Latest Endeavor

6.0L Project Plans

Posted February 14 2012 01:13 PM by Mike McGlothlin
Filed under: What's New, Upcoming Diesel Events

The time has finally come for us to put a series of articles together for the 6.0L Power Stroke crowd...

Our low-mile, ’03 F-250 test mule recently put 251 hp to the ground in stock form. Due to the fact that most 6.0L enthusiasts claim to see 260-to-270 rwhp stock, and the fact that I use the stingiest dyno in my immediate area to conduct all of my testing, I'd say we're starting with a very healthy candidate. So here's the question: Would you rather see a budget build, or an all-out horsepower build? How about both? At a certain point, the modifications are bound to exceed what many 6.0L owners consider reasonable, hence a transformation into an all-out, high performance project.

Here's what I have in mind so far:

*Custom tune the truck via SCT, return to dyno = 400+ hp

*Delete EGR, add head studs

*155cc injectors, fuel system, regulated return, Powermax turbo = 500 hp

*180 to 190cc injectors, upgraded Powermax or fixed geometry S300, transmission = 550 hp

*225cc or hybrids, large single or compound chargers = 600+ hp

-Getting an upgraded high-pressure oil pump into the mix somewhere is probable as well.

-Turbo testing, tuned FICM, and valvetrain upgrades aren't out of the question for data collecting purposes.

Feel free to leave additional comments and suggestions for us...

Reader Comments:

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1. I would say a budget build, with items that a shade tree guy can do. Any guy that can afford to drop another 10 plus grand into a truck has way too much cash on their hands (my opinion).

Thanks

f35074 - Posted February 14 2012 01:45 PM

2. Budget build. Most guys succumb to the 6.0L because either they are uneducated about the motor and just buy it because of the Powerstroke name or because they can't afford a 6.4L or new 6.7L PSD.

Deadpool666 - Posted February 14 2012 01:49 PM

3. I like your idea with 155 injectors. Right around $5000 build. Just make sure to focus on the things 6.0 owners know, like using cat 1 elc coolant instead of oil cooler clogging motorcraft gold, and ford blue spring update, updated turbo oil lines. Don't forget the important small details!

BDSford04 - Posted February 14 2012 02:06 PM

4. I would say start with the budget build for the common man and build a little faith in the 6.0 Then transform it into a all out build to show what that engine can do. Just my thoughts.

rudolphus - Posted February 14 2012 02:07 PM

5. Great ideas, suggestions, and tips guys! Keep 'um comin'

Mike McGlothlin - Posted February 14 2012 02:46 PM

6. I would agree with the above comments on a budget build but could you focus on the mpg as well. Most 6.0's don't get the best mileage. If you could do 500 rwhp, 20 mpg, and be able to run 12's...now that's a good project.

cmehaffie - Posted February 14 2012 02:58 PM

7. I agree, I've never seen great mileage from any 6.0L I've driven. Maybe we can change that...

I doubt we'll see our 6.0L dip into the 12s until we're closer to 600 hp. These Super Duty's are hefty tanks! But I see what you mean: respectable fuel economy and good power is a great goal to have.

Mike McGlothlin - Posted February 14 2012 03:09 PM

8. All used parts from Craigslist/eBay/message boards. Except head studs of course. Set a budget of $1000 and see where that gets you. Big rig muffler, DIY intake, stuff like that. Call it the tax return build.

Firefighter175 - Posted February 14 2012 03:40 PM

9. Budget build. I"m trying to build two right now, doing the ebay and craigslist thing. Of course after the budget build you can roll into the all out fun project. I like most, am trying to do a mild tune with good economy. Don't want to get into having to build up a transmission and rear end to handle the power.....

crewdog259 - Posted February 14 2012 05:10 PM

10. Would like to see a build to hit around 600 rwhp.

Osoloe1 - Posted February 14 2012 05:28 PM

11. From experience.. I'd say you should focus on modifying the stuff that is going to fail. Egr delete, head studs upgraded hpop, upgraded FICM, on the 03, water pump and front cover, 155 injectors would be good, powermax turbo at least and of course do the BPD oil cooler! The stock cooler is the known Achilles heel of the 6.0. All failures with the 6.0 start there. I'm not in any way affiliated with Bullet Proof Diesel, except I own their oil cooler. However, if I had more money, I'd. E doing their new FICM and water pump on my early 04. The theme should be, upgrading the weak points and making them better. Oh and straight pipe it! Those variable turbos through a straight pipe sound INCREDIBLE! Like a fighter jet!

JustGary - Posted February 14 2012 05:42 PM

12. It's about time but let's see something different. Every one already knows you can shell out big money for Bullet Proof parts. Lets see what else can work like running a stock oil cooler with a coolant filter. Their is so much debate about the one at a time method of head stud replacement. How about settling that debate by trying it and seeing if the engine holds together at 600 rwhp.

mjs73 - Posted February 14 2012 08:23 PM

13. I personally don't want to see another bare bones budget build. You have to pay to play.

I would like to see a long build starting with the very basics power/driveability mods and fixing known points of failure. Then slowly start turn going more extreme in the power/performance department using the best parts available. When you run faster than Shawn Ellerton's truck in the quarter you can stop....LOL kidding! That might take a while.

And end the project by swapping out the 6.0L for a CR Cummins 5.9L or 6.7L tuned with EFI Live and backed up by a BTS 4R100 :).

Smoken_Gun - Posted February 14 2012 10:07 PM

14. Dang, lively thread. I say start with the basics, and move up, just like I did with my 89. As long as it doesn't make more than 972rwhp, I'm fine with it lol.

Jason Sands - Posted February 15 2012 12:29 AM

15. I know a budget build has been done to death, and yes you have to pay to play. I have been on a budget all my adult life. I have a few friends who play a lot more then I do, but most of them do at some expense to the rest of their lives. I take care of my home, family, retirement before I get to play and usually that doesn't mean much play time. I have been a long time subscriber to Car Craft and Hot Rod because they understand the normal guy and do an excellent job of listing real prices. I have 2 jobs as does my wife and we make a decent living and have a nice home, but every month I flip through diesel power and wonder what the hell do these people do for a living to be able to build these trucks. I don't think I'm alone on this. The high horsepower stuff is interesting to look at and dream and every issue should have a few, but show me how to build a power programmer from a old Android phone and I'll buy every issue at full price.

Firefighter175 - Posted February 15 2012 10:36 AM

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