7.3, what are the first couple aftermarket ad dons??

[KactusKiller]

I just bought a '99 F250 7.3 that's bone stock and about 195k on it. It's a crew short bed lariat 4x4. I have a 2012 ecoboost for my everyday driver. It will be an extra work truck that I'll keep at the shop for extra transportation and really heavy hauling when needed. I won't be racing it or doi g any super heavy hauling where max power is needed. With that being said, what are the most cost effective aftermarket changes I can make to maximize fuel mileage, add a little power and improve throttle response? My main goal is fuel economy and not wanting to do any major mechanical upgrades. Thinking more like a simple tuner, intake, exhaust, etc. I don't want it loud or smoking a lot either.
Also is there anything I should get checked out on it that usually becomes a problem at this stage in its life. It runs great but seems to take a while to "warm up" and it feels like its acceleration is a little sluggish. It may just be me. Been a yr since I last drove a diesel and my last 3 was a 6.4 PS, a dodge 6.7 and a 5.9.
Thanks

[dclifton]

Easy things would be a cold air intake take it to muffler shop and let them cut the cat and put a 3-1/2 inch glass pack in place of muffler, and a TS 6 position chip. That's prolly the set up that's on 75% of the 7.3s out there. Egt and tyranny gauge never hurts either.

It may be sluggish but 7.3s are naturally more sluggish at start off then what u posted and ur use to drivin a gasser lately.

[JW]

A Cummins...

[JustinJ]

I'd agree with dclifton. Mild exhaust, mild tuner, maybe wouldn't even worry about an intake. These trucks have always been sluggish especially compared to the other diesels you've driven, but man, what a GREAT engine and truck!

[dclifton]

I'd agree with dclifton. Mild exhaust, mild tuner, maybe wouldn't even worry about an intake. These trucks have always been sluggish especially compared to the other diesels you've driven, but man, what a GREAT engine and truck!

Yup $200 on a cai is not reall necessary it's handier if u use that $200 for gauges to keep an eye on things

[Josh7099]

It's a terrible truck, you should sell it to me really really cheap!!! Nah you got a good one.

[Hart8]

Things to look out for,are the front wheel bearings.Everybody I know including myself,had the front left one go out every 75k.The good news is it's a piece o cake to change.

[smokeless]

I hate to tell ya but, your not gonna see much fuel mileage increase. Maybe one to three mpg gain. The mods will give you more power that's about it.

[Kdog]

Seems like it should be good to go for what you want. Personally I wouldn't mess with it but I am a chicken when it comes to messing with my truck.

[Walterbones]

Congrats Great choice on a truck! Here is the first few things to do,that will bring a 7.3 alive!
Cold air intake(stage 2 AFE dry filter)
Exhaust, have the cat & muffler removed. You can put a glass pack back on if you want it quiet.
Gauges(EGTS,Boost) Or more.
And a 6 position chip custom tuned by Tony Wildman, or DP Tuner.

Do those things and it will amaze you!

[rebelmdb69]

Don't do a cai do a 6637 mod ( I think) it's a big a air filter and flows more than a cai. Then gauges and 4" turbo back exhaust followed by a DP tuner

[Sackett]

6.0 Tranny Cooler! If your tranny has never been touched in 195K miles, that will fail you within the next 75K miles.

TS performance chip with settings at 100 horse or less, towing, high idle and maybe one for vehicle "no start" as a added theft deterrent. The Mexicans LOVE to steal em, remove the back seats and ferry illegals through Texas since they "look" like work trucks and won't squat with 13 people packed inside.

[KactusKiller]

Thanks, what does an exhaust usually run? And how much for a tuner?

[jimmy o]

I personally have a super chip programmer on mine and I like what it has done for the power and fuel mileage, went from 16 to 22 on the hwy when driven right. The exaust I like strait pipe seems to let it breath better, if you want it to stay on the quieter side I heard people talk about the high performance muffflers magna flow. The intake I will tell you this stay away from the oil charged filters, the turbo will suck sand thru them and it will eat the turbo up.

[Walterbones]

Here is a good link for the tuner,exhaust and gauges. thttp://www.totaldieselperformance.com/
You could also look here for everything but the tuner. Might find a sale or better prices. http://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/