[jonrjen]

First let me say, I have been using this same diesel tech since my first PSD, which goes back to the intorduction of the motor.

I put my 03 F-450 in the shop for the transmission service yesterday. FYI..$229.95 When I went to pick it up I got in a discussion with my diesel tech about the different power stroke engines and upgrades to the 6.0. He likes the new 08 motor, believes strongly in the old PS, and is realistic about the 6.0, where it's history speaks for it self.
His recommendations as to up grades to my 6.0 were to get rid of the d#$% aftermarket air filter intake....reinstall the OEM set up. Install a boost gauge, don't worry about a EGT gauge, he said the truck computer will take care of high EGT's. Install a 4" exhaust. And drive the truck. I asked about adding a aftermarket elbow for a better flow of air and was told don't waste my money. His opinion after the years of dealing with the 6.0 is, yes you can turn it into a power beast with relatively little money up front. However, the money spent later down the road could be staggering.
But if you want to keep it a good running motor, take care of the maintained as spelled out in the owners manual. Don't let an oil change slip by, make sure you are using quality fuel filters. And leave it stock with the exception of the exhaust, in this case open it up and let it flow.

 

[robhilts]

Thanks for the info. I assume that upgrading to a 4" exhaust means doing it all the way up to and including the exhaust manifold.

What could I expect to pay for this?

-Rob

 

[twinturbo550]

[ QUOTE ]
First let me say, I have been using this same diesel tech since my first PSD, which goes back to the intorduction of the motor.

I put my 03 F-450 in the shop for the transmission service yesterday. FYI..$229.95 When I went to pick it up I got in a discussion with my diesel tech about the different power stroke engines and upgrades to the 6.0. He likes the new 08 motor, believes strongly in the old PS, and is realistic about the 6.0, where it's history speaks for it self.
His recommendations as to up grades to my 6.0 were to get rid of the d#$% aftermarket air filter intake....reinstall the OEM set up. Install a boost gauge, don't worry about a EGT gauge, he said the truck computer will take care of high EGT's. Install a 4" exhaust. And drive the truck. I asked about adding a aftermarket elbow for a better flow of air and was told don't waste my money. His opinion after the years of dealing with the 6.0 is, yes you can turn it into a power beast with relatively little money up front. However, the money spent later down the road could be staggering.
But if you want to keep it a good running motor, take care of the maintained as spelled out in the owners manual. Don't let an oil change slip by, make sure you are using quality fuel filters. And leave it stock with the exception of the exhaust, in this case open it up and let it flow.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would specifically disagree with the EGT gage, in the instance, of adding a tune or power adder. Is there an explanation to back up the theory of the PCM controlling fuel for EGT, or is he talking about an OEM stock tune?

 

[twinturbo550]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the info. I assume that upgrading to a 4" exhaust means doing it all the way up to and including the exhaust manifold.

What could I expect to pay for this?

-Rob [/quote

Turbo back can range from $600-$1000.00.

 

[jonrjen]

The entire subject matter is "Leave the motor and PCM stock, don't add a program or change the air filtration system"......Period.
But, do up-grade the exhaust. The OEM PCM will control the EGT's in the stock program.

 

[GrampyJim]

Quite right... a 4 inch cat back system is a pretty benign mod.... It should get the owner the look and sound he is after without compromising the engine management system.

FWIW, while I will still maintain that any modifications designed specifically to increase the engine output may affect the service life of the engine adversely... any and all owners are free to modify the diddly out of their trucks.... with a couple of small disclaimers....

Don't expect warranty in shady areas.... especially in regards to head gaskets and/or random check engine lights.... and bring your VISA card.... this might not be cheap.

 

[ryandye]

I just wish things were a little more black & white with regards to mods. Especially "small" things like a 4" exhaust. One dealer here in Vegas has told me they'll deny warranty claims on turbochargers if the downpipe has been replaced. Another told me no problem as long as the kitty is left intact.

 

[GrampyJim]

I don't know how many replacement downpipes were built with the idea that the cat was still going to be there.... All things considered, if there is a restriction in the sytem, it may well be the cat... BUT - in a stock truck, this will have little impetus....

We are entering into a very cloudy area.....

FWIW... emissions laws in some provinces (I am Canadian) have been up up in the air for quite some time. I am pushing for the Alberta government to give me something better than "you can't do that" when all they mean is "don't get caught".

And this is the big deal.... My daily drivers are stock.. I insist that they conform to any and all clean air regs they might encounter....

My toys are my toys.... Last year, the 69 Charger might have seen 15 hours on the road tops....

 

[powerstroke6lite]

Some techs from Ford you have to take their advice with a grain os salt because they will tell you anything. On my 03 truck that I had, before I touched anything on the truck, even the factory tires "SLICKS" and wheels within 25K miles, I had a Ford tech tell me that I was going to have to pay $650+ dollars because there was some actuator piece that went bad on the turbo. Now let me see here, I did not put that piece on the truck so how is my warranty helping me here. I told the guy that I was not paying for it because that was the way that FORD made the truck and how is this my fault. He stated,"Well the warranty really does not cover the turbo." This is when I decided to talk to the manager of the place and told him that this was rediculous. They covered it but my local place was trying to pull a quick one on me and since then they have been great. Sold that truck and love the 2006 I have now. I still would like to know what the EGT's are when I am pulling a load whether the truck is tuned or stock. These trucks from the factory run pretty hot. JUst what I have run into with the Ford Techs.

 

[bogg]

Grampy Jim, whats your take on the Accufab Intake Elbow? Seemed cheap, non-aggresive, chromed...

 

[jonrjen]

I can't speak for Grampy Jim, but my tech said don't waste the cash. The performance will not be worth the investment. However if you want a little chrome under the hood. Or an easy way to tap into the system for the use of a boost gauge, it is a cheap way to do so.

 

[CSIPSD]

Every 6.0 we have in our fleet is tuned with a SCT... Wouldnt have it any other way

 

[TXGooseneck]

[ QUOTE ]
I can't speak for Grampy Jim, but my tech said don't waste the cash. The performance will not be worth the investment. However if you want a little chrome under the hood. Or an easy way to tap into the system for the use of a boost gauge, it is a cheap way to do so.

[/ QUOTE ]

It is a waste for performance. 9hp on a 9k truck is nothing, take the spare off and it'll yield the same result. But for the sake of having a bung for the boost gauge there, it is priceless. And you also keep the stock piece 100% if you ever need it.

I saw a small increase in fuel economy. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

 

[Clevelandjim]

But it sure looks perdy next to that Spearco chrome intake tube.

 

[TXGooseneck]

Forgot about the sexy factor/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif

 

[ralphinnj]

[ QUOTE ]
I assume that upgrading to a 4" exhaust means doing it all the way up to and including the exhaust manifold.

[/ QUOTE ]

No, up to the turbo outlet; the exhaust manifold's combine and enter the turbine housing, then they exit the turbo and enter the "down pipe." The down pipe and back is what benefits from larger, free-er flowing exhausts.

 

[GrampyJim]

I have no experience with it... I don't even know what it looks like.... What I can say.... your stock air cleaner is going to do everything you need it to do. If it ain't broke, why try to "fix" it?

Mods and warranty make my life extremely difficult.... Our sales stop at small lift/levelling kits and cat back exhausts.... If a customer comes in with a concern plus a mod we don't sell - I'm sorry... there is only so far I will go in any fight and I refuse to fabricate any responses to questions.

Installing a different intake, IMHO, is no different from glueing that goofy chrome crap to the bottom of the truck.. To some, it looks pretty... but it serves no real purpose....