Ford 1997 7.3 Powerstroke Turbo Upgrade

You must give the Ford 1997 7.3 Powerstroke engine adequate attention in order to get great performance from it. Only then will you be able to drive the car for a long time. The engine will run smoothly and powerfully because of the durable materials, but you must verify the turbo for this.

The turbocharger energizes the whole automobile and improves its fuel efficiency. It will also cut down on the time it takes for your truck to accelerate after you’ve driven it a few kilometers. So, getting this turbo replaced on schedule can help you run your car. Many manufacturers provide several brands of turbochargers for the 1997 Ford 7.3 Powerstroke engine in the market. We’ll speak about them in this section as well.

Ford 1997 7.3 Powerstroke Turbo Upgrade

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Product
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Garrett Turbocharger For 7.3 Powerstroke
SPELAB GIP38 turbo compressor wheel upgraded rebuild kit
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XS-Power Ford Turbo Diesel 7.3L Gtp38 F250 F350 F450 Powerstroke Super Duty Turbocharger New
PULSAR GTP38 Turbo DIY Upgrade Kit
BLACKHORSE-RACING Compatible Ford 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel Turbo Pedestal
Turbo Compressor Wheel & Upgraded GTP38 Rebuild Kit
Flashark Compatible with GTP38 Turbo Compressor Wheel & Upgraded Rebuild Kit 1994-2003 Ford 7.3L Powerstroke­
Turbo Banks Compressor Wheel & Upgraded Rebuild Kit
BLACKHORSE-RACING Powerstroke 7.3L Upgraded TP38 GTP38 Turbo Compressor Wicked Wheel
TOPEMAI 7.3L Powerstroke Turbo Upgraded 360°Thrust Rebuild Kit
Supercell Powerstroke 7.3 Turbo engine

7.3 Powerstroke Turbo Advantages and Disadvantages

What are some of the benefits of adding a turbocharger to your engine, and what are the drawbacks? Let’s have a look.

Advantages

  • More power from the engine: The most significant advantage of adding a turbocharger is that you may utilize a larger engine while still obtaining more power. In essence, an engine with a turbocharger produces more power than the same-sized engine without.
  • Fuel efficiency: A turbocharger increases the efficiency of a smaller engine by allowing it to produce the same amount of power as a larger one. This means you may get the same output from a little engine that consumes less fuel than an bigger engine without producing as much power.
  • More efficient: Turbocharged engines consume more air with each single liter of fuel, resulting in a cleaner burn. This results in less exhaust system waste and cleaner-burning, which is beneficial to the environment.

Disadvantages

  • Require frequent maintenance: A turbocharger adds more mechanical components that have the potential to fail. This means that turbocharged cars require more frequent maintenance.
  • Costly repair works: Because turbocharged engines are more complicated, the cost of maintenance and repair is usually greater than for non-turbocharged automobiles.

Garrett Turbocharger For 7.3 Powerstroke


Garrett Turbocharger For 7.3 Powerstroke
This is a great substitute for the original Ford Powerstroke engine turbine. It fits the Ford F250, F350, and Excursion from model years 97-03. It also includes a patented Garrett and a two-ball bearing cartridge, which is unrivaled. It can increase pressure and speed of over 370+ horsepower overstock by using this device.

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SPELAB GIP38 turbo compressor wheel upgraded rebuild kit


SPELAB GIP38 turbo compressor wheel upgraded rebuild kit
The turbo compressor wheel and the upgraded refurbished kit compatible with the 1994-2003 Ford 7.3L power stroke diesel turbocharger (TP38 / GTP38), not compatible with the 2002 Ford E-350 super basic type aggravated Type truck 2 doors 7.3L. The compressor wheel can eliminate surging, provide considerably faster spooling and reduce smoke, while providing 5 to 7 pounds more boost (about 17 hp and 38 lb-ft of torque). It will improve a stock Power Stroke’s performance and longevity. Reliable metal construction and high flexible rubber band upgrades your turbo and allows it to perform better.

