6.0 power mods

jd hauler · August 6, 2002

I wish my 6.0 had more smoke to pull and tow a little better, I have really been considering a whipplecharger, but is there any other alternatives out there that can also be thought about?

maggot · August 6, 2002

I have been looking around and watching some of my friends sink money into the 6.0l. No dynos or anygood scientific info except 'seat-o-meter' runs. Buddy put on new exhaust, cats, mufflers, pipes ,cost him like$600 or 700 I think?? a cold air induction, and a programmer . He claims it helped some.. but for the money , he has not been over excited .It sounds pretty good and it is breathing better. We have been discussing ordering some Caddy 10.1 pistons and a new cam, couple other goodies and seeing what that does. Justs seems to me everything is very coslty for the gains you may or may not get for your needs. All depends on your pocket book I guess. Me and my use I would like see how a super charger does on one of these, I pull and the extra boost would be nice. On the flip side I would not like scattering pistons and rods all over the road, and some of the prices I have seen are pretty high.

jd hauler · August 7, 2002

yeah, I too hate to spend alot, but the charger is suppose to be the way to more hp but alot of $$$$$$$. I had a 7.3 turbo ford and it would pull the house down, but it liked the shop and parts all the time, the 300 hp in the 6.0 to me is a real dissappointment as I have towed a while with it now. 3000 is alot to go but I can't replace the truck for that amount. later, thanks for the tip.

Colorado Kid · August 7, 2002

Old reliable NO2 (Nitrous Oxide) is known as "poor man's supercharger" for a reason. A system from Nitrous Oxide Systems ought to turn that 6.0 into a big block killer for quite a bit less than a Whipplecharger.

Using it for towing may not work out too well though, the bottle won't last long in the hills.

maggot · August 7, 2002

Now the 6.0 is a good motor, but you can't compare it to a turbo diesel, even a ferd. I do question the tow rating. Like my 15hd is said to be able to tow close to 11,000. It's great truck but a small block is just not a good fit for that much weight. I consider it to be on the level as the 350. What kind of load you hauling. I tow about 6 or 7000 and that is fine. If I had anything more I would want a duramax, mainly because of the MPG. I get 9-10 towing my rig.

jd hauler · August 7, 2002

I tow a 30 ft bumper pull camper, it does ok with that, it's at the 7000 mark all loaded, now when I haul my antique pulling tractors, that is about 9000 + with that. I have considered having that trailer made into a gooseneck, everyone says it will help substantially. I know on the old ferd, you could get different programs put in it for like 35 bucks at ford, does gm do any of this, I know it made alot of change on the fords.

maggot · August 7, 2002

Haven't seen any upgrade flashes, but there may be a newer one for you. Depending on how your dealership is they may tell you. It is not a proformance upgrade like Ferd does. Makes me wonder why ferd does that anyway?? If they can make it run better why not do them all? The 9000 load up on the bed will help move the tounge weight to a better place and the truck will do better. I wouldn't say it will give more power but the rig(truck+trailer) will do better. You just are used to the oil burning torque, and I honestly think would be hard to get that out of a small block with out some big bucks. One thing I have found is I don't like cruise control, I can get better reaction out of the truck myself. It feels doggy and act goofy on cruise, and with 3.73 in the rear I get better response at 2500 rpm. If need be while on rolling hills i put it in 3rd and leave it to keep the rpm at 2500. I think they get max HP on these at like 4000rpm. But if i run at 4000, I'd be going way too fast. Aint noticed any tranny temp problems.

jd hauler · August 7, 2002

good tip , I have never had the tranny over 200* on even the hottest day so far, in some huge long grueling hills of western pa. , that I'm real happy with, also another thing is, the engine temp, the guage never moves in winter or summer , pulling or idling, that really impresses me on a gasser. your right I did go a tad backwards for what I do , but I only tow like this for probably 30 to 40 days all summer. hate to sound whiny on the power thing, just would like to have more in these extreme times of towing. I really like the feel of the truck and it outrides the ford hands down, and then in a 3/4 ton, didn't have the push button 4wd on the 97 ford. it ate front end parts and tires bad. it does sound like the trailer upgrade will help. thanks later.

6 LITERS OF HOW YOU DOIN · October 2, 2002

My HD pulls great for a small block. I don't know if it's because of the 5spd or the 4.10's out back or a combination of both. But she pulls good. I'm beating her brains right now we'll see how she hold up, I'll keep you updated