03 EX 6.0D performance upgrades
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 209
Originally Posted by i eat hybrids
Ok, i didnt even think about that
the cylinder pressure created by the combustion event is what leads to blown HG's on a 6.0l...as the gasses expand they push out in all directions and the stock head bolts can stretch ever so slightly...this reduces the clamping force on the HG...this weakens the seal and the pressure can push right through them..the solution is a better grade fastener to hold the head tight to the block(ARP studs)...
there are cases where stock trucks blow head gaskets...tuned trucks are more likely to as they are running higher cylinder pressures from the added fuel and air(boost) being introduced by the tune.....more cylinder pressure = more torque= more power...the power doesn't come from nowhere..
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 9
From: Ohio
So i take it that exhaust will add to the problems to. I wonder if the problems still exist on 05 and up models. Because they did somthing with the HG
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 209
Originally Posted by i eat hybrids
So i take it that exhaust will add to the problems to. I wonder if the problems still exist on 05 and up models. Because they did somthing with the HG
05 and up can also have HG problems, just not as likely as the 03/04's..the HG design and bolts were slightly changed on the later years...still not the same as having studs put in...the stock gaskets really are very good...most people will use a factory HG when installing studs without any later HG problems..
regardless, a stock truck has a very unlikely chance of having a HG problem...it does happen though...
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, AK
Originally Posted by weekendwarriorfsw32
Or take the engine out right?
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 9
From: Ohio
Originally Posted by william_04_x
actually exhaust is one of the "safest" mods you can do to a 6.0l...a cat-back exhaust changes virtually nothing but the sound of the truck...a turbo back(cat in place) will help to lower your EGT's when under a load (towing)..a straight through system(like mine) sounds riduculous and lowers EGT's even more..
05 and up can also have HG problems, just not as likely as the 03/04's..the HG design and bolts were slightly changed on the later years...still not the same as having studs put in...the stock gaskets really are very good...most people will use a factory HG when installing studs without any later HG problems..
regardless, a stock truck has a very unlikely chance of having a HG problem...it does happen though...
05 and up can also have HG problems, just not as likely as the 03/04's..the HG design and bolts were slightly changed on the later years...still not the same as having studs put in...the stock gaskets really are very good...most people will use a factory HG when installing studs without any later HG problems..
regardless, a stock truck has a very unlikely chance of having a HG problem...it does happen though...
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 209
Originally Posted by i eat hybrids
Ok, so u say the studs where also changed out in 05?
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 9
From: Ohio
Originally Posted by william_04_x
Ford(actually Navistar) never installed studs from the factory...they only used bolts...IIRC the 05 and up bolts were a little bigger than the 03/04's...
So i guess the 05s can take a little bit more "modding"
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Just put on my turbo back MBRP exhaust and the intake will come this weekend. I can already tell that the turbo spools up faster and there is much less lag. Everyone keep in mind that if you do blow a head gasket while under warranty and the dealer says that the "mods" you have done caused it just remember that there are laws out there that protect you to a degree. They make the dealer prove that your "mod" caused the catestrophic failer (HG). I most cases exhaust, intake and even a tuner chip won't cause these problems. So long as you aren't running levels 4-5 on your tuner I don't think that there should be problems. If a dealer tries to tell me that adding another 25 hp on level 2 caused the HG to go then I will tell them to prove it to my lawyer.
Just my .02
Just my .02
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post