i know you want a different option then the 38r but have you thought of the new billet compressor wheel for the 38r? it lights fast as hell... quiets it down and is by far cheaper then buying a different turbo and mount.
live life full throttle
Very, very good point. If I weren't going a different route, I'd have one of those new wheels in a New York minute.
just exploring my options here
Lincoln has a very good point, budget wise. If you're going less than all out and want reliable, the new 38R wheel would be the best option, hands down, in your case. 7.3's are as hard on the pocketbook as they are your patience. So many things have to be upgraded and there is so much trial and error it becomes very nerve wracking for a guy with a DD. The higher the horsepower, the bigger and more numerous the headaches. Bellowed up pipes and the new wheel in the 38R will give you plenty of RWHP and minimal headaches. I've been running the 38R for 4 years and over 500 RWHP for 3 years. It's been a solid turbo, but with the original wheel, it's obnoxiously loud.
If I could go back in time 3 years, I'd have the 467(8) with Irates mount. That seems like a helluva setup with 250+/200+ injectors. Think about your ultimate power goals very hard. I would ask myself if it would be cheaper to upgrade to X turbo in the future or Y injector. You can usually tune for a larger injector but you can't make an injector move enough fuel to light a turbo.
If you're dead sure you're going to keep the motor close to stock, put the new 38R wheel in. If you think you will want to grow over 500+, you need to seriously upgrade a whole butt ton of Shiite, so plan accordingly. The turbo(s) will still likely be the last upgrade, so consider adding the new wheel now, budget allowing, or run the stock wheel (good for 500+) and save up for the new turbo system after all the supporting mods are complete.
Budget and high horsepower are virtually mutually exclusive terms. Throw in reliability and you get oxymoronic. High horsepower and reliability= LOL
Be prepared for headaches and heartbreak.
A reliable, high horsepower DD= :cursing::wtf:
ointlaugh::fustrate:
