I apoligize in advance because I am sure these questions are asked alot, Instead of searching thru each and every topic I hoped I could ask them all in one and those of you out there could give your 2 cents, I know there has to be people like you in here just like me that went thru the same that I did.

Ok I am looking to squeeze a bit more power from my 6.0, both for work and Play.

Heres the specs

2003 f-250 crew cab 6.0 auto 4x4 with 285 BFG all Terrians an 73k for mileage, so far I have not had anything major go wrong.

I pull approx. 13,000 to 15,000 When going out to the dunes or camping, ( I pull a fifth wheel with a tag behind it)

As I stated I am looking to get more power, Now I am not looking to kill it or turn it into a Dragster, I am just looking for better performance when needed.

1. Exhaust? I see all different types availiable from 4 inch to 5 to single to dual, and turbo back to cat back. As long as the exhaust is mandrel bend isn't it all pretty much the same? I just don't want to pay 900 for one system when the one for 400 does the same. I would like to get the wipple/hairdryer sound that some kists put out.

2. Cat? I live in AZ and as far as I know I can delete the Cat, But does this make a difference? does anyone know if this is required in AZ? When I had a 95 diesel it was not, Not sure if this has changed.

3. Chips and programmers? What is recomended? I have heard good and bads about all of them and want to turn to you guys since you have been there, I am not worried about warranty on the truck since it reachs its 5 year mark in a few months and the warrantys gone anyhow.

4. Intake, I once looked into a Banks kit and the Banks rep told me that switching out the factory filter assembly makes no difference, however I see people advertising gainswith there kits, What do you guys know about this.

I apprciate any feedback you guys can give,

Again I am not trying to go crazy but want a little more than stock can give.

Oh yeah increase in MPG would not be bad either since alomst every performance mod I read about says it helps it.

Thanks

Brian

 

turbo back exhaust will give you the best bang for the buck because its less restrictive. it will also help lower your egts which is great for pulling the weight you do. I noticed decent power from my exhaust but not much from my banks ram air. everyone says to stay with the stock intake as it is good up to around 400hp and better for filtration purposes. I'm running an sct tuner from Spartan but I have it on an Ultra Comp tune. Its amazing for power but I can't get any better than 16mpg with it. I saw as high as 18.5 if I kept my foot out of it going across country this past summer with a six gun on. However hands down the sct is the tuner to go with and get custom tunes with it. I recommend going with Spartan for that, talk to Matt or Evan about it.

 

To answer your questions:
1. Exhaust is definately the first thing to go with. It will lower your egt's, very important with the large trailer you are towing. A 4" turboback will be fine unless you want injectors or a larger turbo in the future. I have a silverline, but a lot of people like the mbrp, personal preference really but i would also recommend stainless steel over aluminum. The powerstroke will thank you for this one, And you can definately feel it in the throttle.

2. As far as the cat, since your warranty is almost up and you apparently don't get checked i would get rid of it. Standing next to the truck at idle is like standing on the tarmac next to an idling jet, just a little quieter. And it will free up the exhaust some more.

3. Everyone on here preaches SCT XcalIII with custom tunes at Matt from Spartan. He can set you up with any tune you want: Econ, tow(the aggressive tow is something you might want to look in to), or ridiculous power. I don't have one yet, but it is next on the list. Right now i have the edge and it is crap, only two redeeming qualities are the turbo timer and elimination of gauges. That being said, you are going to need some gauges BEFORE you get a tune.

4. The stock intake is good to 500 hp which again will require injectors and/or a larger turbo, plus it filters bettter, less maintenance and it will give you some money to put towards some gauges or new tires when you can't keep your foot off the floor.

Hope this helped

 

bbrinkley,

1) Exhaust will help lower your EGT, performance gains will be slim to none. Turbo back is good for about 50F lower than cat back, 4-inch is plenty (DP is 3.5 BTW).

2) In AZ if you live in Maricopa or Pinal county you will see emissions testing on the diesel and the Cat will be required. Removing the cat only gains about 1 Hp and slightly lowers EGT temps.

3) SCT XcalIII with custom tunes from Matt at Spartan diesel. You need gauges if you run a tuner (EGT, Trans Temp, Water or Oil temp & Fuel Pressure)

4) Stick with OEM Donaldson Powercore intake. Good for 500+RWHP

5) Stay away from anything that says "Banks" on it. Overpriced and fair to poor performance.