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XS-Power Ford Turbo Diesel 7.3L Gtp38 F250 F350 F450 Powerstroke Super Duty Turbocharger New


XS-Power Ford Turbo Diesel 7.3L Gtp38 F250 F350 F450 Powerstroke Super Duty Turbocharger New
This is a Powerstroke turbocharger that fits the original turbo and has no modifications necessary. It includes the right design to enhance performance while keeping emissions at an acceptable level. This Turbocharger is CARB-certified and meets OEM requirements. It includes a high-speed compressor wheel as well as stability.

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PULSAR GTP38 Turbo DIY Upgrade Kit


PULSAR GTP38 Turbo DIY Upgrade Kit
Upgrade 66*88mm billet compressor wheel provides over 30% air flow than the stock 60*80mm wheel. Upgrade 1.0 A/R compressor cover with the ported shround improves compressor flow range for surge control, the matching 4" intake hose is included. Upgrade 360 degree brass thrust bearing system to handle the thrust force, staggered step gap seal rings on both compressor and turbine end eliminating oil leaking risk.

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BLACKHORSE-RACING Compatible Ford 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel Turbo Pedestal


BLACKHORSE-RACING Compatible Ford 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel Turbo Pedestal
Package including: Exhaust Outlet Cover Plate + 7 bolts, Pedestal With Turbo O-rings, As pictures show. Direct bolt-on to factury GTP38 turbocharger.

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Turbo Compressor Wheel & Upgraded GTP38 Rebuild Kit


Turbo Compressor Wheel & Upgraded GTP38 Rebuild Kit
for Garrett TP38 1994-2003 Ford Powerstroke 446579-0001 170293-360° Thrust Repair Kit - 7.3L Turbo Rebuild Kit. Package Include:7.3L Turbo Compressor Wicked Wheel, Upgraded 360 Degree 5 Oil Port Brass Thrust Bearing, Thrust Collar, Thrust Spacer, Front and Rear Piston Ring Seals, 2 x Journal Bearing with Metal Spacer, 13 x Compressor Plate Bolts, 4 x Rubber Compressor Plate Seals, Compressor Housing O-ring, Oil Feed and Return O rings.We provide carefree return, and 90 days money back guarantee!

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Flashark Compatible with GTP38 Turbo Compressor Wheel & Upgraded Rebuild Kit 1994-2003 Ford 7.3L Powerstroke­


 Flashark Compatible with GTP38 Turbo Compressor Wheel & Upgraded Rebuild Kit 1994-2003 Ford 7.3L Powerstroke­
Upgraded 360 Degree Copper Bar Thrust Bearing,Copper helps dissipate heat much better than the factory steel thrust bearing. Heavy duty metal construction and high flexible rubber band.

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Turbo Banks Compressor Wheel & Upgraded Rebuild Kit


Turbo Banks Compressor Wheel & Upgraded Rebuild Kit
For 1994-2003 Ford Powerstroke Diesel 7.3 Liter Garrett TP38/GTP38

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BLACKHORSE-RACING Powerstroke 7.3L Upgraded TP38 GTP38 Turbo Compressor Wicked Wheel


BLACKHORSE-RACING Powerstroke 7.3L Upgraded TP38 GTP38 Turbo Compressor Wicked Wheel
Compatible with 94-03 Ford 170293 446579-0001 Turbocharger and Inducer 59.98 MM, Exducer: 80.01 MM.
Technical Specifications:

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TOPEMAI 7.3L Powerstroke Turbo Upgraded 360°Thrust Rebuild Kit


TOPEMAI 7.3L Powerstroke Turbo Upgraded 360°Thrust Rebuild Kit
GTP38 Rebuild Kit fits 1994 - 2003 Ford 7.3L Powerstroke Turbochargers,for Ford Excursion F-350 Super Duty E-350 Club Wagon F-250 Super Duty E-350 Econoline F-250.AKA TP38 Turbo Rebuild Kit,GTP38 Rebuild Kit. 94-03 Powerstroke 7.3L Turbo Upgraded 360°Thrust Rebuild Repair Kit for Ford replace Turbo P/N:817-1004-002F,813-1002-002;for Turbo Model: Garrett GTP38/TP38. With the upgrade turbine side stepped gap piston ring, it can also eliminates the oil leaking problem. Every Item per Garrett Turbocharger Standard Dimensions.

