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Powerstroke engines have been around for a long while and they have served generations with the higher power they provide.
7.3 Powerstroke engines first appeared in 1994 in Ford vehicles. Since then, they have had many upgrades to meet the needs of people and standards set by the government.
Here's all you must know about these ultra-powerful engines.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 7.3 Powerstroke Upgrades
- OUR TOP PICK: SCT X4
- RUNNER-UP: Edge Evolution CTS3
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: S&B Filters 75-5062 Cold Air Intake
Comparison of the Best 7.3 Powerstroke Upgrades
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How Do Upgrades Help With Fuel Economy?
Fuel economy is something people are very conscious about at present. With the strain on natural resources, we have to be careful about our fuel economy. Upgrades for 7.3 Powerstrokes have helped in improving fuel economy over the years.
They don’t need any pre-burning of fuel when starting the engine, which leads to less fuel consumption. They also have more efficient burning of fuel, which results in a bigger boost with lesser fuel burn. The inlet mod and the exhaust have a better size ratio, which improves fuel economy, as well.
Why Are These The Best Upgrades?
The upgrades in 7.3 Powerstrokes are highly appreciated in the driver community. These are the best upgrades for the following reasons.
Noiseless Operation
What does a driver want from an engine? Greater power and noiseless operation, right? With a greater focus on power, usually, the noise of the engine remains ignored. These upgrades kept it in view to minimize the level of noise in the engine.
Street Fury
The best thing about these upgrades in 7.3 Powerstrokes is undeniably the performance enhancement. Your vehicle shoots across the roads at amazing speeds without burning too much fuel. There is also a negligible amount of visible smoke, which makes people appreciate these upgrades even more.
Fuel Economy
Improvement in fuel economy is definitely a huge plus that comes with these upgrades. There is a considerable increase in horsepower generation for the same amounts of fuel burned. This helps you save both money and time. What else could you wish for?
Versatile Tuning
Versatility in tuning is also a great change with these upgrades. You can customize your engine with all the features you want, as 7.3 Powerstrokes encourage tuning.
Review of the Best 7.3 Powerstroke Upgrades
Getting new upgrades for your 7.3 Power stroke can change the way you drive your vehicle. The increased power and better torque are worth investing some money into. So, if you are looking for some good upgrades, here is a complete review of some options to help you.
Best Overall:
SCT X4
PROS
CONS
What Other Powerstroke Owners Are Saying
The SCT X4 preset tunes vary from truck to truck; Some 7.3 Powerstroke owners have reported decent power gains, while others claim that their truck doesn't feel 'healthy' with the preset tunes. However, the tuner is exceptionally cheap, so you can purchase and flash custom tunes from any tuner you prefer. The device itself is easy to install and use, and it can track the most important parameters.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The SCT X4 is a cheap programmer that offers three preset tunes for the 7.3 Powerstroke that will boost your truck's horsepower and torque. If you desire more power, the SCT X4 can hold up to 10 custom tunes. The tuner allows you to adjust different parameters in a user-friendly way for the most optimal driving experience.
This simple tuner is easy to install and navigate through the customizable LCD screen. It also comes with built-in Wi-Fi for software updates.
Datalog and monitor crucial parameters of your 7.3 Powerstroke in real-time comfortably. If you notice any issues, the SCT X4 has the ability to return your truck to factory settings.
Bottom Line
The SCT X4 is a great tuner for the 7.3 Powerstroke owners on a budget. The preset tunes will boost your truck's performance, and if you want to push the Powerstroke to the limit, you have the option of purchasing custom tunes!
Runner-up:
Edge Evolution CTS3
PROS
CONS
What Other Powerstroke Owners Are Saying
Long term 7.3L Powerstroke owners claim that the Evolution CTS3 worked excellent ever since they bought it, and the tuner gave them no trouble. The performance gains aren't extraordinary, but the tunes do what Edge designed them to do very well. The tuner comes with a stylish monitor, so you won't have to purchase any additional equipment.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Edge Evolution CTS3 is an excellent all-around tuner that offers five performance tunes, each tune for a different situation. The tuner provides moderate power gains but a fantastic driving experience.
The sleek, high-resolution, touch-screen monitor will make your truck look stylish. The customization options are almost endless, and you can track many different parameters of your 7.3 Powerstroke. The menu is easy to navigate, and the monitor is sensitive to lighting.
The Edge Evolution CTS3 can read and clear trouble codes, set-up maintenance alerts, datalog, test 0-60 time, quarter-mile time, and measure horsepower.
Bottom Line
This jack of all trades tuner will transform your 7.3 Powerstroke into a beast. Racing, towing, or comfortable driving. Unless you’re looking for HUGE gains (you should look into custom tunes for this), you'll be happy with the performance gains the Edge Evolution CTS3 unlocks.
Best for the Money:
S&B Filters 75-5062 Cold Air Intake
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report t
People who bought it lately had good remarks to give on the whole. They had a pleasant time using it as it improved both the working of the engine and its life. They liked its eight-ply cotton layering too, which helps in cleaning the fuel.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The filter catches our attention with its increased efficiency and improved fuel economy. It increases the efficiency of your engine by 99.37%, and increases the joy of driving. There is also a lesser need for refueling with this filter in place, so we recommend it.
