I have a 2003 6.0 powerstroke, it is studded and deleted. I am looking to tune it to increase torque, hp, and acceleration but I don’t want to loose a lot of reliability. What is the best option for me?

 

I run sct with Innovative diesel tunes. I like the tow tune. They have a non headstud safe performance tune that still rips. I'm studded as well. Their tunes are not delete tunes either. I tow a 12k 5th wheel and the tune keeps egts in check while maintaining speed.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

 

Custom tunes are great, and you don't need to get a crazy tune to see an increase in power. Shop around, tuners are out there, google.

 

Just like 1st response, SCT with Innovative tune and I have zero complaints. I also have a 40hp FICM tune, which started me down the tune rabbit hole. Tried canned tunes, Looney, but this setup works best for me. Pepped up, slightly better MPG (HWY), and if I want to....um clean the turbo...best part of my day!

BTW, factory bolts still holding 4+ years on this setup! I made sure the stock setup was sound before I added the tunes and I believe some luck shone down on me. I don't tow.

 

I run sct with Innovative diesel tunes. I like the tow tune. They have a non headstud safe performance tune that still rips. I'm studded as well. Their tunes are not delete tunes either. I tow a 12k 5th wheel and the tune keeps egts in check while maintaining speed.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

Innovative tunes are good, but I had really. bad light switch effect with them. I shopped around for other tuners, now I'm running a SOTF tune

 

Gauges. Get setup to read what your trucks telling you if you’re not already. That’s one of the first things I did and now I’m a lot more confident in my truck. If you don’t have it get forscan and a dongle to read your truck for the times when your truck tells you something while monitoring gauges to fully understand what it’s saying.
I also added a coolant filter although it doesn’t appear that I needed that at least at this point. Use Cat ELC coolant if not already using it.
I’m not sure if it’s necessary but I switched to a 6.4 transmission pan and filter when I did my tranny fluid.
Change out your fluids if they haven’t been done in awhile. I did mine because I wasn’t sure when they were last done.
I’m sure there’s other things but those are the ones off the top of my head that I did.
Enjoy the trip is the last bit of advice I can give.

 

You started the thread below a few weeks ago (without responding to people's posts).

EDIT - Thanks to Mods for merging the two threads into this one!

You want reliability, don't tune it.

Also, depending on who did the head studs, you actually may have lost some reliability there. A lot of places do a poor job on studs w/ new head gaskets. Just the facts.

 

Im with everyone on a tuner. I have SCT, came with the truck when i got it. Im looking for something stronger tho. A simple upgrade too would be a wicked wheel. My truck seems to have a little more response up front from it. And the neighbors will love you 😂

 

If you need hard parts we support KC Turbo and CNC Fabrication as our site sponsors.

@eric@cncfab

 

If you need hard parts we support KC Turbo and CNC Fabrication as our site sponsors.

@eric@cncfab

This is a VERY important topic!

With Ford OBVIOUSLY going to cheaper sources for manufacturing our "OEM" 6.0L parts (being an old "platform" now), buying from a quality vendor that will provide and honor a warranty is going to be a significant factor on where to shop going forward.

 

Thank you everyone for the advice, you have been very helpful. This is my dream truck and I don’t want to leave it behind

 

Invest in realtime monitoring while you drive, and effective troubleshooting via the OBD port.

No, not your average OBD2 code reader, but might actually be less expensive.

It will pay off in the long run.