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So, I am looking into better air flow for my truck.. I've been looking at the Banks High-Ram intake and the Cold Air intake system... Do you gentlemen think that this will be a good choice for the 6.0L?
I will answer for nearly everyone here, because I researched it for my truck. DO NOT put a cold air intake on your 6.0. Stick with the stock air filter. Not everyone will agree, but the majority will tell you the same thing.
the oem filter does a great job unless you want to add over 100HP. Lots of aftermarket filters don't filter down fine enough. The general agreement in this forum (i have no personal experience with this but there are about 8 guys in this forum that are capable of writing the Gospel of 6.0) you really don't need any more air unless your trying to push 100 more HP out of it.
So, upgrading the air intake should only come after the following:
1) Head studs to keep from blowing the HGs.
2) Larger exhaust and larger turbo.
3) Larger injectors
4) More intake air
Performance air filter and intake assemblies are a hot aftermarket item. In most cases using one simply means more noise, and more dirt going into your engine. At the dealer we have seen many filter systems changed and for the most part it is obvious that these performance filters offer less filtration evidenced by dirt found in the intake system and worn turbocharger compressor fins. Many of these filters require a coating of oil to aid in filtration. This oil gets sucked in with air flowing through the filter and contaminates Mass Airflow Sensors providing an excellent surface for dirt to stick to. In addition, some intake systems cause erratic airflow through the MAF sensor. Either condition can result in performance concerns or a Check Engine light. For most Power Stroke Engines the stock Donaldson filters are the best choice. In cases where the housings have become distorted or have been broken, the best advice is to replace with the original. We do recognize that the 7.3l PSD F-Series trucks had several filter assembly designs all of which had problems with housings breaking or poor sealing. For that we recommend installing a Motorcraft severe duty upgrade that uses the Donaldson filters.
Thanks gentlemen for weighing in with your comments..
You forgot Bryan Stein...
Great info from him. By the way, I have a K&N on my 99 Expedition that my son now owns. I have had it for over 160,000 miles. Heck, maybe longer. That truck is still going strong. 206,000 miles later... The difference is, that's a non-turbo motor. I wouldn't do it again. It's just hype. I don't put them on any of my 4 wheelers, and I certainly won't put them on my 6.0
Seriously though, thanks for the thought, 99. But my knowledge on these 6.0, while better than the average mechanic, is barely preschool level compared to the regulars on this forum.
Lol,
Thanks Stein and everyone else for weighing in. My intentions were to try and get an overall better performance without having to use a programmer. Nothing serious though with the performance; just better mpg and couple more horses...
I think the bottom line is that there's only a potential for Improved airflow if the current set-up is a restriction. It isn't until it gets dirty, and it hold a lot of dirt before that happens. Consider it has a filter minder with a indicator light on the dash. It tells you when the engine is sucking against a restriction. If you make significant changes to your truck for racing or competition purposes and move significantly more air (more boost/higher RPM) an aftermarket CAI may makes sense and is easier to remove and install. If your building a show truck and want some bling under the hood it makes sense as the factory set-up isn't sexy at all. But if you want good filtration the Donaldson is the way to go.