SCT tuning safely
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SCT tuning safely
Hello evryone, I am a long time reader of FTE and just today became a member. I have used this site as a resource for info and help many times over the years with my 7.3 but now have a 6.0 and am working out all the bugs. Its really a great truck and hasn't given me any troubles or left me stranded. But that being said, I am well aware of all the trouble points with this motor and how to make it million mile bullet proof. Its just a matter of time money and work to do so. My question is, if anyone out there is running an sct tuner on performance with stock head bolts? I have been running it on mine for about a month now and wondering if longevity wise, if the bolts are holding up for others and if this is safe for a non studded motor? I plan to do a stud and gasket change but do not have the time to do so right now. I never had to worry about this on the 7.3. But hey, that's life. They all break but its how well you maintain them.
FTE Legend
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From: Millersville, MD
Not recommended to run a PERFORMANCE tune on a non-studded 6.0...... however, I have heard of good results running a tune written for non-studded 6.0's. Just MY feeling but I would NOT even do that and expect it to last like you are talking!
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My apologies, I should be more specific in my setup. I am egr deleted and straight piped so im not as concerned with my egt's, and the performance tune I reference is the canned tune on the tuner. I guess my bigger concern is cylider pressure and if the performance canned tune is potent enough with its fueling and boost to generate enough pressure to lift a non studded head. I have read a lot that say its ok with canned and some say that its not...so I tried it for a bit and still haven't found any supporting thoughts but thank you for the thought!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
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From: Middleburg, FL
I wouldn't recommend the canned tunes either. I've been running Matt's (gearheadautomotiveperformance.com) SRL tune on a non-studded truck for about 25K miles with just over $125k miles on the odometer. This tune is supposed to be ok for non-studded trucks and I've had no issues thus far. However, I don't beat my truck and I only occasionally take it full throttle. I got the tune mainly to improve normal acceleration under part throttle. Keep in mind that even some trucks running the stock tune have blown the head gaskets. So with anything, it's caveat emptor.
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This matt seems to come up a lot in discussions about tuning. May have to give him a call then decide if I want to detune untill I stud or can get one written for non studded. Thanks for the help so far!
Fleet Owner
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From: Blue Hill Township
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FTE Legend
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From: Millersville, MD
Me thinks time, mileage and foot through the floor syndrome is a critical factor here.....
I have noticed tho, the more POWER you have, the more you use it.....
I have noticed tho, the more POWER you have, the more you use it.....
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Posting Guru
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From: Bradenton, FL
My apologies, I should be more specific in my setup. I am egr deleted and straight piped so im not as concerned with my egt's, and the performance tune I reference is the canned tune on the tuner. I guess my bigger concern is cylider pressure and if the performance canned tune is potent enough with its fueling and boost to generate enough pressure to lift a non studded head. I have read a lot that say its ok with canned and some say that its not...so I tried it for a bit and still haven't found any supporting thoughts but thank you for the thought!
Im not studded and I run gearhead tunes and I'm very happy with them, lots more power and fuel efficiency over stock. I get about 19 mpgs on the highway (running the SRL) with the 05 in my sig
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: AB,Can
Hello evryone, I am a long time reader of FTE and just today became a member. I have used this site as a resource for info and help many times over the years with my 7.3 but now have a 6.0 and am working out all the bugs. Its really a great truck and hasn't given me any troubles or left me stranded. But that being said, I am well aware of all the trouble points with this motor and how to make it million mile bullet proof. Its just a matter of time money and work to do so. My question is, if anyone out there is running an sct tuner on performance with stock head bolts? I have been running it on mine for about a month now and wondering if longevity wise, if the bolts are holding up for others and if this is safe for a non studded motor? I plan to do a stud and gasket change but do not have the time to do so right now. I never had to worry about this on the 7.3. But hey, that's life. They all break but its how well you maintain them.
FTE Legend
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From: Millersville, MD
My head gaskets/oil cooler/egr all went at about 45,000 miles - completely stock! But.... I did (and still do) use the truck mainly for towing my 30' 5th wheel. Have gone from east to west and north to south and back.... heads lifted on going up a hill on I-83 and not the grapevine in California..... I was lucky...had (and still do) the Ford ESP so was able to get it repaired rather cheaply. They offered to install studs so I paid a little extra. What I'm trying to say here is.... you don't NEED to drive the crap outta it to have it go bad..... it'll do well going bad all on it's own.
I have 2 summers on the studs and all is fine...... SO FAR!
I have 2 summers on the studs and all is fine...... SO FAR!
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Tucson area
I'd say go with Matt's tunes as well. I am running the SRL on a non studded engine, he also wrote 2 other tunes for towing, one with a 8K limitation on towing and another with a 13K (Unlimited) tow set up. Great service and products!
-Mark
-Mark
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Very sage advice everyone! There are so many variables that go into lifting heads due to failure of multiple components. What kills some is gravy for others. I appreciate all the thoughts on this though and think I will detune untill I get matt to write me one for non studded and one for after I get the time to delve into the canyon of an engine compartment and stud it. Not hard to do and well experienced in it but just simply do not have the time to do it. In other news, On the plus side I finally got my water in fuel problem solved! Damn plug rusted out and the sensor had red sludge all over it and corroded the pins. 58 dollars later, and another diesel bath all is well.
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