Need some 6.0L info

[12ga diesel]

As I had stated in my Intro post, I am looking at a '05 F-350 6.0L and a '02 F-250 7.3L and I have some questions about the '05.

If I get it, I would be using it for both work and for pleasure. Pleasure being towing our camper and road trips in it. For work I can drive up to 200 miles a day,and easily 1000 miles a week, so I am looking at anything I can do to boost reliability. I'm not really looking to make monster HP/TQ, but a little bump in it I'm not against.

My main things I am looking for answers are:
1. What is real world MPG for this engine? Mainly Highway empty or light load and highway towing.
2. Do the head studs and head gaskets need to be replaced/upgraded like it seems I hear about on everyone of these trucks? Or is it if you are pushing big HP numbers? Like I said, I'm not out to put down monster numbers, I want more of a reliable truck that I know won't strand me out in the middle of nowhere, as that is where most of my work is.
3.How reliable is the trans behind it? Does it need to get upgraded for reliability? And is it a 4 speed or 5 speed auto?

Thanks guys for all of the responses.

[jamstoyz]

well the 6.0's have a better tranny than the 7.3's but people claim the 7.3's are the best for reliability. i owned both and towed with both and never had any issues except for 1 tranny in my 7.3 and a turbo in my 6.0
if you put a sct on the 6.0 it should be fine without hg's if you keep the power on the low end. the 05's are a good year for the 6.0 cause i heard they made a lot of changes for the better in that year. between the 2 i love my 6.0 way better
mpg's you should see anywhere from 10 to 15 when towing and 16 to 21 not towing.

[shu873]

Originally Posted by 12ga diesel

As I had stated in my Intro post, I am looking at a '05 F-350 6.0L and a '02 F-250 7.3L and I have some questions about the '05.

If I get it, I would be using it for both work and for pleasure. Pleasure being towing our camper and road trips in it. For work I can drive up to 200 miles a day,and easily 1000 miles a week, so I am looking at anything I can do to boost reliability. I'm not really looking to make monster HP/TQ, but a little bump in it I'm not against.

My main things I am looking for answers are:
1. What is real world MPG for this engine? Mainly Highway empty or light load and highway towing.
2. Do the head studs and head gaskets need to be replaced/upgraded like it seems I hear about on everyone of these trucks? Or is it if you are pushing big HP numbers? Like I said, I'm not out to put down monster numbers, I want more of a reliable truck that I know won't strand me out in the middle of nowhere, as that is where most of my work is.
3.How reliable is the trans behind it? Does it need to get upgraded for reliability? And is it a 4 speed or 5 speed auto?

Thanks guys for all of the responses.

The 5R110 trans in the 05 is a lot friendlier to drive and stronger than the 4R100 in the '02. Ford scored a home run with the 5 speed auto for the 6.0's. Real world mileage for a stock 6.0 running down the highway is probably in the neighborhood of 17mpg or so (all highway). Stick 6-10k behind it and you'll drop to 11-13mpg. The biggest problem child with the 6.0's is EGR and/or head gasket problems. Some will never have issue, some do when they're tuned, and some go bad even stock. My advise if you want a 6.0 is to eventually have the heads studded and completely remove/delete the EGR cooler with a delete kit. If you pay out of pocket you're looking at around $3000 for this kind of work. The 7.3's are basically bullet proof engines. Their weak point is the transmission IMO. But they also suffer from several basic troubles as well. CPS (cam position sensor), Glow plug relays, basic stuff like that will be something to look at on a slightly older, more used truck. If you wind up with a 6.0 I'd suggest some gauges and a custom tuned SCT tuner. While not towing and running a hot street file or an economy tune, if you take it easy on it you'll see a couple more MPG's easily. I wouldn't recommend towing with anything but a mild towing file. Hope this helps. I wouldn't be scared of either truck you mentioned.

[06F250FX4]

For fuel mileage, I average around 18 on the highway unloaded. About 15 or so when hauling a 3000lb boat. Have never hauled anything heavier. Bought the Powerstroke because I love the way it looks and sounds. The transmission in the 05 is a 5 speed auto, and the trans behind the 7.3 is a four speed. The 5R110 in the 05 is a good transmission. I don't have head studs or EGR delete on my truck yet, but if the head bolts stretch and I have a leak, then it will be studded under warranty as I have already spoke to the tech at the local dealership. I have to supply the studs. I have had my truck in the shop 2 times, once for an oil leak, and another when the powersteering pump acted up. Just a little info for you.

[Big Mule]

If you are looking for a truck for work I would go with the 7.3. The 6.0 is good to go once the studs are in and the egr system is gone. If I were to do it over again I would go with the 7.3, not as fast or as powerful but at the end of the day it got you where you wanted to go.

[12ga diesel]

Thanks for all the responses so far guys.

Bulletproof is the word I always seem to hear about the 7.3 and would more then likely think it was a no brainer about getting it, but the F-350 6.0L I'm looking at is a CC/SB King Ranch. I love the interior and has every option. So I'm wieghing my options between the two. To get the 6.0 studed and the egr delete done, what is that going to run me?

[shu873]

Originally Posted by 12ga diesel

To get the 6.0 studed and the egr delete done, what is that going to run me?

Ballpark it around $3000. That's if you have it done out of pocket by a reputable diesel shop. Some people have the gaskets go while under warranty and have the dealership swap in a set of studs while its there. That way you only pay the cost of the studs and warranty deductible.

[TNACUSTOM]

I would go with the 6.0. I have a 06 F-250 I bought new. I drive it every day it has 44,000 on it now an have had zero problems. I don't tow alot but have towed 18,000lbs on gooseneck trailer and it had no problem towing and got 10 mpg. I get 13 to 14 mpg in town and 18 to 19 on hiway.

[Dave]

Go with the 6.0 you will be more than happy. I have 61,000 on my 06 all but 25k on it with an SCT and zero problems

[bryan70546]

are these 2 trucks 4x4 or 2x4 if they are 2 wheel drive your going to get great mileage out of the 6.0.