Im looking at this 89 non intercooled and wondering what can be done to this motor cheap. I've read some post about turning a fuel pressure screw...maybe. But how much can you crank on the fuel pressure with it being non intercooled??? What about the egts? I guess I'm asking, if the first thing I need to do is fine an intercooler? With a 160 hp rating, these things are pretty conservative, considering is the same basic block as my 05.

 

First thing is get gauges to see whats going on. Once you can monitor the EGTs then start turning the fuel screw in and add some power. Diesel Power mag got 70HP and 90-something lbs of torque just turning the screw in. You can get a new fuel pin from a few members on here for about $100, I got the DennyT Stage II pin and that nets a few more horsepower, not sure exact figures but its worth the price. Intercooler should be added eventually, there are a few write ups in the sticky thread.

Obviously, there are injectors but they aren't exactly cheap.

 

A smaller exhaust housing and compressor upgrade are also good choices.

 

I'd buy egt and boost gauges, buy a cheapo air filter, and change the exhaust to a 4-inch, crank up the fuel screw, and install a DennyT pin. For a little over $800, you'll have a truck that hauls butt compared to the stock version.