F550 need'n some TLC

[StrokedInMT]

OK, here i go. (THIS IS A FRIENDS TRUCK)

WHAT HE HAS: '04 6.0 F550, CC Flatbed, 6 speed man w/488 gears, weighs in at #12,300 (daily weight), #32,000 total GVW when loaded occasionally.

WHTAT HE WANTS: looking for (+-)60 HP gain with tunes, what tuner is recommended for his set up. (i know Spartan is highly sought after for the 6.4's). He is also looking for an 'electric 2-speed rear end?? he said something about it being a gear box that goes between the driveline and rear differential. i know nothign about that part.

So any help would be greatly appreciated people, sometimes (almost always) its hard to find good help up in this area.... thanks again,

[Dieseltorkin]

The SCT with a good tow tune for the chip. Those add on OD units he is talking about are $2000-3500, all they do is split each gear. I researched them quite a bit about a year ago. The info i found for trucks with 3:73 & 4:10 said that it actually hurt fuel economy while on long trips, that was also the 7.3L. With the 4:88 and a 6.0 it might be worth looking in to but they are pricey.

[StrokedInMT]

Originally Posted by Dieseltorkin

The SCT with a good tow tune for the chip. Those add on OD units he is talking about are $2000-3500, all they do is split each gear. I researched them quite a bit about a year ago. The info i found for trucks with 3:73 & 4:10 said that it actually hurt fuel economy while on long trips, that was also the 7.3L. With the 4:88 and a 6.0 it might be worth looking in to but they are pricey.

good to know, i thought he said the whole new trans would cost about that, and that is why he is now looking into the 'add on OD unit' now??? i dunno??

[pwrstroke6john]

I have always heard good things about those gear venders over-under drives. I have yet too see one though.

[StrokedInMT]

Originally Posted by pwrstroke6john

I have always heard good things about those gear venders over-under drives. I have yet too see one though.

is that a brand by chance? or just what you're calling them?

[Dieseltorkin]

Im not saying they are bad units by any means, just stating what i found through research about the gear ratios and how it performed with different ones. With 4:88's he might find some benefits with it. I believe about a year ago Diesel Power Mag did a write up coming to the same conclusion so you may search for some back issues also for some more info.

[Dieseltorkin]

Originally Posted by StrokedInMT

is that a brand by chance? or just what you're calling them?

Yes thats one of the 3 companies that i found that made them. Gear vendors is the one DP tested. They have the best rep out of the 3 i found.

[StrokedInMT]

will look into them, what about tuners and tunes? that work best with the 6.0? he is telling me he heard that the F550 was a slightly different motor with slightly more HP in stock form, is this true and again what tuner is best for the F550? thanks, you guys are very helpful around here.

[Dieseltorkin]

I believe Its the same as the 250,350 etc... (someone else on here should know for sure) just with an up graded suspension and axles for the towing/hauling capacities. I would get an SCT Tuner with custom tunes. He will need to get a set of gauges also to monitor EGT's and such and atleast straight pipe the exhaust. Gotta lose that Cat and muffler. The stock air box will flow just fine for what your doing so i wouldnt drop any $ in an air intake. Elite Diesel and Innovative diesel both sell the SCT and can write you a custom tow tune for your vehicle and what its used for. Hope this helps

[StrokedInMT]

Originally Posted by Dieseltorkin

I believe Its the same as the 250,350 etc... (someone else on here should know for sure) just with an up graded suspension and axles for the towing/hauling capacities. I would get an SCT Tuner with custom tunes. He will need to get a set of gauges also to monitor EGT's and such and atleast straight pipe the exhaust. Gotta lose that Cat and muffler. The stock air box will flow just fine for what your doing so i wouldnt drop any $ in an air intake. Elite Diesel and Innovative diesel both sell the SCT and can write you a custom tow tune for your vehicle and what its used for. Hope this helps

yeah, he already did intake, and does plan to get rid of cat/muffler. you been a great help, thanks,,,,