My buddy's 6.0, what should be next? - Diesel Forum

RIStroker2000 · 02-16-2013, 11:24 AM

03 6.0, 120,000 miles.. in the past year a EGR, 1 injector, uppipe (if that makes sence), not the actually turbo uppipes.. and the ball bearing garrett turbo due to rusted turbo veins from previous owner. He doesnt tow alot but does plow snow whenever it falls...

now, hes made decent money recently and is all excited for the next step, he wants to stud it (his first train of thought), my suggestion was gauges expeciall oil and coolant temp (ive read about alot these for the 6.0s and a variable from one to another probably isnt a good sign).. even if he has his new oil cooler parts ETC. isnt this one of the first things to monitoedr on the 6.0s? (and to wait until he makes sure everything is okay in that department).. then my suggestionn was to get a custom tune (I said DP- an econo, 100, and a tow for plowing)..

I guess the questions are..

-does it have to be studded with the ballbearing and just a tune? (and 'normal' coolant and oil temps)

-does he need a boost and EGT and Trans temp as a must like 'our' 7.3's do?

..... 2 of our local dies techs told him "if where in there for studs, we minas well put in the fuel (injectors).. but for the $ my buddy cant do that right now...

Imputs are appreciated, $$ is an issue... but not as much as his $4,300 bill from last year, from a local diesel shop (there awsome, they work on my 7.3 where time and tools arn't in my sight)... Im thinking gauges(more than I have), and if everything checks out he should get a 'good' tune??

Is that whats next on a budget?

Thanks 6.0 guys!!!!

Bsh102 · 02-16-2013, 11:55 AM

The least expensive way to monitor your truck is Torque App for $25 (the app is $5 and the scan tool is $20) you can monitor everything but EGT and I think they have something coming to do that as well. I have the app and it works fantastic. It is what saved me from doing damage to my truck. The only issue is you need to have your phone plugged into the charger, it will drain your phone battery pretty quick.

MC5C · 02-16-2013, 01:03 PM

He needs the upgraded fuel pressure spring, if not already done. He needs gauges for coolant vs oil temp. He needs to be sure the batteries and alternator are good, and he needs to monitor FICM voltage. I consider these mandatory for any 6.0 PSD, not knowing these things means you are gambling without being able to see any of your cards. My gauge of choice is Scangauge II. Next I would get a fuel pressure gauge, since the truck computer does not monitor fuel pressure, and a coolant filter. I would personally never tune my truck, since I have no intention of putting studs in it. A stock truck has ample horsepower and torque for anything legal, as far as I am concerned, and there is no reason a stock truck will need studs if you monitor the things I suggest and fix what might break before it kills the truck.

Just my way...

RIStroker2000 · 02-16-2013, 05:03 PM

yea he had the FICM pulled out and fixed that due to a no/hard start.. I forgot about the fuel spring upgraded. Interested in the torque app, gonna try and research it a bit more. He does eventually wanna tune it though.

Bsh102 · 02-16-2013, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIStroker2000

yea he had the FICM pulled out and fixed that due to a no/hard start.. I forgot about the fuel spring upgraded. Interested in the torque app, gonna try and research it a bit more. He does eventually wanna tune it though.

The Torque app allows you to monitor everything from the PCM. On my first page, I have FICM voltage, ECT,EOT,boost,trans temp, batt voltage. The only things that you may want to monitor is the EGT and fuel pressure with a tuner. When my truck was getting updated, I had a long conversation with the owner of the shop. He was basically saying that the EGT is not too much to worry about unless you are running a big hp tune. If you are running that kind of tuner you need more than a app on a phone. He double checked my app numbers with his scan gauge and they were almost exact.

TKOPerformance · 02-17-2013, 05:50 PM

Stock or not studs are in every 6.0 owner's future. Continue to drink the Kool Aid if you want, but it is not a question of "if" you are going to lift a head, it's a question of "when". You're much better off to do it proactively than to wait for the engine to lock up. Either way be prepared for a cracked head, maybe two. It's very, very common. Aftermarket heads are available at considerable savings over Ford, with no core charge, and replaceable exhaust valve seats (this is where cracks usually start).

It would be nice to do injectors at the same time, but that adds a pretty hefty cost to an already expensive job. Injectors can fairly easily be done at a later date. The amount needed to disassemble is much, much less than for doing head gaskets. I would re-seal the injectors though. The re-seal kits are like less than $4 per injector from Tousley.

Also, a good tune typically improves fuel economy by 1-2 mpg. An FICM tune can also help with that as well as reducing turbo lag, making the truck easier to drive.