A Smartly Built 400-HP 7. 3L

Everybody has their own version of a hot rod diesel, but for Dylan Clark of Burleson, Texas, his had especially humble beginnings. Dylan wanted to prove that older trucks were just as capable as newer ones performance-wise, and could be built on a strict budget, so he picked up a $3,100 auctioned-off 1997 Ford work truck, and set about making it into a cool street cruiser.

Aesthetics

Dylan had his work cut out for him, however, as the truck had a headache rack, numerous tie-downs, and faded paint. After reading everything he could on detailing, he decided to tackle the job himself, and spent two straight days removing parts, and buffing up the paint. He also scored a set of Alcoa aluminum wheels for cheap on Craigslist, and polished them to a bright shine. Along with the help of a friend, Dylan also made his own set of traction bars out of parts purchased from a Tractor Supply store.

A $3100 auctioned-off 1997 Ford work truck.”

Power Parts

While looks are important, Dylan also wanted his F-250 to make enough power to keep up with the newer common-rail trucks, so he set about building a solid foundation. The 230,000-mile 7.3L engine was still in good shape, but he took it apart and installed a set of new head gaskets with ARP head studs, just to make sure that he wouldn’t run into problems in the future. At the same time, a set of shimmed Competition Cams 910 valve springs was added, along with Smith Brother’s pushrods.

The power-producing parts of the engine also were modified or changed, as eight clean-burning 238cc injectors with 80-percent nozzles were installed for more fuel, along with an Adrenaline High-Pressure Oil Pump (HPOP for short). In the valley of the engine, an Irate Diesel hard steel line kit replaced the factory fuel lines, and a Bean’s Diesel lift pump kit with a Walbro 392 pump ensured plenty of diesel was pulled from the fuel sump.

Airflow throughout the engine was upgraded as well, with exhaust manifolds and up-pipes off of a later-model Super Duty making their way onto the engine, along with a Garrett GT38R ball-bearing turbocharger. A later-model inter-cooler was also added to the Ford, along with custom-built piping to make it all work. With the final piece of the puzzle being a custom tune from Gearhead Tuning, Dylan’s engine was ready to rock and roll.

Getting The Power To The Ground

With twice the factory power, the Ford’s stock E4OD definitely was a weak link, so a mild rebuild was performed, and the clutches, drums and pump were replaced. The transmission also received a TransGo Shift Kit, as well as a Triple-Disc converter from Valair. The rest of the drivetrain remains mostly stock, save for an aftermarket differential cover, and welded-up 3.55 gears in the 10.25-inch rear end.

End Results

Without sinking too much dough into his Ford, Dylan now has a ride that gets 18 mpg combined during daily driving, and has run a best of 8.80 seconds at 78 mph at the local 1/8-mile track. Best of all, with a solid foundation, he can now up the power even more. As we speak, a transmission with a billet input shaft is getting built, and Dylan plans to upgrade the 7.3L with about an extra 100 rear-wheel horsepower thanks to a S468 turbo and some larger injectors. For someone whose goal is to prove that a budget 7.3L can still run with the newer trucks, we’d say he’s doing a pretty good job. UDBG

Dylan also wanted his F-250 to make enough power to keep up with the newer common-rail trucks.”

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BUDGET-BUILD FORD

STATISTICS
1997 Ford F-250

Engine: 7.3L Power Stroke

Transmission: Automatic E4OD (2WD)

Engine Modifications:

• ARP Head Studs w/new Gaskets
• Shimmed Competition Cams 910 Valve Springs
• Smith Brother’s Pushrods
• 238cc Injectors with 80-Percent Nozzles
• Adrenaline High-Pressure Oil Pump
• Irate Diesel Hard Steel Fuel Lines
• Bean’s Diesel Lift Pump Kit with a Walbro 392 Pump
• Bean’s Diesel Fuel Tank Sump
• Late-Model 7.3L Exhaust Manifolds and Up-Pipes
• Garrett GT38R Ball-Bearing Turbocharger
• Later-Model Super Duty Intercooler
• Custom Tune from Gearhead Tuning
• Transmission and Axle Modifications TransGo Shift Kit
• Valair Triple-Disc Torque Converter
• Mag-Hytec Differential Cover
• 10.25-inch Rear End with Welded 3:55 Gears
• Netted Performance
• 18 mpg Combined
• 8.80-seconds at 78 mph in the 1/8-mile
  

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