I wrote a reputable business in Las Cruces, NM for a suggestion and estimate. I have a 2006 F250 6.0 with 105,000 on it. I also had a semi-bulletproof EGR cooler installed after it and the oil cooler failed. Other than that no mods or tunes. I'm looking to increase the fuel economy and also extend the life. Not looking for major HP. It tows my car hauler, 17klbs loaded, occasionally. Other than that it's my daily driver. I need to get at least four more years out of it. So here is the response to my inquiry:

A 4" Turbo Back Exhaust will definitely help in economy and really help that truck breathe. Also an aftermarket Air Intake will also help you out alot. The intake will give you incrased air flow to your motor will still providing really high protection levels. Tuning is the other biggest factor for 6.0s. They love the tuning and thats where the biggest difference is made. Id recommend an EGR Delete, so that you eliminate the notorious failing cooler but you already have the semi-bulletproof one so that will just fine. Only other benefit you will receive from an egr delete is eliminating that restrictive up pipe and replacing it with a straight one therefor your turbo receives as much exhaust flow giving you quicker spool up and better efficiency. Also by deleting the egr system you eliminate the recirculation of your exhaust back into your motor so therefor your motor will not be intaking anymore soot and prevent your intake manifold, runners, and valves from getting caked in soot slowly lowering the longevity of your cylinder heads. Many of my 6.0 customers are running the products I just told you about and are getting an average of 18mpg. I cant promise an exact mile per gallon increase for your truck since every truck does react different and it does go down to driver habits but I can definitely assure you of an economy gain. The exhaust for a 4" Turbo back setup from Diamond Eye Exhausts runs for $269.99. This system is a full aluminized mandrel bent exhaust. The intakes we recommend are from S&B. These intakes also run for $269.99. This intake offer its scoop to the front, a life time oiled filter. Ths intake offers 38.4% more airflow compared to the stock intake while still filtering out 99.17% of all particulates. The tuning we have seen the most succesful for these trucks is from SCT. SCT's X3 Tuner runs for $379.00. SCT is going to offer you four tunes. Tow (50hp) Agresive Tow (65hp) Street (100hp) and Performance (120hp). This tuner will also tune transmission, recalibreate speedo, read dtcs, delete egr, and much more. EGR Deletes are from Sinister Diesel and run for $329.99.

I know people that have gotten work done by them, so the business is sound. What do you think? Good or bad options?

Thanks.

 

From my perspective the only things in that response that is worth doing is the SCT tuner and exhaust, the aftermarket intake filter is a terrible idea and a waste of money, the stock air filter is far superior and is more than sufficient for your truck. I think your money would be better spent getting some good gauges to keep an eye on things.

Some good things to do for your truck that I didn't see mentioned in their reply, is with it being an 06 they are known for HPO leaks at the standpipes, dummy plugs and STC fitting on the HPOP. The EGR coolers are another weak point in the later model trucks but it looks like you have already addressed that.

Another couple of items that could use some attention is the charging system and the FICM. An excellent upgrade for your truck would be a DC power alternator and take your FICM and send it to Ed at FICMrepair.com and have it gone through.

1. Gauges, scan gauge II, Edge insight or one of the smartphone apps dashboss for IOS or torque for android.
2. Standpipes, dummy plugs and STC fitting on the HPOP
3. EGT temp probe to make sure you're not getting things too hot and causing damage while towing, and 4" turbo back exhaust
4.Charging system upgrade and have your FICM tuned up by Ed
5. SCT tuner

 

Mustang gave you great advice and I would add:

No aftermarket intake needed AND the SCT will NOT recalibrate the speedometer. I would, however, recommend getting the SCT from Matt at gearhead performance. Price is competitive and the custom tunes are MUCH better than the canned SCT tunes. Shop for a cheaper EGR delete if you really think you need one. Lots of folks don't.

 

Awesome response from you both. I read up on the FICM, I think that is for sure. I have more to read up on. scanguage II is already on the way. Exaust is a go. No intake, got it. Speedo was recallibrated by a Ford tech for the 35" tires, and I don't see anyone recommending gear changes so it's good now, shouldn't change right?

So, read up on 'charging system, SCT tuner, gearhead performance, dummy plugs, standpipes? and STC fitting on the HPOP.' Sounds expensive.

I had a bad HPOP once, and it was replaced under warranty. It would not start when it was hot. Only one hot no start since then. Also expensive.

I've had intermittant EGR valve codes that caused the check engine light come on and off. Replaced it once. Only one light since replacing it. So I don't know if that is an indication that I should lean toward the EGR delete. That is major surgery. the semi-bulletproof system cost a bunch to add that as a fix.

This truck isn't just my DD, but my ONLY D, until I get my old '60 F100 finished. (it's close). Any suggestions up here that I could do myself, in say, one days work? I will borrow a vehicle when I drop it at the shop.

 

Standpipes and dummy plugs you can do one side at a time. It will take an unexperienced person about 4 hours each side the first time. STC fitting is a day plus for no experience as you'll have to take turbo off but you can do it without removing the intake.

 

looking to save on fuel imo is a complete and total waste of time on a truck that hits the scaes at 8,000 psi. you may get lucky and pick up 1 mpg.

 

At THAT pressure, I'd be running for cover!!!

 

SCT will NOT recalibrate the speedometer? Is that why when I go through the menu on the device and change the number of revs for my tires, I still can't get my speedo right? Looks like they would leave that out of the menu if it won't work in the first place.

 

grrrr. ment lbs, for you guys up north i have no idea how many stones or kilo's that would be

 

All I know is my truck's GVWR is 10000 lbs. or 4536 kgs. In our province, 4500 kgs. or less gets light duty emissions tests every two years required for license validation tag renewals. My truck is only 36 kgs. over so I get dinged with heavy duty emissions tests.

 

Looks Like the Guys Have you pretty covered


But I would Like to Thank you for your SERVICE

And Be Safe out there

 

They may have installed the upgraded STC fitting when they replaced the HPOP.

 

Other cheap upgrades would be a coolant filter and power steering filter. Great pm in my op.

 

Dang it, I have not been paying attention.

Powersteering filter? Cheaper / easier to just change the fluid on a schedule?

-Mike

 

The filter I found was just $12.50 + shipping. Not too bad on price.