Who Will Use This Most
The filter is most suitable for people who live in areas where debris accumulation in the engine is very common. It has a multi-layer purification mechanism in it, which helps to prevent losses of fuel. With less leakage and lesser fuel wastage, you can enjoy greater mileage for the same amount of money.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is an amazing upgrade for 7.3 Powerstroke engines, as they have giant power. They need something strong enough to deal with all the work they do. So, you should go for this if you want to have better fuel economy and a pleasant driver experience.
4. Bosch 69136 Electric Fuel Pump
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers reported a great user experience with this fuel pump. They liked it for its noiseless operation the most, as it has a smoothly functioning noise suppression coil. This made driving easier, as it had less distractions in terms of noise and vibrations.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us with its Bosch impeller rings and premium carbon brushes. They ensure longer life of the fuel pump as the carbon parts do not undergo damage easily. We like the impeller rings a lot, as they balance the oil flow to make the engine safer.
Who Will Use This Most
This is most useful for those who have to travel long distances. The vapor lock reduction supports greater mileage of the engine. It is also suitable for people who have old vehicles and need better fuel flow in the engine.
Bottom Line
To sum up, this fuel pump is a sure way of increasing the flow of oil in the engine. It has properly-sized inlets and outlets for the fuel, which makes sure that the fuel consumption is moderate. So, make sure you get one to have better fuel regulation with this fuel pump.
5. TS PERFORMANCE Switchable 6-Position Chip
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers gave positive feedback about its usage, mostly due to its lightweight frame. The position chip has a compact and practical frame that the users liked a lot. They liked it also because it is easy to install and has no additional tools.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These position clips make it to the list of best upgrades, as they increase power when plugged in. It is easy to store when you are not using it, as you can easily attach and detach it. The positioning is also easy to configure, depending on the usage.
Who Will Use This Most
It is most useful for people who want an immediate boost in the performance of their old trucks. It brings about a sudden boost and surge of power, which is welcomed by all vehicle users. It improves the burning efficiency of diesel as well, so investing in it can help you in the long run.
Bottom Line
The bottom line on this one is that it has a simple body and very practical usage. The position clip has six configuration settings, making it ideal for people who have to drive a lot. The only downside is that it is not so good for heavy-duty usage, but that is not a big issue.
6. CNC FABRICATION High-Pressure Oil Pump Lines and HPX Kit 99-03
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers loved these HPOP lines for the way they work with hydraulic oil systems. They proved to be great when it came to dealing with all the pressure generated by oil in the engine. Buyers liked it for the extensive range of temperatures it can withstand, as well.
We like these HPOP lines for the torque maintenance and unrestricted oil flow. The diameter of the pipelines is 3/8," which is much greater than the usual ones. This leads to a better flow of oil and less resistance, leading to improved pressure.
Who Will Use This Most
Heavy-duty vehicle drivers will make the most out of these oil lines. Such vehicles usually have high pressures in their engines due to both oil and load. Thus, they need something to balance the hydraulic strain and pressure.
Bottom Line
To conclude, getting this CNC Fabrication HPOP Pipeline Set will improve the working and efficiency of your 7.3 Powerstroke engine remarkably. They will balance the pressure, along with evening out the load. So, you should buy one at the earliest to enjoy driving your heavy-duty vehicles.
7. DieselSite Billet Turbo Compressor Wicked Wheel
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The latest buyers came up with a mixture of responses regarding the usage of this wicked wheel. Some of them loved it for its lighter weight compared to other wicked wheels in the market, while some had issues with its threads. However, all of them agreed on its whistle strength.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It impresses us with its small, yet efficient frame, which helps users in keeping track of their engine’s functioning. The installation of the wheel is also quite easy and it has improved turbo boots and clamps. The shape of the wicked wheel is also well-suited for its functioning.
Who Will Use This Most
This is best-suited for those who want a fast spooling of the turbo. The wicked wheels spin so fast that it is hard to even track them. So, get this one if you feel like getting a better whistle for a lesser load.
Bottom Line
In our opinion, the DieselSite Billet Turbo Compressor Wicked Wheel is a nice upgrade for 7.3 Powerstroke engines with its whistling capability. It does not cost much either and its working is so good that it is irresistible.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
In order to buy the right upgrade for your 7.3 Powerstroke, you have to consider the following aspects to make it easier for you to choose the best mods.
Model of Vehicle
The year in which the vehicle was designed needs consideration when in search of an upgrade. Every model has its own specifications, which will affect the way it can be tuned. So, go through the list of features of your vehicle before getting an upgrade to make sure they are compatible.
Torque Required
The greater the torque, the better the functioning of your 7.3 Powerstroke engine. But this torque has definite limits, too. So, get the upgrades that increase torque, but watch out for the maximum limit, as well.
Horsepower Generation of Engine
Horsepower production of energy and the burning of fuel should also be on your list of priorities. They will affect the way your vehicle runs on the roads and how much you have to spend on the fuel.
Pricing
Your budget is a major factor that may affect your decision. You should get upgrades that enhance the performance most and cost the least.
Conclusion
All in all, these upgrades make 7.3 Powerstroke engines worth all the money you spend on them. They improve the functioning of even your old trucks by many degrees, and you will be happy after installing them. So, go ahead and get the upgrades your 7.3 Powerstroke needs to enjoy the optimal functioning of the engine.
