You can tune a Ford 6.0, but you can't tuna fish - mileage increase/danger worth it?

[Flintlock]

I've looked at a lot of the powerstroke based forums, but none tow specific enough to get a good feel for what others have found in real world applications - using a tuner like SCT or Edge and their canned Tow tunes, have you noticed enough increase in gas/diesel mileage to justify the cost?
What have you found, or even I'll listen to don't you dare do it talk - want to get a good feel for the truth. Diesel ain't cheap or getting much cheaper, nor can we just keep saying go slower or soon the turtles will pass us.
Thanks for all opinions!

[jtyphoid]

Here's my opinion, and it's worth exactly what it costs :-)

I don't think that any aftermarket tuner can significantly improve on engine efficiency without negatively impacting performance. You can achieve the same effect yourself by easing off of the go pedal.

Tuners are at their best when giving you "Moar Power!" by actually using more fuel. This is not the best idea on the 6.0 unless you've beefed up certain weak points like the head bolts.

The most cost effective way to increase efficiency is to do an EGR delete, which is a controversial subject and may cause your vehicle to fail emissions inspection.

[Desert185]

I added a torque plate to my '94 Ram Cummins a few years back (mechanical fuel injection). The 75hp and ~150# torque added increased mileage. A mild increase and a judicious use of the right pedal will yield those typical results. As long as you stay within the torque limits of the auto tranny or clutch, the extra power can be a good thing when you need it. Of course, the Powerstroke may be a different animal.

If power were a bad thing, we'd all be driving (black) Model T's.

[JRTJH]

I added a performance chip to my 99 Superduty 7.3L. It was awesome, but my mileage went right into the pits !!!! After realizing that a diesel could light the tires, it was "impossible" not to mash the skinny pedal at every opportunity.

Realistically though, about all it did was stop the frequent downshifting from OD to 3rd. Otherwise, there wasn't much "towing improvement" in mileage or in performance.

But MAN OH MAN was it ever a "head turner" at stoplights LOL

[chuckster57]

Come over to the diesel stop and look at the 6.0 forum. Lots of information on what NOT to do to a 6.0 without doing some fixes first.

[Toy Teacher]

As others have said the 6.0 can have its problems that have been talked about over and over As for fuel mileage and tuners YES you can help with a tuner and the right tune... I have tried 3 different tuners Hypertech, Edge and now a SCT, hands down I like the SCT with a tow tunes from Gearhead automotive performance. The Hypertech had the best fuel mileage but they do not have a EGR delete tune and I would turn on the check engine light from time to time and put the truck in limp mode and had to pull over cycle the key and go on...what a pain in the butt As for the Edge I did not like the trans program.

So all that being said with the SCT tuner and Gearheads studded tow tune I picked up 2.4 MPG when towing and when not towing I run Gearheads Extreme SRL tune Also keep in mind I'm a overkill type when it comes to mods so your mileage may not be the same..

My list of Mods:
* ARP Head Studs
* Maxxforce Oil Cooler
* Blue Spring Fuel PSI Reg
* Updated HPOP Fitting
* High Flow Turbo Oil Supply and Drain Fittings
* Sinister EGR Delete
* AFE Intake and Air Filter
* Bullet Proof Diesel Water Pump
* Mishimoto Radiator
* Evans Coolant
* Mishimoto Intercooler
* Mishimoto Intercooler Piping
* MBRP 5in Exhaust
* 5in Aero Turbine Muffler
* Mag Hytec Front and Rear Diff Covers
* Mag Hytec Trans Pan
* 6.4 Banjo Bolts
* Boost, Exhaust Temp, Fuel PSI and Coolant PSI Gauges
* Coolant Filter
* RDS 60 Gal Transfer Fuel Tank
* Ride Rite Rear Air Bags
* B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch
* SCT Tuner with Gearhead Custom Tunes

[LittleJoe]

With a mild(er) tow tune you will not "pay " for the additional torque/hp if you only use it as needed on hills etc...........meaning your mileage will remain about the same but you will have a better performing machine. If you use it to drive faster than you did before , then you will do so at a economy penalty.

[Williston324]

My 6.0 had a clogged oil cooler. While towing my water/oil temp spread was 30+ degrees at times. Not towing it would get to 20+. After driving back home this past April I tore the top end apart, did a major coolant flush and replaced the oil cooler. While in there - deleted the EGR, blue spring on fuel pump, new hpop fitting, cleaned the turbo and upgraded the oil feed and drain lines. Also added a coolant filter.

I've always used the Scangauge II to monitor things. I splurged and bought the SCT tuner. What a difference! I just use the canned tunes that it came with. Around town, not towing, I run the basic street tune. This alone makes a big difference. More positive throttle response and smooth shifts. Mileage increased slightly as well. For fifth wheel towing down to Florida from Ontario two weeks ago I used one of the tow tunes. Again, a very noticeable difference. The tune increased the HP and did major adjustments to the transmission shift points and firmness. Again, a slight increase in mpg - about 1.5 - 2, which is about 10%. For me that is not the selling point though. The performance/driveability changes are what make it for me.

The flush and oil cooler change made a huge difference as well. Towing temperature difference on coolant/oil is now about 7 - 8 degrees. Not towing, 3 - 4.

