500 hp goal.... What's the best mods

[Buckeyepsd]

Hey y'all, I'm new to diesel trucks. I've always had gas trucks but this time I decided to jump in and get a diesel. I would like like to have a 500 hp DD if possible. The truck I bought was well taken care of by the previous owner (sea71) I know that the PMR's must be changed to start with but I was wondering what else would be a good idea. Any input would be appreciated. I need a game plan and I figured this is probably the best place to get ideas. Thanks guys!

[85_305]

Why 500hp? For what purpose?

[Jrz13]

Its going to be pretty expensive to make a reliable 500hp

[Buckeyepsd]

Well I don't really have a reason. Just though it would be fun. I'm not talking 500hp all motor just 500hp with a good tune. I'm new to diesels And I'm not sure what a safe reliable number is as far as HP is concerned. Is 500 to much? To risky? I don't want to break anything. I guess I'm just looking for someone with more experience to educate me on what is safe and reliable for a 7.3. This truck is awesome as it sits now, I just didn't know if I could go farther.


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[colo_dually]

500RWHP with a 7.3L, takes quite a bit of investment and on your '02, will likely require rods as well. Huge list of mods to take a 7.3L to that level, and you will have to up the transmission.

The later trucks are much easier to stretch to that power level, and the transmissions are more robust.

Not to derail your build, but if you don't have reason behind the power goal, I'd build the truck to your budget and see where you stand.

[Jacob@DP-Tuner]

With your truck being a 2002 model, your engine will have the Powder Metal Connecting Rods, which is going to limit you to around 400rwhp. If you're wanting to push 500+ you'd need to look into a motor build, unfortunately, your motor just won't survive at that level.

[85_305]

Originally Posted by Buckeyepsd

Well I don't really have a reason. Just though it would be fun. I'm not talking 500hp all motor just 500hp with a good tune. I'm new to diesels And I'm not sure what a safe reliable number is as far as HP is concerned. Is 500 to much? To risky? I don't want to break anything. I guess I'm just looking for someone with more experience to educate me on what is safe and reliable for a 7.3. This truck is awesome as it sits now, I just didn't know if I could go farther.


Sent from my iPad using Autoguide

So you want 500hp but you dont know why? I'd sell the powerstroke and buy an flc80 or something if your just looking for hi hp

Originally Posted by colo_dually

Not to derail your build, but if you don't have reason behind the power goal, I'd build the truck to your budget and see where you stand.

completely agree

Originally Posted by Jacob@DP-Tuner

With your truck being a 2002 model, your engine will have the Powder Metal Connecting Rods, which is going to limit you to around 400rwhp. If you're wanting to push 500+ you'd need to look into a motor build, unfortunately, your motor just won't survive at that level.

Well.. it can be done with safe tuning... but for how long it lasts, it's a gamble.

[Stroken49s]

If you want a 500+ hp Diesel, I have a 2008 F250 Spartan tuned Ill trade, and you pay the differance.. truck with the same tune dyno'ed at 564 hp 1115 ft.lbs. tq

[85_305]

^thats a truck right there.. a spartan tuned 6.4/6.7

[sniper_101]

The smallest injector, probably a 238/100, turbo of your choice (but may be wise to do a T4 mount system), regulated return/fuel system including pump, built trans, valvetrain upgrade (this is surprisingly cheap and easy), HPOP, and lastly tuning (live tuning recommended).

That's just off the top of my head "to get there" parts. At 500rwp you're going to be close to and in some people's cases, at the limit of the stock forged bottom end, especially if the tuner doesn't keep the power out of the lower RPM.

I plan to do a 5-600whp build in a year or two, but when I have the money to fix what I break, because there will be broken parts . . .

Also, you don't "need" a reason to build a high power truck like these nancy's are yappin' about, but you do need a HP goal, an appropriate budget and time to research parts and people to talk to/buy from.