Hey there, I have a 2003 ford f350 with a 6.0. I have a budget of about $5000. The truck is bone stock, and I haven't had a single problem with it other the vains sticking on the turbo. I am looking to see what uprades people have done to there 6.0s and get ideas on mine.

 

Put a coolant filter on it.

 

Thanks cmk, i had planned on that, I have a good idea on what I want to do, I just would like to get an idea on what has worked for other people.

 

coolant flush/filter, FICM update, EGR cooler delete/upgrade, ARP studs and a fresh oil cooler.. if i had $5k extra that's where i'd start!

 

First I would buy a $1000 car to drive for when your working on your 6.0.

 

That is funny.

 

All I would do it send the FICM/PCM to Power Hungry Performance for a PCM rollback and Atlas 40 FICM tune, switch the coolant over to an ELC/put a coolant filter on it, put an SCT 3015 trans tune into it, add a gauge setup, and drive it.

Oh wait. That's what I did. And it's awesome.

 

It is funny but kind of true. If your a guy that needs to be places like work every day and this is your only transportation I would really want a back up because there will be THAT day.

 

That goes for any vehicle

 

1. Scangauge2 or smart phone app for engine monitor
2. EGR delete
3. Fluids change
4. Enjoy it

 

I have a free one for you.
Come on over to the 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
and ask.

No charge

As far as studs go they can wait if you can
EGR delete just depend on your feelings and use.
Scanguage 2 is a MUST have or something that will give you live
data that you can look at when your on the road.

Fluid change is a very good idea and it one of the top things that
should be done along with OEM filters and caps. Don't use aftermarket there.

Having a good time and enjoying the truck should always be top on the list.

Sean

 

Sort of, most other vehicle problems can be fixed cheap and within a day or two. The 6.0 on the other hand is normally lots of money to fix and is normally down at least 2 days, some can't get them fixed for up to a month at a time.

 

I would only do studs if I was doing head gaskets and I would only do head gaskets if I had a blown head gasket. Presuming the truck is currently running perfectly I would do the coolant stuff, the fuel pressure regulator, Scangauge II or equivalent, fuel pressure gauge as far as mechanical upgrades went. I would do shocks, steering damper as far as suspension went (I like the stock suspension height and all that just fine), and for me the biggest bang for the buck on appearance is probably going to be wheels and slightly meatier tires. I don't listen to music in the truck, so I would keep the stock stereo. I just put a cap (Leer 100XQ) on mine that I found used and was a colour match, for $900. I'm liking the extra utility so far, and the cab wind noise is reduced a lot at highway speed.

Brian

 

a few guys are saying studs aren't an absolute neccesity, i would agree... but if i was putting $5k into my truck like the OP mentioned you betchyerass i'd have studs on the parts list. seems like a no-brainer with that budget, if for nothing else than piece of mind and resale.

 

^what he said. if i had 5g available now i would absolutely do studs/egr delete/coolant filter/gauges/updates