Ford 6.0L Instigator Module

By Brian Hofmeister

The Ford Super Duty has always been known for being one tough truck.  Ford's  new 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine with 570 pound-feet of torque and 325 horsepower is no slouch.  This engine combined with the 5 speed torq-shift or six speed manual is one pulling machine.  But there is more.  TS Performance has a chip called the instigator that that will add  110 more horsepower at the rear wheels.  They are the only box that offers in cab adjustability of power levels from 0-110 horsepower and over 200 foot lbs. of torque by the turn of a dial.  The Instigator is also the only module on the market that is fully programmable for tuning and custom applications.  It also keeps the module up to date with any factory computer re-flashes or tuning issues.  TS Performance uses all three of the factory connectors at the pcm enabling the Instigator to utilize all functions of the computer including the transmission line pressure, fueling, and speed limiter removal.  In doing this, the Instigator not only increases horsepower and torque it increases fuel mileage and drivability also.

So how much power do you need to tow your RV or trailer around?  Well the stock engine is nice, but once you drive a properly chipped truck, there is no going back.  The throttle feel becomes more like a gas engine.  You find yourself using less throttle to do the same tasks or towing long hills.  You speeds and mileage while towing increase.  While unloaded, you have yourself one serious sport truck.  Yeah, I said sport truck.  These heavy trucks will turn 14 second quarter mile times!  All you have to do is simply plug in this box, and you have a totally different truck on your hands.

The installation is straight forward, and needs very few tools.  All you need is a ratchet with an extension, and 2 sockets, 8mm and 10mm.  You first have to remove the battery since the computer  that you have to access is behind it.  Use your 8mm socket and remove the battery connections and the battery set bolt, remove the cover, then the battery.  You can then look on the fender and see the three plugs that the computer uses to control engine and transmission functions.

Next we will use the 10 mm socket and remove the three bolts hat hold the ABS controller in place.  There is braided hose that allows you to move this unit just enough to get it out of the way.  Then unplug the three plugs in the computer and reroute them under the ABS controller and plug them into the TS Instigator.  The plugs from the instigator go back to the computer.  Make sure you note the plug order, if plugged in wrong the truck will not run. Put the ABS controller and battery back in and the chip is installed.

The last step is to run the infinite controller into the cab so you can dial in the right power level for your comfort.  There is a rubber grommet under the cab on the drivers side that can easily be accessed.  Once that is plugged in, its time to start the truck.  TS Performance recommends that you run the truck fro 15-20 shifts at the 0 level (all the way to the left) an them move up slowly allowing the transmission to get used to the new power. It will help the transmission not to slip.  Don't get crazy and go out and run it wide open.  This can lead to trouble since the transmission will not have adapted and the shifts will be soft..

After driving the truck for 200 miles, I found it to be very comfortable running at about half on the position knob.  There is great take off, and the shifts are quick and crisp.  Its hard to imagine that its the same motor under the hood.  Keeping up with traffic, or getting around them, is a much easier task.  Just a slight push on the pedal, and the truck is off.

The Instigator is available in two other horsepower levels: 135hp and 165 hp.  When using the higher levels, it is suggested that  transmission upgrades are used to deal with the high horsepower and torque gains.

TS Performance
5425 Nashville Road
Bowling Green, KY 42101
p 270-746-9999
f 270-746-9170
www.tsperformanceproducts.com