Hey guys, I'm new here. My dad just bought a new F250 stroker and gave me his 2003 6.0 stroker. The motor warranty on it is up and I'd like to get a little bit more grunt out of it. I've heard lots of rumors of "if you chip or modify the 6.0 it'll blow headgaskets". How true is this? What do you guys like as far as better flowing exhausts go? I've also heard that doing like a K&N intake kit or something similar to it is bad news. This truck has been maintained extremely well, the best part about it is that it has new ball joints and tires , fresh oil, and new air and fuel filters. Anyways, if you guys could steer me in the right direction with this truck and what mods for it are good and what to stay away from I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

 

The best thing is that you got it for free, congratulations!

 

First off welcome to FTE! You won't be let down by the guys here. Let me start by telling you I am a relatively new member as well. Dittos on getting the ride free. Congrats! If your dad has passed down his knowledge and respect for good vehicles to you then you will not be let down by the 6.0. Before you decide on anything read up on it here by using the search function. If all else fails, ask questions, even if they seem dumb. You won't find a better group of guys anywhere. I think I speak for everyone when I say we are all here to help each other out and learn. Now get to reading and enjoy FTE and the new ride!

 

Matt @ Spartan Diesel Technologies. He is the guru in tuning the 6.0. Look for posts containing SCT, Spartan or Matt. I hope you like to read because there is a ton of stuff here. Matt can custom tune your truck and adjust it for your driving style.

And welcome to FTE.

 

Get yourself an SCT XCal 2 and have Matt at Spartan Diesel write you some tunes. Your engine will be safe. Get a 4" turbo back stainless exhaust, I'd recommend MBRP. Next get some gauges to keep an eye your engines vitals. This web site is LOADED with information posted by incredibly smart, knowledgeable, and patient people.

 

Rule of thumb is that a modified 6.0L is more likely to experience head gasket failure...some more than others. I would run away from just about any chip or tuner with two exceptions an SCT XCal II or III from either Eric @ Innovative Diesel or Matt @ Spartan Diesel Technologies. Matt would be the preferred tuner within our little piece of the automotive world.

If you go down the tuner road, I would strongly suggest getting gauges first.

Exhaust will not get you much...unless you just want the louder exhaust. About the only benefit for an aftermarket exhaust system will be lower EGTs, but this is more linked with the turbo-back exhaust kits than just cat-back. I would hazard to guess that MBRP's systems are probably the most popular for the 6.0L.

This would be a good mod if you are towing or hauling a fair amount. Aside from that, it really boils down to whether or not you want to listen to your exhaust all of the time.

The stock air intake system will support upwards of 500-550 rear wheel horsepower. So, unless you are seriously looking building the motor up, there is really no reason to go with any aftermarket intake.


And, do some searching here in the 6.0L forum. There are hundreds of threads for each of these mods. Do some researching, and both you & your truck will be happier in the long run.

 

he ain't lying....

 

Be sure to check out the tech folder at the top of the 6.0 forum. Just about every maintenance instruction proceedure with pics are listed there.

 

i am more of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" kind of guy. if you have an '03 that has never had any serious issues, then be thankful and leave it alone. you would only be opening doors to more possible troubles by modifying it. if that truck can't carry you at the speeds you need to go, or tow the loads you need to, then get a different truck or car. not trying to be rude in the least, just my opinion.

 

While I respect your opinion, just becuase it "ain't broke" doesn't mean it can't be improved. Nothing on my truck was broken when I got it, but it sure as hell is a better performing and looking truck now.

 

I've already got a blown 5.0 mustang drag car, I'm just looking for a little bit more grunt out of this truck like I said. I'm for sure doing an exhaust and I was looking at the MBRP exhaust, I've installed a few of those on some other diesel pick-ups and they seemed really nice and fit like a glove. So the general consensus is just to stick with a custom tune by one of the guys on this forum I see. It seems that the last re-flash that our Ford dealership did really de-tuned the motor and I'd like to get some of that power back. You guys are great! Thanks a bunch.

P.S. I'm checking out the spartan diesel page right now

 

Also, I'm looking at the MBRP website and does anyone know if they make a straight through turbo back design with no cats or mufflers?

 

Yes, it's called an off-road kit which should have a delete pipe or "test" pipe for the cat and a delete pipe for the muffler.

 

There's quite a few kits on there and I did find the off road kit. I've found some really good deals on Ebay on MBRP exhausts. Is there any kits from that MBRP that I should stay away from? Is this one any good?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...166873387&rd=1

 

not to be rude, but if they made a truck that could do what these can't do stock i would buy one. but no one currently producing anything that can do what a modded 6.0 can right out of the box...