2003 6.0 Powerstroke

[beanoil]

I had exhaust smell in the cab, and was down on power. On the 6.0, Ford uses a bellows on the driver side up pipe, while the passenger side gets a wire mesh flex joint. The drivers side bellows crack, leaking fumes and exhaust pressure that should be spooling up the turbo. The repair shop put on an aftermarket set from Rudy's that has the flex joint on each side. No more smell, and the truck now drives like it should. Plenty of power, and the there is almost no lag before you feel the turbo spool up. The Rudy's pipes are actually a little less than the Ford part and were replaced by pulling the turbo.

 

[bdcardinal]

Nice, that looks pretty cool. I keep mulling over buying a 6.0 Powerstroke for a fun truck / tow vehicle. Keeping all these parts in mind for when I will invariably have to stud the block.

 

[beanoil]

I've enjoyed my truck. There are some 6.0's that seem to have problems, mine has been a good one. You will wind up having to have studs if you tune by advancing timing. Mild tunes in the FICM don't seem to be as hard on the engine because cylinder pressure remains about the same as stock. Advancing timing and increasing cylinder pressure and subsequent EGT's seem to be a quick death sentence for the 6.0.

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: beanoil
I've enjoyed my truck. There are some 6.0's that seem to have problems, mine has been a good one. You will wind up having to have studs if you tune by advancing timing. Mild tunes in the FICM don't seem to be as hard on the engine because cylinder pressure remains about the same as stock. Advancing timing and increasing cylinder pressure and subsequent EGT's seem to be a quick death sentence for the 6.0.


Ya I have a few friends that have had theirs gone through with the Bullet Proof setup. Plus working where I do, I see them all day.

Seems like if you actually take care of them, they last forever.