I just bought a 86 F250 6.9 diesel and it is a great truck, but it is pretty gutless. Are there certain mods that can be made in order to boost up its performance? It gets pretty good mileage, so I am not complaining (better than my 98 Stratus!) Thanks in advance for your feedback!

There are mods you can do to the truck that will improve performance.

The problem with that is when you look at a diesel that is that old, it's response to the mods could leave you worse off then you were when you got the thing. Not to mention getting the kind of parts that will work with that engine...

Hmmm... i'd suggest a new intake/exhaust + turbocharger kit to begin with. The best place to inquire about something like that would be at a local performance shop/truck shop. Call some places like that in your area or close to your area and see what thoughts they have about this application.

That's my 2 cents to start with, see where that takes you.

Diesels are for Tq, not HP. If you want power, a 6.9L is a bad place to start.

Diesels are for Tq, not HP. If you want power, a 6.9L is a bad place to start.


Umm, torque is what turns the wheels :screwy: .

I have a truck with the 7.3 non-turbo diesel, and I too want to soup it up. When I get the cash, here's what I plan to do:

1. A turbo kit. The Banks kit is advertised to be good for I think 264 rear-wheel hp.

2. An intercooler.

3. Maybe later, propane injection.

Umm, torque is what turns the wheels :screwy: .

Um, do you know anything about Tq and Hp?

Did you know Hp is not *measured*, but calculated from Tq at a given RPM, and with steady Tq, the Hp will continue to increase.

Hp = (Tq x RPM)/5250

Tq is a measure of FORCE (twisting actually), Hp is a measure of WORK.

You can have Tq, with ZERO Hp. If you don't move it, you have zero Hp by definition (Work = Force x distance).

The 7.3L, while fundamentally the same engine as the 6.9L, only larger, is a FAR better engine to add power to. The heads are better, the head gaskets are better, as are the head bolts. The cylinder walls are a little thicker, as a re the blocks in general. The 6.9Ls are known to crack, for no apparent reason other than being too thin, and leak water.

While Banks does make some good stuff, the power even turboed is not what I'd call impressive. Then again, I'm used to Power Strokes.

I'm a diesel mechanic. there are several things that you can do. get a k'n filter to start with this will add a couple of horse power. as far as putting a turbo on it there are several things you need to do you can't just bolt it on it will burn it up. you might need to put in bigger injectors and in some cases you need to put lower compresson pistons in other wise you could blow the head off of the engine. another idea is a propane injection kit or nitro. they both work good and you get it at a touch of a button but then again you could blow it up. my best advise would just leave it be. you 'll probly be better off