Early 99 engine hp capabilities

[Mean LX]

My F-350 has a build date of 05/98. Does anyone know what year 7.3 has the best rods? How much power can the early 99 take before one should worry about upgrading the rotating assembly/injectors/turbo? I would Like to get 325-350 hp or maybe even 400 hp out this beast! James

[jesilvas]

Let me find the serial numbers of what motors had what rods.
But you'll have forged.
Rotating assembly as in crank/cam? No need to mess with it till a LONG way down the road. Stock injectors might get you to 325 I'd think. Not to 400. Stock turbo probably about the same numbers. Don't forget to take care of the trans too. Cool and keep the fluid clean.

[jesilvas]

Start of production thru 1425746 are Forged Rods
1425747 thru 1440712 are Powdered Rods
1440713 thru 1498318 are Forged Rods
1498319 thru final production run are all powdered

The reason for the break in serial numbers is a "test" run to be sure there were not any issues with the powdered rods. Once the process was production tested the powered rod process was used until the end of production.

There is a plug behind the oil filter in the block, just above the oil pan. Remove the plug, if you see a bolt head for a rod bolt, you have PMR. If you see a nut , you have a Forged Rod.

quite a few people pulled the inspection plug and so far the numbers checked out

[Mean LX]

Where do I find the serial number to the engine? I did not see any numbers that corresponded to those you posted on the valvecover sticker. James

[JJR]

Don't worry about it yours are forged.

[alabamafrog]

My e99 dynoed 390hp and like 840ftlb torque with the mods in my signature link. Basically barely over stock injectors and the D66 turbo and the flip chip.
However it is now sitting in a shop with the engine broke in half, cracked from the second main up to the camshaft.

[dv99stroker]

For the e99, most of the custom tuners say the highest tunes they will handle is up to 100hp with stock injectors

[Tj Krawler]

Originally Posted by Mean LX

My F-350 has a build date of 05/98. Does anyone know what year 7.3 has the best rods? How much power can the early 99 take before one should worry about upgrading the rotating assembly/injectors/turbo? I would Like to get 325-350 hp or maybe even 400 hp out this beast! James

You've got forged rods. 2001 was the change from forged rods. 2001 model year production stated 7/00. Around 9/00 build date was the switch, though some 10/00 trucks had forged rods.

At 400 HP, you shouldn't have problems with the block/rods/rotating assembly. You will need injectors, turbo and a built trans to get to a reliable 400 HP though. I believe Bill from PHP has made 400 HP with PMR's using 160cc injectors, with a decent nozzle. Over 400 you would need studs, valve springs, push rods... Forged rods are considered "safe" until 500-550 HP or so. Some make far more than that, with nitrous.

[Mean LX]

Originally Posted by alabamafrog

My e99 dynoed 390hp and like 840ftlb torque with the mods in my signature link. Basically barely over stock injectors and the D66 turbo and the flip chip.
However it is now sitting in a shop with the engine broke in half, cracked from the second main up to the camshaft.

Sounds like a tuning issue; who manufactures the flip chip? James

[alabamafrog]

Beans Diesel Performance custom tunes