You asked, we answered. We’ll be answering a few subscriber asked questions about their trucks, every week. Check them out, some might apply to you as well! This week however, we got asked several turbo related questions, so we’re going to pack them all into one article. 

James as well as many others, asked: “How do I get better performance and reliability from my factor turbo in my 2001 7.3?”

Riffraff Answers: For the 7.3L Super Duty trucks, the factory installed Garret GTP38 turbo maxes out around 300-330 hp at the wheels. Most of the mods are done to remedy little issues. Once fixed they do add performance and reliability, but not so much in added horsepower. They do add overall power, but the biggest gain is in the better and more consistent application of it.

First, the wastegate. It’s not strong enough to stay shut with elevated boost levels achieved from just tuning, and sometimes even stock boost levels. You’ll hear a hiss when under heavy load, coming from the turbo. This could be a consistent hiss, or one that comes and goes. It would be accompanied by a loss of power. The fix is a stronger wastegate actuator more capable of holding the wastegate shut. Several do exist, here’s our favorite. It’s a simple bolt on piece. LINK: https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/turbosmart-performance-wastegate-actuator-99-5-03/

Second, the compressor wheel. In 2000, Ford swapped out compressor wheels based on complaints that the prior one was too loud. Well, the new one was quieter, but it came with significant compressor surge. Surging will sound like chirping or fluttering from the turbo and it hurts performance. The fix is with a new compressor wheel. Early on, most swapped in the older wheel, or ones very closely designed to it. These fixed surge only (for the most part at least). As technology advanced we’ve been able to design billet compressor wheels that fix surge, but also increase performance beyond the old design. These wheels spool quicker and provide more flow (boost), often up to 7psi more, on top of eliminating surge.  Check them out here: https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/riffraff-diesel-billet-compressor-wheel-94-03/

Third, the EBPV. The EBPV is a back pressure valve installed in the exhaust that was added to speed up engine warm-up. When it works, there’s really no reason to get rid of it. Sure you’ll get a little more flow out the exhaust, but it's minimal. The real reason to replace the part is because it fails and leaks oil into the valley of the engine, causing many to think they have a rear main leak. Getting rid of it can be done in two ways: drilling out the butterfly and removing the valve, and then plugging it with a freeze plug. Or, just swap out the turbo pedestal and turbo outlet. It’s significantly less work, and a more reliable way of removing it. You can find the non-EBPV pedestal here:  https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/turbo-pedestal/ And the non-EBPV turbo outlet here: https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/riffraff-diesel-gtp38-high-flow-outlet/

Those will be the biggest bang for your buck items. However, there are a few other things that can be done.

Compressor and turbine housings can be changed to speed up spooling and offer a little more flow and/or more low RPM power.  There are fully balanced assemblies and rebuild kits that can be swapped in, and so much more. You can see all those here: https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/turbo-related-99-03/

At a certain point however it’ll make more sense to just upgrade the whole turbo. You can get 500+ horsepower from a full bolt in turbo that’s somewhat designed off the original GTP38. Post 500-525 hp, you’d need to go with a more custom T4 mounting system. All our turbo options can be found here:  https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/turbos/

***Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. We share our knowledge and experience, but we are not liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may occur as a result of using this information. Situations are rarely cut and dry in the automotive world. Your situation will likely be somewhat different than what we describe here.  Use your best judgment and always consult a qualified professional for automotive repairs and modifications. Your safety is your responsibility.