I've read lots of pros and cons about the Ford 6.0 but mine now runs like a charm and I have no complaints - fingers crossed.

[chuckster57]

Venture over here:
http://www.thedieselstop.com/forums/

TONS of great information on the good and bad of "tuning" a 6.0
Your going to need a long time to read all the information. These guys have dissected the way to do it properly and make safe gains.

Pay attention to posts by TKO Performance and Maryland Dieselnick, I have been a member there since '08 and have watched lots of people try to pump up a 6.0 without wanting to do it right.

[Williston324]

That's one of a few sites I use extensively. Others - powerstroke.org and ford-trucks.com are also invaluable. Just like this site, you can learn so much from others that have "been there"!!

[hankaye]

Flintlock, Howdy;

I'll add that the 3 forums mentioned are fantastic resources.
I also have a 6.0L (early 2004). Spent almost a year doing
the skull work and opted for doing the BulletProof Engineering
Level III( http://www.bulletproofdiesel.com/Articles.asp?ID=312).
Amounts to a short-block in-frame overhaul with the
upgrades. Worth it??? I think so. Fuel mileage is creeping up a
bit, my best is when I keep the RPM's between 1500 and 2000,
yours may vary. That allows me to get along anywhere from about
55-75 mph. Last time I filled it MPG's were 18,65 NOT towing.
I've kept mine stock and haven't used any 'Tuners' or deletes. The
more ya mess with it the more there is to go wrong IMO.

hankaye

[rnkburg]

If you are around Harrodsburg ky get in touch with LD. Diesel performance and talk with Luke. He is a guru on these trucks and does them right. Ford has even called him


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[Ken / Claudia]

Ok, my vehicle has a different engine and transmission but, this is what I did. At about 40,000 miles I got a tuner with normal, tow, power modes. Fuel went from 17-19 to 30-32 mpg on power mode, empty truck with neck breaking starts at the red lights. Towing from around 12 back to 17 mpg. 6 months later blew up the tranny. Factory replacement was 2600 or 2800 dollars. I just live with the way ford made it but, did spend another 5400 for a super tranny after I blew the main tranny seal while towing. Since 08 not a problem yet with engine or tranny. I am at 167000 miles. Just be careful adding aftermarket power products. Mine was costly.

[chuckster57]

Ken/ Claudia you have a 7.3 and the OP has a 6.0, both built by Navistar/International. Biggest change was the use of torque to yield head bolts and fewer fasteners holding the head on. The 7.3 can take higher cylinder pressures much better than the 6.0.

Any "tuning" of a 6.0 should include ARP studs and new Factory head gaskets after the heads have been checked for flatness and no cracks. Anything less than that is asking for failure.

[Hansel]

Originally Posted by Ken / Claudia

Ok, my vehicle has a different engine and transmission but, this is what I did. At about 40,000 miles I got a tuner with normal, tow, power modes. Fuel went from 17-19 to 30-32 mpg on power mode, empty truck with neck breaking starts at the red lights. Towing from around 12 back to 17 mpg. 6 months later blew up the tranny. Factory replacement was 2600 or 2800 dollars. I just live with the way ford made it but, did spend another 5400 for a super tranny after I blew the main tranny seal while towing. Since 08 not a problem yet with engine or tranny. I am at 167000 miles. Just be careful adding aftermarket power products. Mine was costly.

Wow I'd like too see those results in my 01 CCSRW 4X4 32mpg

As mentioned before go over too the Powerstroke.org, The Diesel Stop, and Powerstroke Nation and read up on the 6.0L they are a great engine but they do need some mods like bulletproofing.

[Desert185]

As mentioned before go over too the Powerstroke.org, The Diesel Stop, and Powerstroke Nation and read up on the 6.0L they are a great engine but they do need some mods like bulletproofing.

If they were a great engine wouldn't they NEED no reliability mods?

[Ken / Claudia]

Hansel, I think the tuner was named hypertunner or similar. I got the 400 bucks back for the tuner when I showed the repair bill for a new tranny to Cabelas. The 32 mph was the top without pulling a trailer, driving at 65 to coast and back monthly. I got the 17 mpg with camper and boat using the tuner. Without tuner pulling a trailer and getting 10-12 is ok with me as long as I am not breaking anything anymore trannys or turbos etc.

[Pulln]

Originally Posted by Williston324

That's one of a few sites I use extensively. Others - powerstroke.org and ford-trucks.com are also invaluable. Just like this site, you can learn so much from others that have "been there"!!

agreed!

In regards to tuning the 6.0l I would not do it unless you plan on spending the money to make that engine bullet proof. those head bolts are well know weak point.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by Desert185

If they were a great engine wouldn't they NEED no reliability mods?

In the STOCK non modified configuration, yes the 6.0 can be a great engine. I have friends with NO mods, and they have lots trouble free miles.

The problems start to appear with the addition of extra fuel or boost. And the Ford coolant used in a Navistar engine.

[Hansel]

Originally Posted by Desert185

If they were a great engine wouldn't they NEED no reliability mods?

I'm not going too start a debate with you because you have a Cummins and your bashing the 6.0L.