Best Turbos For 7.3 Powerstroke – 2021 Ultimate Review

| Last Updated: December 25, 2021

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The Ford 7.3L Powerstroke engine is renowned for its reliability and durability. However, these engines are more than 15 years old and have covered a lot of miles. Therefore, it is expected to see a few bills here and there.

One of the most popular repairs carried out by Powerstroke owners is a turbo replacement.

These replacements lower the EGTs, increase fuel economy, provide better throttle response, deliver more boost, and help decrease turbo lag.

Comparison of the Best Turbos For 7.3 Powerstroke

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Compatible with all models manufactured in late 1999 through 2003
  • High-speed compressor wheel ensures precision balance, stability, and reduced noise
  • Quality construction and excellent performance available at very economical prices make this product best for the money
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  • Highly capable turbo that will serve you a long time
  • Modified to fit into a drop-in ready high duty turbo effortlessly
  • Innovative technology and ergonomic design makes it the best overall product
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  • Adjustable vent adds convenience and durability
  • High-quality products that boost power to the engine
  • Comfortably fits trucks manufactured from 1999 to 2003
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  • Provides unbeatable performance and durability at elevated boost levels
  • Ported shroud housing for improved surge control and compressor flow range
  • Boosts an 88mm compressor wheel that provides better flow than the stock turbo
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What Size of Turbo Do I Need?

Many considerations should be taken into account when calculating the size of the turbo suitable for your needs. You should take the specifications of your engine into account, in addition to the intended use of the engine. The most vital thing is to have a realistic mindset. For example, if you are turbocharging an engine rated at 200hp, it would be unrealistic to assume that it can produce 600hp. A 50-percent increase, on the other hand, is more realistic and will provide more satisfactory results.   

Another consideration is to keep your target horsepower in mind when choosing an appropriate turbocharger. Moreover, the intended use and application are also significant. For instance, a Bonneville car that is running for long straights will give more importance to horsepower at higher engine speeds. On the other hand, Indy cars continuously adjust the turbo according to the track length because a perfect match is essential for optimizing flow according to vehicle speeds and the specific engine.  

Why Did These Turbos Make Our List?

All the turbos on our list have been chosen keeping in mind the following considerations:

Brand

The market is flooded with various turbos manufactured by different companies. This can make choosing the right turbo for your 7.3L Powerstroke quite complicated. However, there are some well-known brands that specialize in the art of turbocharging. We recommend that you choose a brand that has a good standing in the market, as this will not only help you get a good-quality product but will also ensure satisfactory customer service.

Power

Before spending your hard-earned cash on a turbo, sit down and determine the kind of power you want for your engine and if it is a realistic figure? Also, keep in mind the kind of driving you will be doing, as this will help you find the correct range of power for your engine.

Budget

Different turbos come with different price ranges. Keep your budget in mind while choosing a product to ensure that you get the right turbo.

Review of the Best Turbos For 7.3 Powerstroke

Choosing the best turbo for your Powerstroke is a serious consideration. It requires detailed research and careful scrutiny to ensure that you get the best match. The following reviews will help you find the best turbo for your 7.3L Powerstroke:

Best Overall: 
New Stigan Turbo Turbocharger

PROS

  • Fast and hassle-free installation makes it simple to use
  • Designed and tested to optimize durability and performance
  • Professional-grade construction ensure trouble-free ownership
  • Two-year warranty assures buyers of its unparalleled performance
  • Does not require any modification, as it is an exact replacement for the original turbo

PROS

  • Bolts that hold the turbo together are not of good quality

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers like this product a lot as it winds up fast and provides better mileage. They have not encountered any trouble in installation, which has made them completely satisfied with this product. Some buyers have felt that their trucks run like new, and they recommend it for truck owners who want to boost power and improve fuel mileage.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Stigan 847-1013 Turbochargers are the epitome of efficiency, durability, and performance. They are a perfect drop-in replacement for the OEM turbo. The best thing about this turbocharger is that it is manufactured with brand new components and nothing has been remanufactured. We are also impressed with the professional construction and ease of installation of this product.

