Diesel powered trucks have become more popular than ever. This has contributed to the growth in the demand for performance parts for these trucks. There are even a few 1-ton trucks ripping off 11 second quarter mile time! Tucson, AZ  resident Ron Whitton bought this 2001 F-250 Ford Super Duty in late 2000.  Right out of the gate he started modifying his ride. He added a 6" lift, Centerline custom wheels with 35" tires, a billet grill, 110 HP chip with propane injection. This was Ron's daily driver as well as the tow vehicle for his trailers. He did notice the turbo temperature gauge would swing high when he pulled his heaviest trailer. Ron took the truck back to the shop that installed the 110 HP chip, and it replaced with a  40 HP.  Air bags were also installed on the rear suspension.  The headlights were changed over to the 2002 style when they first appeared on newer Fords. A cowl induction style hood was installed shortly after a hail storm gave the stock hood a very unattractive golf bar texture look! The front end also features dual shocks, the door handles and mirrors were painted white for that monochromatic look. The current wheels are Weld's. They replaced the original Centerlines that kept cracking. While this was an oddity given Centerlines reputation of high quality, Ron was surprised when he received a full refund on the damaged wheels!

 

November 2004

Ron decided it was time for a new ride, so he purchased a 2005 F-350 Ford. Now he could continue working on the F-250 without worrying about having to use it on a constant basis, reliability and functionality were no longer of major concern. The first item that require attention was a badly slipping automatic transmission.  After some research, Ron decided to install a Suncoast Race Transmissions unit with a triple lock-up torque converter.

 

Heat being the number one killer of an automatic, a Mag-Hytec transmission pan replaced the stock tin piece.

 

 

The transmission came with a 1-year warranty with no horsepower limitations.  The only drawback was that the trucks 1-2 and 2-3 shift were so hard, it would chirp the tires!  Cool at first, but eventually it became annoying and would probably have some long term negative effects on transmission longevity.  They tweaked the transmission program a little and reduced the severity of the shift, but it will still chirp the 1-2 shift under hard acceleration!

Next, it was engine time!  Instead of pulling the turbo 7.3 diesel motor out of the truck and relegating the truck to the sideline, Scott at Bartling Enterprise had a suggestion. Scott had a complete 7.3 motor he had pulled out of another truck that ran, but the motor was tired.  So in December 2004, Ron loaded the engine into the back of his truck (subsequently turning the pallet into kindling) and headed to Larry's Speed & Marine. While we're so used to hearing about Larry building blown big block Chevy's and such, this was one of his first diesel endeavors.      

   

January 2005

Ah, that dreaded call from the machine shop nobody ever wants to get, your block is junk.  Larry called and reluctantly informed Ron the blocks cylinder bores were too worn to reuse. Nobody made a piston big enough to cover the requisite overbore. Ron and Scott got together to decide on their next course of action. The most logical step would have been to sideline the F-250 and pull that motor.  But then they asked, "What if that engine is also wore beyond repair?"  So, Ron bit the bullet and ordered a brand new bare block from Ford. Here's the block on it's way to Larry.      

     

Larry said, "They don't make a lot of aftermarket parts for the cylinder heads, no upgraded valves, springs or rocker arms."  So the heads will basically receive a good rebuild.  

 

 

The new connecting rods came in. These are some big beefy rods! For comparison, the rod on the left is from a 350 Chevy, the 7.3 diesel rod is on the right!
 

 

 

At this point Ron's just waiting on other parts to come in to complete the long block. We'll update this page as more is accomplished.

UPDATE!March 2005

Well, Larry and the guys have just completed assembling Ron's new diesel engine. It ought to be a real stump puller!

Here's the complete rotating assembly prior to installation in the new Ford supplied bare block.

 

 

 

It appears each cylinder has an oiler that taps into the lifter oil feed. No timing chain here, strictly heavy duty gear drive.

 

 

 

The short block is assembled. Four bolt mains and heads studs strengthen the assembly.

 

 

 

The rocker arms reminded me of the old Boss 429 set. just a bit thinner!

 

 

 

Bolt on the intake, timing cover and a few more parts and it's all ready to go back in the truck!