your ebpv shutting when its cold, thats normal.. mines gutted and deleted..
and yes some custom tunes can still wake up an ol' girl. and you have a 6spd so you're ok. i suggest php tunes .