[Just-Us-6]

Howdy,

I just purchased a 05 Excursion with the 6.0 and am new to this motor. I have been doing a lot of reading here and other forums trying to get up to speed so that I can get everything done that needs to be done. The truck is an 05 with 41,000 miles. The short block was replaced by Ford warranty at 20,000 miles. I bought the vehicle on line (E-Bay) flew out to California and drove it about 2,000 miles home. It seemed to run great and had no issues on the way home. I am wanting to make the engine reliable and long lasting, along with some extra power and mileage. I have an appointment to take it to River City Diesel on September 12th and get the following done; ARP headstuds, Black Onyx head gaskets, Change to Cat ELC coolant, Clean, Magnaflux and Resurface Heads, Complete EGR delete, New Oil Cooler, ITP fuel system, SCT X3 tuner with river city custom tunes, Magnaflow 4" Stainless Turbo back Exhaust, AFE cold air intake, 3 gauge a-pillar pod, Autometer Ultra-Lite II Boost Gauge, Pyrometer and Fuel Pressure Gauge.

I have tried to do my homework and cover the weakspots in the engine, if their is anything I should be considering that you guys do not see on my list, could you let me know? I will be posting this on a couple forums to try to get as many opinions as possible, Thanks for the help!
Brad

 

[Joe_r_dog]

adding a coolant filtration system wouldn't hurt. you can get the whole assembly for a little over $100

 

[txgp17]

adding a coolant filtration system wouldn't hurt. you can get the whole assembly for a little over $100

2003-2007 6.0L Coolant Filtration System

The cooling system is the Achilles Heel of the 6.0. Although I don't own one, many people speak and write the praises of switching from the Ford coolant to coolants like Shell Rotella ELC, or Evans NPG+. Above all else, don't mix coolants of different chemistry, they can react with each other ruining your oil cooler and EGR cooler.

Also, the 6.0 is finicky about filters. I'd recommend you use only genuine Motorcraft filters, and don't neglect changing any of the filters or fluids, and don't forget the fuel/water drain.

 

[Just-Us-6]

I had brought up to River City Diesel about the coolant filter when I talked to them and they did not feel I would need it since I was deleting the EGR, but it sounds like it may be cheap insurance anyway.

 

[ryqster]

Stay with factory hg's...as big a job as this is...they seem to be more reliable. History seems to show fewer problems. I'd probably pass on the AFE...factory filter is good for 500hp, albeit it's a pita to change imho (thankfully it is one of those filters you infrequently need to change as it holds a bunch of junk without restricting flow). Check out the zoodad mod. Helps get some cool air to the filter. Replace the stc fitting on the HPOP with the upgraded part, as well as some of the other little upgrades while you are in there. The coolant filter is a good idea just because these blocks have a bunch of casting sand in them that is almost impossible to completely flush. I would not do the pillar thing. Invest in a Edge CTS with the expantion module for EGT and fuel pressure. This allows you to monitor a bunch of parameters that are very important...EOT/ECT, fuel pressure, FICM readings...even oil pressure I think haven't tried this yet on mine). On these engines this is more important than the basics in some cases. If you go the pillar route you will still need additional monitoring capabilities. And most important :read: :read: :read:. Welcome to the sixohhhhh family.

 

[ryqster]

2003-2007 6.0L Coolant Filtration System

Also, the 6.0 is finicky about filters. I'd recommend you use only genuine Motorcraft filters, and don't neglect changing any of the filters or fluids, and don't forget the fuel/water drain.

A must!!!

 

[HeavyAssault]

OMG... anyone making a living through diesel performance understands WHY you use a coolant filter system on a 6.0L.

You don't need the following items currently on your list: ITP fuel system, Black Onyx head gaskets, AFE intake kit, and the gauges.

--A regulated return fuel system has been found to NOT be the most beneficial way to keep fuel pressure up in the heads. Using 6.4L banjo bolts, the updated "blue spring" (Ford/ International fuel pressure regulator kit) and an AirDog system will give you all you need to run a healthy fuel system.
--Black Onyx gaskets have been shown to have poor quality controls leading to the same puking issues. When people have used OEM gaskets there have been fewer reports of reoccurring issues.
--The OEM intake is FAR superior to ANY aftermarket intake kit. IF you upgrade to a larger turbo/ injector setup then swap-in an intake kit.
--Using an EDGE CTS will give you the same info as gauges. Looks better and takes up less space, less work, and more options/expandability. (Coin toss here....either way get SOMETHING to watch the motor).

 

[txgp17]

I had brought up to River City Diesel about the coolant filter when I talked to them and they did not feel I would need it since I was deleting the EGR, but it sounds like it may be cheap insurance anyway.

The coolant filter protects the oil cooler too. It's cheap insurance.

 

[ryqster]

What he said...I haven't had an accident in 30 years...do I NEED car insurance. It's not about the EGR its about the oil cooler. For every person that says it's not needed, look at how many people on this site are running one.

 

[Just-Us-6]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the heads up, looks like I will be calling up river city and making some changes to my order. My first priority is making sure this motor lasts. Who makes the best oil bypass filter system?

 

[txgp17]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the heads up, looks like I will be calling up river city and making some changes to my order. My first priority is making sure this motor lasts. Who makes the best oil bypass filter system?

There's a lot of threads on this already, the search function is your friend here. I have a bypass system from NUC Motorsports that uses an Amsoil bypass filter. Who makes the best? In my opinion, the FS-2500 filter is best.

 

[barrelslime]

Just us 6 PM me. WOuld like to talk price with ya.......

 

[Just-Us-6]

Barrelslime pm sent, everybody else - thanks for the info. Went to river city today, added coolant filter, cancelled gauges and added Edge SCT, cancelled air intake, added airdog II, they said banjo bolts and upgraded fuel regulation would be part of the itp fuel return. I think that is everything, but still always trying to read and learn. That will pretty much blow my budget for now. I see a powermax and a set. Of 155 objectors in my future though. A almost 500 hp streetable camper tow vehicle that will carry the whole family sure sounds fun!

 

[HeavyAssault]

OMG...these guys really know how to screw you over. The AirDog II already has a regulated output. There's NO NEED for the ITP regulated fuel kit. It's your money. JEEZ...RCD isn't winning any recommendations from me.

BTW it's a SCT for the tuner and Edge CTS Insight for the gauges. Is that what you got??

 

[Just-Us-6]

Yes, Edge for the gauges and SCT for the tuner. They said something about the ITP fuel return being good for getting fuel to the back of the fuel rail?

 

[HeavyAssault]

Once again the ITP kit is NOT needed for the 6.0L. If you run the ITP kit you don't run the AirDog II since it already uses a regulated output.

The AirDog II will give you more benefit in the long run. The extra filtering and air removal will do wonders for your injectors.

 

[Just-Us-6]

Heavy assault, thanks for the info, that will help me save some more scratch for other goodies for the truck. I will get this all figured out eventually. I have never modified any of my other diesel this much. I have had two 6.5 chevys, a 5.9 cummins, and my last truck was a duramax and all i have ever done was a programmer, cold air intake and exhaust.