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Supercell Powerstroke 7.3 Turbo engine


Supercell Powerstroke 7.3 Turbo engine
The compressor is now housed in a 6” intake hose. Replace the 60/80mm Billet compressor wheel with a 66/88mm Billet one to increase airflow by 33%. As a result, surge is addressed. The Stepped Gas Piston ring reduces oil leakages. Because the product includes all of the necessary tools for installation, this turbine is simple to install.

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Ford 7.3 Powerstroke Turbo Upgrade: Less EGT and More HP

For the past 18 months, we’ve been working on turning our ’97 Ford F-350 into a towing vehicle for the magazine. In order to improve pulling power, we added a custom six-position chip and upgraded the high-pressure oil pump. Other significant upgrades include a tow-ready gearbox; an intercooler; boost, gearbox, and pyrometer gauges; and even an aftermarket rear differential cover. Perhaps finding the ideal turbo was the last piece of the puzzle.

Turbo Criteria

We required a turbo that could effectively cool the truck’s EGT, which could handle 40 psi of boost, was compatible with our existing pedestal, intercooler, and exhaust plumbing, and wasn’t overly expensive. We went to Comp Turbo for help with our needs. A simple drop-in turbo solution is considerably simpler than attempting to replace the complete engine management system if you own a ‘941/2 to ’99 7.3L PowerStroke truck.

Larger Compressor Wheel

The best way to increase the amount of air moved by a stock turbo is to change its compressor wheel. The Comp Turbo TP38 employs a 62mm inducer and 91 mm exducer, which are larger than the GTP38R’s 88mm exducer (similar to the popular Garrett GTP38R ball-bearing turbo in the ‘991/2 to ’03 7.3L range). We had to make a larger compressor wheel fit, as well as a custom back plate and a ported compressor inlet. Because the factory 10-blade turbine wheel is known to work effectively in our application (300 to 425 hp), the huge 1.15 A/R non-wastegated turbine housing will assist keep EGT down and drive pressure low by not affecting the flow of the Comp Turbo TP38’s turbines.

Upgraded Thrust Bearing

The center cartridge of a turbo is the most underappreciated component, where the turbo’s shaft support is located. You may add as many wild housings and compressor or turbine wheels as you want, but this area is critical to the unit’s long-term failure. When factory turbos are asked to handle twice to three times the thrust compared to stock power levels, this is a typical failure point. The Comp Turbo TP38’s thrust bearing assembly, in contrast, has been enhanced from the original 270-degree type to a 360-degree model. What does this signify? A 360-degree thrust bearing arrangement ensures that the shaft is entirely lubricated, whereas a 270-degree one only lubricates 66 percent of it. Because the thrust bearing is at the compressor end of the shaft, an extra 360-degree configuration helps to avoid turbo surging as a result of wider compressor wheel diameter.

We quickly ran the truck after installation of the turbo, and we started testing it right away. We found how well it performed in altitude, how much stronger the truck felt on top end, and a significant drop in exhaust gas temperature immediately. To assess how much extra horsepower we gained by upgrading to a new motor, we strapped the ’97 back to the dyno near the conclusion of our testing. In future months, we’ll tow the truck with a trailer to see whether it performs better with a load aboard.

Less Smoke And Reduced Egt:

Its air output is a close fit for our Stage 1 injectors, which means it cleans up to a very light haze at wide-open throttle and provides increased tractive effort. Its airflow is undoubtedly an excellent match for our Stage 1 injectors in terms of performance and cleanliness at the tailpipe.

