If you’re an Early ’99 7.3-liter Power Stroke owner, you know the feeling of being left out when new parts drop. Well, KC Turbos just put an end to that wait by finally releasing the new Gen 3 KC300x Turbo for the E99 platform, with options for OBS trucks coming soon. They didn’t just drop a press release; they took everyone for a ride in the exact truck that helped them develop it.
Real-World Testing with the Prototype
The guinea pig for this whole project was a well-used E99 Ford belonging to their own guy, Jake. He had been running a one-of-a-kind prototype of the Stage 2 turbo on his daily driver, paired with a pretty standard set of 205/30 injectors and a Stage 1 HPOP. This wasn’t some clean-room test; this was real-world abuse on the street and highway, which resulted in a solid 506 horsepower on the dyno.
Jake’s Verdict on the Gen 3 KC300x Turbo
So, how does it run? Jake’s first reaction was simple and to the point: “Yeah, it’s freaking good. Like it’s awesome.” He talked about how responsive it is, making 20 pounds of boost with just a light touch of the throttle. The real proof for a work truck, though, came from its performance under load. Jake bragged that the truck had no problem maintaining 75 mph up a 7% grade, a number that will get the attention of anyone who tows.
A Night and Day Difference
For anyone familiar with KC’s older turbos, Jake made the improvement crystal clear. “But comparing the two is night and day,” he said. He confirmed the new Gen 3 Stage 2 even spools faster and has better drivability than the old Gen 2 Stage 1. This means the new Gen 3 KC300x Turbo is a massive improvement in every way, not just at wide-open throttle.
Waking Up The Old 7.3L V8
The whole project is a great reminder of why people love these old 7.3-liter V8s. As Jake put it, driving a stock one is unbearable in today’s times, but you don’t need a new truck to have fun. This new turbo from KC Turbos is all about waking up that legendary V8, giving E99 owners a modern, drop-in solution to make their old dinosaurs fast, fun, and more capable.