Who Will Use This Most

Stigan 847-1013 is designed for people who are looking for a quality turbo that is built to last. It is perfect for vehicle owners who have Powerstroke badges on their doors. Thus, this turbo is suitable for people who own models manufactured in late 1999 through 2003. Its easy installation is another great feature that makes it ideal for many users.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a turbocharger that is tested by the manufacturer in a state-of-the-art, ISO-certified factory, and is CARB-approved with legal emissions in 50 states, then the New Stigan Turbo Turbocharger is perfect for you. With this product, you also get a two-year warranty, which helps provide complete peace of mind regarding its performance.   

Runner-up: 
KC300X 63/70 - 7.3 POWERSTROKE

PROS

  • Upgraded thrust bearing and billet compressor wheel
  • Long-life product which provides great value for money
  • Increases the efficiency of your truck’s engine by tenfold
  • Complete turbocharger that features unbeatable performance
  • 1.0 A/R housing ensures lower EGTS while the .84 A/R housing boasts quicker spool up

PROS

  • Not compatible with recent models

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers couldn’t be happier with this product, as it boosts a 36 PSI, spools faster, runs cleaner up top and provides more power. Buyers have used the KC turbo with upgraded injectors to put together an amazing towing set-up. They highly recommend this turbo for the 7.3 Powerstroke and assure potential buyers that they will not be disappointed.

Why it Stands Out to Us

All the other 7.3 drop-in turbos available in the market only change billet wheels and ignore the turbine side. On the other hand, the KC300x is designed with larger, higher flowing turbine wheels, thus providing cooler EGTS, better spool up, and more power throughout the whole powerband.

Who Will Use This Most

The KC300x is very useful for trucks, OBS, and other similar vehicle owners, as it helps boost the engine's power and increase their towing capability. This product gives trucks quicker spools while keeping the EGTS down, thus making it suitable for those who want to improve the performance of their vehicle.

Bottom Line

The KC300x 63/70 is a great turbo that raises boost pressure and eliminates turbo lag. It improves the performance of your Powerstroke and makes it run like never before. This product is perfect for an engine with high miles, as it provides the needed power at a much lower RPM.

Best for the Money:
XS-Power 99-03 Ford Turbo Diesel 7.3L

PROS

  • Affordable price able to fit all budgets
  • Able to hold stable boost even at 4500 RPMs
  • Increases power and improves fuel efficiency
  • Amazing customer service helps boost customer satisfaction
  • Perfect gift for friends or family members who want to increase engine power

PROS

  • Assembly is not up to par

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are highly satisfied with this amazing product, as it works fabulously and has helped all users restore power and fuel efficiency to their trucks. They were also very happy with the outstanding customer service provided by the company. Overall, they found this product to be a sound investment.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We have found the XS-Power 99-03 Ford Turbo Diesel 7.3L to be a durable and user-friendly product. Its excellent performance ensures more power for the users, which we find to be a desirable trait in a good-quality turbo. Moreover, we are also impressed with its prompt delivery and excellent customer service.

Who Will Use This Most

This product is for people who own a Ford truck model made in years 1999 to 2003. Moreover, it is an easy way to increase fuel efficiency and engine performance that increases its universality. Thus, it is a suitable product for many people who want a good quality turbo for their Ford trucks.

Bottom Line

The XS-Power 99-03 Ford Turbo Diesel 7.3L is an amazing product with many features that make it easy to use. If you want a powerful turbocharger for your truck or as a gift for your friend, then this turbo is for you. It is an exact replacement for OE turbo, thus making it a hassle-free product.