The EGT dropped by about 75 to 100 degrees at highway speeds. Even more significantly, when the truck was shifted through the gears with wide-open throttle, EGT was 150 to 200 degrees cooler. In fact, peak EGT never reached 1,350 degrees F on the street – even with our most powerful tune. The vehicle only reached 1000 degrees F at 4,000 feet and 45 mph in our rural setting.

What Power Level It’s Good For:

According to Turbo-X, the Taurus is best suited for 7.3L Power Strokes with Stage 2 injectors (or smaller) or trucks with 300 horsepower to 425 horsepower at the wheels. If you’re like us and are constantly searching for more power, this turbo can still deliver enough airflow for larger injectors. The fact that it’s efficient and sturdy up to 40 psi of boost makes it perfect for Stage 2 as well as detuned hybrid injection applications.

How Do I Know If My 7.3 Turbo is Bad?

Before we get into the evaluations, it is worth noting a few of the typical indicators of a failing turbo. So, here are some of the most common symptoms that your turbo is broken.

Excessive Exhaust Smoke:

If a turbocharger is leaking oil due to damaged or worn internal seals, exhaust fumes will be lost. This results in an excessive amount of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. As a result, if you detect too much smoke from your engine’s exhaust, it may be an indication that the turbo needs to be changed.

Slow Acceleration:

The primary role of the Turbocharger is to increase the engine’s power. As a result, if your car takes too long to accelerate, there may be a problem with the turbo.

Increased Oil Consumption:

A damaged turbo will make your vehicle more thirsty for gasoline. This will translate to additional money and time spent at the pump. If your truck is gulping down more gas than usual, a malfunctioning turbocharger may be to blame.

Check Engine Light:

When the check engine light in your automobile comes on, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t right below the hood. A damaged turbo can be one of the reasons why the check engine light is on.

Loud Siren Noise:

If you hear raucous wailing emanating from your engine while on the road, it’s probable that your turbocharger has been damaged.

What Should You Look For When Choosing The Right Turbo Upgrade For A 7.3 Ford Powerstroke?

When looking for the finest turbo for a 2003 7.3 Powerstroke, there are several things to consider.

Power output

What type of power do you want from your engine? Of course, the sort of Turbine you choose will be influenced by the answer to this question. However, it must be realistic; after all, the greatest turbo for a 1997 7.3 Powerstroke is not necessarily the biggest.

Models such as the Garrett Powermax GTP38R Ballbearing Turbocharger for Powerstroke 7.3L, on the other hand, will provide excellent power output but will require further modifications. As a result, you may be happier with a smaller turbocharger.

Vehicle compatibility

Is your car suitable with the turbo you’re looking for? It’s critical to double-check. A turbo may be compatible with a specific model of automobile from a specific manufacturer and year.

Budget

Because of your driving style, usage patterns, and the size and type of your load, you’ll have to figure out how much gasoline is going to be needed for every 1,000 miles. You’ll also need to consider your power demands and how much truck you’ll use. If you want superior power for hauling, a turbocharger will cost more than a stock unit. However, if you want an easy direct replacement with no modification required, a budget option may be suitable.

Ease of installation

Consider the parts that come with a turbo when determining how simple it is to install. The finest ford f250 7.3 diesel Powerstroke turbo will include all necessary pieces, including gaskets. It should also include O-rings for installation.

Durability and warranty

Turbos with a higher recoil value tend to be more durable than those with a lower recoil value. The durability of a turbo, on the other hand, is determined by its construction. It will also rely on the warranty. A longer guarantee is usually an indicator of long-term dependability. The majority come with a two-year warranty

Final Words

The turbo is the most important component of a diesel engine. A reliable turbo is essential for towing larger weights with increased boost. You have no choice but to accept the consequences of low-cost versions.

From our list, the greatest turbo for a 7.3 Powerstroke can save you time and effort. To narrow down your choices, get all of your parameters so that you know what you’re getting yourself into.

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