Decisions, decisions. Looking to trade up from a 99'. Am concerned about the 6.0's, the fuel sucking 6.4 doesn't have me thrilled, and I can't afford a 6.7.

I'm not interested in a major power tune, but what direction should a guy go to remove the dpf and get the neccesary software?

I sure wish ford still built the good ol 7.3.

 

You will have to get a DPF delete kit and the tuner. Best to get the sensors as well so you can just leave the old ones in the DPF. They will most likely break off anyway trying to remove them.

Spartan seems to be the most popular for dpf off options.

 

As stated, in several thread responses, that there are no fuel economy modes in tuners, and if you're not looking for "a major power tune", then why would you consider removing the DPF? The data are inconsistent--from my conclusions--regarding reliability and fuel consumption benefits and, when considered with the amortization of initial cost, how can conversion be justified? Now, the "fun" factor and "want" over "need" is a whole different story.

 

From what I've read, the dpf accounts for nearly 10% of fuel consumption. I figure you get rid of it, it can only help. I understand the Edge tuner has had good results with fuel consumption. I'm not interested in the power gains, I want the mileage.

I don't understand the whole power war that is going on with the big three. I can load a 20' stock trailer with cattle and run 75 MPH with my 7.3 and get 10 MPG while doing it. These new engines are making loads more power, and the fuel mileage is worse because of it. It takes fuel to make power. And besides the "fun factor" the extra power is useless; it doesn't matter if you can't stop the load you pull. If the engineers would concentrate on making mileage, there are plenty of aftermakets goodies for those that want 400hp. Since the trusty 7.3 fuel consumption has done nothing but go backwards. (Not that the Fed's aren't to blame for part of that) But you would think that there would be as much buyer interest in an effiecient powerplant as there is in a hot rod.

 

So let's go nuts here and say a 6.4l will average 15 MPG over 50,000 miles. Diesel in the my area is now running $3.01 to $3.14 per gallon, so let's say it averages $3.10 per gallon. For 50,000 miles (3,333.33 gallons) the truck will use $10,333.33 worth of fuel. If you save 10% that will be $1,033 dollars over 50,000 miles and twice that amount over 100K miles, $2,066. How much is the conversion and will you drive the truck long enough to break even? Am I missing something?

I couldn't agree with you more about engineers focusing on better mileage. I guess as long as we buy the trucks, the motivation for going in that direction is lost. But then, I couldn't help myself!

 

I don't believe you read THAT anywhere...Seriously. A typical regen uses 1 LITER (1 Quart for comparison purposes only) of fuel. Mine regens every 450-600 miles using an additive...If that equaled 10% of my mileage, I'd be in a regen every 20 miles or so. I get 20 on the highway, at 70mph...In COLORADO! I use an additive.

 

I don't think this is hijacking, the OP is after higher fuel mileage, so what axle ratio and fuel additive is getting your truck this amazing fuel efficiency?

 

I've had all three motors; first a 6.0, then a 7.3 because I was disgusted with the 6.0, then a 6.4 (aaaaaaaaaah) and now my 6.7. I got approximately 16 to 18 mpg (avg) on my 6.0 while my 6.4 got 2 mpg. OK, not really; 13 to 14 mpg. My mileage numbers were hand calculated and mostly highway miles (80% without a trailer, 20% with a 8K trailer) They were both stock. Because I was a chicken and didn't want to void my warranty, I did no mods but if I had kept the 6.4, the dpf was going. When my truck went through regen, my truck sucked, literally. It's not that the engineers aren't focused on better gas mileage but rather they're stuck trying to fulfill the EPA's latest demands and hence, our trucks don't operate the same way. If you're looking for mileage, from my experience, the 6.0 does better and you can mod it pretty easy and since it probably won't be under warranty, if you tune it (Spartan), you won't have any warranty worries. I'm a Diesel Power Mag reader, so I would look up some of their articles (Diesel Engines, Performance Parts, Biodiesel Trucks, & Cars - Diesel Power Magazine) on mod-ing the 6.0 (and they have lots of it) and it will give you some ideas as to what to do (DPF delete, aftermarket intakes/exhaust) and what those mods will gain you. The later 6.0's had a lot of the injector problems fixed so I would look for a low mileage 06/07 6.0. There are a few techs on this site who are adamant about not buying a 6.4 so you can take that for what it's worth as well. And that's my 49 cents.

 

6.0 will also require head studs.

I must have the rare 6.4. mine does great.

 

Agreed on the new head studs as they were prone to fail. I loved my 08 but it was the most frustrating truck that I owned (between the unreliable performance to the poor milage) so I guess I'm biased on that account. When I went searching for my new truck, I spoke with some techs and the 6.4 seems to have it's detractors, that's for sure but that shouldn't discount the guys with the good ones out there. We have to remember how bad the first 6.0's were too but then again, a lot of guys had great luck with that truck as well. Research, research. But for mileage, the 6.0 did better than the 6.4 in my experience.

 

2addy, what kind of mileage are you getting with the 6.7? My dad has an 02 that he wants to trade off and is still debating on a new 6.4 or a 6.7

 

What are the issues with the 6.4? Honestly, other than eating radiators I haven't heard (read) of much issue from the engine itself. I agree the mileage sucks but unfortunately for us I think EPA/mileage issues are a learning process that we as consumers end up having to deal with.

Anyway, back to issues. What are they?

 

Real issues with the 6.4 are not many, radiators, which as pretty well died down not, how to work with and live with the emissions stuff, making oil because the newer diesels are more of a hwy motor so the old way of using it is gone.

EGR valves have been a problem but that too is rare and has more to do with city driving which you should try to avoid with a modern diesel.

 

Right now, only 16-18 average, hand calculated. A lot of guys are reporting 18+ but I'm on winter blend and well, my foot has an issue with the go pedal. There is no comparison between the two for me, 6.7 all the way.

 

I'm the poster boy for what can wrong with the 6.4 so I am biased, no doubt. But that's how we form our opinions, from experience. Let's just say over $25k in warranty claims.