In the market for a 6.0

[E'sStrokr01]

I'm currently a 7.3 owner and will probably keep this truck at least until I can find a 6.0 that I am comfortable with.

I figured there was no better place than here to get the exact scoop on what to look for, and what to listen to and not, etc.

So, I want to buy an 03-04 6.0 liter that already has the "bulletproofing" done. I plan on keeping it stock for starters, but I don't want any problems so if it means that I need to get it already bulletproofed then that is what I want. If it's really ok stock then I'd like to know the actual percentages (or close enough) of stock 6.0 reports that have had problems with no upgrades or chip enchancements, etc.

Lastly, could I have opinions on what should be done from those who know what is the bare minimum to do if the COMPLETE bulletproofing hasn't been performed?

Also, anyone near the Western NC region that has a 6.0 for sale, drop me a pm.

Thanks.

[Newman]

Good luck. Plan on having oil cooler issues which cause the EGR cooler to fail which will take out you HGs.

[colo_dually]

As long as you know what you're looking for, all the standard bullet-proofing upgrades and such. The 6.0 is a great engine. You're gonna have a number of individuals on here tell you not to buy a 6.0. The engine has two major engineering faults, the oil-coolant exchanger oil-cooler and the EGR cooler's coolant piping. As long as you heed the advise here you'll be fine.

I had a stock set-up when my cooler failed, I caught it quickly, got it in the shop and have started taking care of these things. As long as you get ahead of these problems, you'll enjoy the 6.0L. I wouldn't trade mine for another truck on the road.

[E'sStrokr01]

Originally Posted by colo_dually

As long as you know what you're looking for, all the standard bullet-proofing upgrades and such. The 6.0 is a great engine. You're gonna have a number of individuals on here tell you not to buy a 6.0. The engine has two major engineering faults, the oil-coolant exchanger oil-cooler and the EGR cooler's coolant piping. As long as you heed the advise here you'll be fine.

I had a stock set-up when my cooler failed, I caught it quickly, got it in the shop and have started taking care of these things. As long as you get ahead of these problems, you'll enjoy the 6.0L. I wouldn't trade mine for another truck on the road.

You wouldn't trade yours, and for this reason amongst many others I have recently come to believe the 6.0 to be a better engine than the 7.3 Don't get me wrong I really like my 7.3 but it hasn't been a totally trouble free truck for me in the time I have owned it. I have worked out the bugs and it does really well right now, but after all...... it is a dated engine. The 6.0 when properly squared away is a better engine in terms of power and torque, is quieter, and does in fact yield as good if not better fuel mileage, correct?

So as for the oil cooler, is it true that the 2003 model oil cooler is the most desirable cooler for the 6.0?

[JER-1]

You could look at mine. Below
Jerry

[colo_dually]

The oil cooler didn't get changed with this truck, that I'm aware of. So I don't think one year is any better than the others in respect to that. The '03 did have the biggest share of issues, but it doesn't have the SCT fitting on the HPOP of the '05-07's and it has the loudest of the turbos.

The 7.3 was a great engine in its time, and is one of the longest running V8 diesels in these trucks. The 6.0L is more powerful, and from what others say, is better on fuel. (This is not something I witness, due to my rig having 4.30 gears and getting 13.5mpg on average.) There are a ton of fuel mileage threads around for the 6.0, you'll get a better answer there.

[Tyler]

I'd take a 6.0 over my 7.3 ANY DAY

[screamin7.3]

Originally Posted by Tyler

I'd take a 6.0 over my 7.3 ANY DAY

I'm with ya!

[dieselburner21]

I dont know if its an option but IMO I would keep the 7.3L and go buy a 6.0L. That way when the 6.0L is in the shop you can have something else to drive... jk

[QMartinez]

I have an 03 with 175,000 miles. It did have head gaskets done early on.. 30,000 miles I think. It also went through 2-3 turbos in that same time. But since that time it has been trouble free. Original egr cooler.

I love my 03.