International up-pipe compatibility w/other upgrades

[tmfs]

Hi folks,

Over the winter I discovered I've got an exhaust leak on the up-pipe to y-pipe (baby's butt) on my 7.3L. I've read a fair bit on this topic and I'd like to do the international up-pipe upgrade. I've read several sets of instructions (Guzzles included) and I'm comfortable with the procedure itself.

I'd like the kit on hand before I tear into it but I want to have some confidence that the kit will be compatible. I'm also up in Canada and will likely order these from somewhere in the US. The more I work on the truck, the more I realize that the previous owner wasn't particularly honest about the upgrades he had done to this truck. What I do know is that the down-pipe and turbine housing are Banks units. I doubt its relevant, but the turbo/compressor is an Garrett upgrade but the only number on it I can read doesn't cross to anything I can find online. There is also a Banks bighead wastegate on it. Can I assume that the international kit will be compatible? Or are there some possible areas I should look at more carefully before I order the parts.

Also, is there much value in the ceramic coating on the up-pipes? I'm not concerned with "pretty". More does it provide much for performance or economy?

For reference the other upgrades on the truck I'm currently aware of are:
Banks Exhaust (I beleive its 4")
Ford Heavy Duty Filter Kit
Superchip Chip
Banks Exhaust Brake

Thanks Folks,
TMFS

[JSchuricht]

There are two basic categories of turbo, the drop in and a full replacement that uses different up pipes among other things. If you have a Garrett GTP38 (stock) or GTP38R (ball bearing) turbo that is bolted down in the stock location, then the new up pipes will work. If your truck is a early 99 or you have a turbo that is bolted down somewhere other than the stock location, the pipes won't work. If you want confirmation on what you have, post a pic.

[tmfs]

Thanks,

That helps a fair bit. My truck is a 2001 and I'm pretty sure the turbo is in the stock location. From what I can tell, the banks stuff looks pretty modular (ie. they're exhaust systems work with stock turbos and vice versa, so I suspect it means everything should be in the stock location. Nonetheless, I'll try get a good picture tonight if its not raining and let those of you with more experience set me straight.

TMFS

[tmfs]

Ok, getting pictures wasn't so easy. I couldn't get any that showed much of the turbine housing, up and down pipes or the y-pipe due to the tight quarters. These are the ones that seemed to turn out ok. If there's anything else I should really try get a picture of let me know and I'll see if I can figure out some way of making it work better.

Thanks again for the help.

TMFS

[JSchuricht]

Looks like a stock turbo, probably has a banks/wicked wheel if the PO was into banks. The number is the serial no. You also need to look into the CCV mod and replace all your boots.

[tmfs]

Thanks JSchuricht, that gives me enough confidence to put in the order. I hadn't heard of the CVV mod till you mentioned it, but after reading about it, clearly I am in need! I've always done my own work on all the toys, but I'm realizing that I've got alot to learn about the powerstroke. These forums have been absolutely invaluable.

I'm definitely interested to find out exactly what all the pieces of the turbo system are when I take it apart. Its somewhat challenging making decisions on this truck not knowing exactly what is already on it. Case in point, I replaced the K&N intake system the PO had on it with the Ford/Donaldson AIS Severe duty intake to better protect the engine, but the filter minder seems to be indicating that I'm going to need more airflow (its almost railed even though the filter is almost brand new). Lots of fun!

Thanks again,
Darcy