This segment of our Power Stroke power recipes consists of ways to safely upgrade the 6.0L mill. Like our 7.3L power recipes offered in last month's issue, we've compiled some bang-for-the-buck-type power recipes to help your 6.0L make horsepower gains-without sacrificing longevity or reliability. Also coinciding with last month's suggestions, our power-adders don't include the cost of labor you might have to pay should you prefer a shop perform the modifications (with the exception of head studs). Stay tuned for 6.4L Power Stroke power recipes next month, followed by Cummins and Duramax suggestions in future issues.
 It's important to remember...  It's important to remember that while we've scoured the aftermarket to find you the best prices, better deals may still be possible. The power recipe here is our recommendation for keeping your truck as reliable as it is powerful. Each budget transitions into the next one--so you can upgrade further as your performance funds allow. |  A lot of options exist for...  A lot of options exist for deleting your 6.0L's exhaust gas recirculation system. There are EGR valve plugs, block-off plates, and EGR cooler bypass kits, but we recommend going all out and investing in a complete off-road EGR delete kit. The most common failures with these engines are EGR related, and due to coolant flash, can even cause cylinder head warpage, which leads to blown head gaskets--so taking a well-known problem out of the equation is a good investment. It should be noted that on '05-and-newer Super Dutys, custom tunes will be needed to eliminate a check engine light from coming on after this type of install. |  We can't tell you how many...  We can't tell you how many times we've seen Super Duty cabs hovering above their frames, awaiting head studs. Our advice: don't wait until it's too late! If you plan to push serious power levels with your 6.0L, the factory head bolts (and EGR) have to be addressed sooner or later. And, unless you have a vehicle lift handy, dropping the cash to have studs installed may be the only option. According to Diesel Tech in San Jacinto, California, 20 to 22 hours of labor are involved in installing head studs. Our labor estimate is not a definite amount but should be in the ballpark of most reasonable diesel shops. |
 Some of the most popular tuners...  Some of the most popular tuners in the 6.0L circle are from Innovative Diesel or Elite Diesel. Their custom tunes allow an owner to have the best electronic performance money can buy, but also a tune that won't destroy an engine or a transmission. They accomplish this by uploading custom tunes via an SCT X3 programmer. With their custom tuning, more than 420 hp at the wheels can be had on stock 6.0L engines. |  One of the biggest performance...  One of the biggest performance barriers for the 6.0L Power Stroke is its complex injector design. The 6.0L's second-generation HEUI system uses high-pressure oil to increase the fuel pressure at each injector, which are then fired electronically. In order to get more fuel out of the injectors, aftermarket companies (Elite Diesel Engineering's Stage 2, 185cc injector is shown) have to modify the injector tips as well as the internal plungers and spool valves to keep the hydraulic side of the fuel system happy. The hydraulic system (which uses pressurized motor oil from the engine's crankcase) is so critical to the 6.0L's performance and longevity that Elite Diesel Engineering provides a longer warranty on its injectors if customers also install a bypass oil filtration system at the same time. | |