Mods for heavy towing

[tomtom]

I want to add some power for pulling heavy loads 18K lbs. I also want to keep it fairly quiet in the cab. I have installed guages and bypass filters on tranny, oil, and coolant. Where should I start. I don't want to give up any reliablity. I was planning on the diy tymar filter but after reading I am afraid it will be too loud. Was thinking about a Walker BTM. Any suggestions. I want my 7.3 to have about the same power as my 6 liter as it pulled the same load well stock it just hasn't been reliable, and I don't want to give up any reliablity on this truck. Thanks for you input.

[2005F250]

I would do the Ford AIS intake and replace the tranny coole with the 6.0 one.

[tomtom]

Tranny temp pulling was right around 190. Isn't that pretty good?

[Lowdown89]

thats not bad but the cooler the better, if you cant find a 6.0 cooler dieselsite sells the v10 cooler which is also bigger than the 7.3 cooler and a little cheaper

[NCHornet]

The 6.0 cooler is the biggest you can get and you want a huge cooler when pulling heavy loads. Gauges, intake ( Ford AIS) , Exhaust = you don't need a new 4" system, sounds like you have read some of my posts, the BTM will work great for you, Then I would add a valvebody to the trans to shorten the sifts, long drawn out shifts aren't something you want when towing heavy. I would just look at my mods and copy them. Not to be a wise guy but I built my truck for reliable towing first and power second. I have towed close to 20K in Hay bails and granite on several occassions and it did amazingly well, much better than a 6.0 would have!!! Then you need a good towing tune, for that kind of weight you want a 40hp tune, 60-80 is to much for 18K and you will probably have EGT issues. I would call Jody!! Tell him if you get a VB, and you really should. PM me with any ?

NCH

[Solid98]

Originally Posted by NCHornet

Exhaust = you don't need a new 4" system, sounds like you have read some of my posts, the BTM will work great for you,NCH

Agreed. I put the BTM on my stock 01 7.3 Auto and it really woke up pulling my 8K 5er.

[NCHornet]

Originally Posted by Solid98

Agreed. I put the BTM on my stock 01 7.3 Auto and it really woke up pulling my 8K 5er.

Thank you sir!!! I did the testing years ago on three different trucks as have others. Been preaching my results since early 03, some listen and some don't!!!
I will say this, if you do need a new system due to rust or whatever, it is cheaper to buy a 4" system than a 3.5. But I would leave the stock down pipe or you will loose bottom end.

NCH