4. Garrett Powermax GTP38R Ballbearing Turbocharger

PROS

  • More robust wastegate holds more boost for longer
  • Dual ball bearing technology provides incredible power
  • Fastest spool-up and lowest EGT compared to other turbos available
  • 1.0 A/R turbine housing reduces back pressure and enables free flowing exhaust
  • One-year warranty assures the user about this product’s quality and performance

PROS

  • Some people may find its sound offensive

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are so happy with this product that they claim that it is the best modification for their PowerStroke. They claim that they have not faced any issues with its installation. The unbelievable power of this turbo is also appreciated by many users. It provides amazing power, less smoke, better high and mid-range power, and sounds like a jet engine.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Lower EGTs and considerable torque increase are two of the many features of this Powermax Ball Bearing Turbocharger that really stand out to us. It is a great replacement unit that easily mounts the factory pedestal. This exclusive ball bearing cartridge from Garret guarantees durability and efficiency for your 7.3 Powerstroke.

Who Will Use This Most

This turbo is recommended for anybody who is looking for a high-quality turbocharger and does not want to risk any costly OEM turbo failure. It is ideal for young people who are constantly pressing the accelerator. People with models belonging to late 1999 to 2003 will find this turbo most useful.

Bottom Line

The Garret Powermax GTP38R Ball Bearing Turbocharger is one of the best drop-in performance turbochargers available. Featuring an 88mm compressor wheel and a ball bearing cartridge enhances the performance of your 7.3L Powerstroke. It provides instant throttle response, thus ensuring improved overall boost and superb driving conditions with a considerable increase in overall power.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Adding a Turbo to Your 7.3 Powerstroke

Here are the main advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

Turbo upgrades are very popular with diesel owners because of the following advantages:

Engine Becomes More Efficient

A turbocharger helps small engines produce more power. They utilize the engine’s hot air to spin the compressor wheel and draw in the outside air ,thus reducing the waste amount produced. This makes turbocharged engines more efficient.

Fuel Efficiency

Turbocharged engines use less gas, which makes them more fuel-efficient. This, in turn, makes them environment-friendly.

Horsepower

With a turbocharger, you can enjoy more horsepower, reduced exhaust gas temperatures, and run higher boost pressure.

Disadvantages

Turbochargers have the following disadvantages also:  

Higher Repair Costs

Turbocharged engines have more components and are more complicated than a non-turbocharged engine. Although these engines are fairly reliable, their complicated design can cause the repair costs to increase considerably in case of a collision or if you experience some problems. Also, a turbocharger can put some components under considerable stress, which could reduce engine life.

Conclusion

A turbocharger provides more torque and enables the engine to respond better, which can make your vehicle more responsive. This, in turn, makes driving more fun and adventurous. We hope you will find the best turbo for your 7.3L Powerstroke from the above reviews so you can also enjoy the increased power to your engine.

People Also Ask

Before investing in a turbocharger, people like to research the products thoroughly. In addition, they also want to find answers to the following questions:

How Do I Know if My 7.3 Turbo is Bad?

There are many obvious signs that indicate the failure of the turbocharger. The first sign is a lack of power, and you may find that your car is not able to accelerate quickly. You will also see an engine light on the dashboard, alerting you to turbo failure. Your car will release excessive amounts of exhaust fumes and may make a loud whirring noise.   

What Happens When the Turbo Goes on a Diesel?

When the turbo goes on diesel, it causes an increase in the power output, lowers emission levels, and improves the efficiency of the engine.

Can a Turbo Engine Run Without the Turbo?

The turbocharger is driven by the exhaust fumes of the engine. This turbine device helps boost the pressure of incoming air into the engine, thus ensuring higher power output and improved engine efficiency. In case the turbocharger stops functioning, your vehicle will keep running, but it will perform poorly.

Sean comes from the forums actually and drives an OBS Ford. He writes fantastic DIYs and knows his way around a camera, too. We keep him caffeinated and away from DPF filters to avoid another rant about recent emissions restrictions.