05 6.0 Mods??
 

Hello everyone. I'm new to the diesel world and I have a few questions I hope you guys can help me with. I just purchased a 2005 F350 SWR Crew Cab Long Bed with just over 72,000 miles on it. The truck has no issues. Just had the turbo replaced (OEM) because the original was lacking power. Other than that its completly 05 factory. I'm looking to do a few mods to it but I have the typical worry of blowing the head gaskets. I'm putting 4" turbo back to 8" stacks on it for now. (I know some people don't like stacks for whatever reason but I do) I'm not towing anything heavy. Just the usual, 23' boat, sleds. No big deal. What else can I/should I do without having to worry about the heads or other issues?I would really like to get some performance out of this beast. Thanks for your time guys.

CTS Insight for gauges with an EGT probe. Check EOT/ECT to see what's going on with the oil cooler. An SCT with mild tuning and FICM tuning will wake it up enough to keep the HG issue at bay. As power demands increase so will the costs to get there and keep the motor healthy.

Drive it, keep the fluids healthy, and keep asking questions.

First and foremost, the reason for HG failures can usually be traced to either an EGR or oil cooler clogging. The least complicated approach is to install a coolant temp gauge (that piece of junk in the factory dash won't do it) and an oil temp gauge and keep and eye on how close the temps are, any more than I think a 15° difference and you could be looking at a blown cooler. Get a coolant filter! ~$120 and it will prevent further clogging of you EGR/oil coolers. Studs aren't really required until you start running hot tunes and upping the boost and cylinder pressures (some guys are lucky though and can run a hot rod tune on stock TTY bolts and HGs).

If I were to do it all again with the knowledge that I have now it would go something like this (in order of priority)
-EOT and ECT gauges
-complete coolant flush (get as much of that junk out as you can before the new EGR/oil coolers go in, and before the coolant filter so that you don't completely clog the filter when you do the flush)
-new oil cooler, EGR delete if your state allows (BulletProof EGR otherwise), coolant filter
-Headgaskets and ARP studs (if you have the cash then do this at the same time as the coolers since the engine will be half torn down anyway)
-performance mods

Start with your current plans, but add gauges and a coolant filter to that list. Monitor your oil cooler like suggested and replace as needed. Add power mods after that.

Have you seen 8" stacks? They're huge... to me they look a little goofy. 6" is a nice clean look, I have 6" on mine. I'd either do 6" duals or maybe a 6 or 7" single.

Thanks a lot for your input guys. Mdub your right, I was going back and forth between 6 or 8 inch. I think 6 inch would look much better also. What is the FICM tuning that Heavy was talking about? Like I said I'm new to the diesel world. Also, what are the recommendations as far as how often to change the fluids? Which ones when? I know oil every 5k but thats about it. Thanks again guys for helping out the newbie.

FICM stands for fuel injection control module. It's kind of a new thing to tune the FICM's (last year or so it gained popularity). It's just one more step in taking control of our injection system beyond what the SCT can do by itself. I'd start with the SCT and once you're comfortable with the power, go to the FICM tuning, supposed to increase throttle response, etc.

I do oil and oil filter every 5-7k. Use only motorcraft, international, or fram oil filters, NOTHING else. Definitely avoid anything that comes with it's own cap, it can do major damage to the engine (starve it for oil).

Fuel filters I'd say 10k miles on those, again, only motorcraft or international here. Some of the other aftermarket units don't have the water membrane for keeping water out.

Trans is supposed to be done @ 30k if I remember right, and I feel like diff fluids are supposed to be done every 60k, someone is going to have to verify this. I've been neglecting my diffs, @ 108k now and never changed them... yikes.

Just stay on top of the fuel filters and don't forget to drain the water when you do it too. These engines will tell you how they like certain oils and when they need changing, you'll see as you go.

Adam, congradulations on your truck... I just bought a 2005 excursion with a 6.0 last week. I see that you are somewhat in the same boat I am. My 6.0 is factory stock as well. From reading post and researching I think it might be wise to add the $18 blue feul pump spring to your to do list as well. Sounds like the fuel filter update that ford did has a tendency to starve the injectors of fuel causing them to go bad. Sounds like the blue spring upgrade boost the low pressure just enough to combat the issue. If I wrong I'm sure the other guys will set us both straight.

I pulled the oasis report from ford and it seems that my 6.0 has never had any issues with the engine. I wonder if ford solved some of the outstanding issues for the model year you and I have.