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Want More Power!!

3K views 15 replies 7 participants last post by  MT KingRanch 
#1 ·
Am about ready for a change for a bit more power, am thinking an SCT tuner from perhaps Elite or KEM.
Motor is running very good, 110k+ miles. Still have stock head gaskets, am thinking of tuner for Tow tune, maybe run it on the performance tune on occasion when running empty.
Think this is a good idea before studding it? Am sure I will have to stud eventually but would like to enjoy a little more performance till then.
Anyone running the Garret PowerMax SS turbo?
 
#3 ·
I did studs 1 at a time and so good so far. Did a write up on it. It's not the conventional way but I was confident my HG were good and believe I was successful. Almost 20,000 miles now and about 40% of them towing.

Recommend SCT and atlas 40 for your FICM I really like it. Watch your pyro though unless you upgrade your exhaust.

If you read Ed's web page he explains why FICM tuning doesn't increase combustion pressures like a hot SCT tune will.

http://ficmrepair.com/FAQ/index.htm

More power!
 
#4 ·
I run an innovative diesel performance race tune on my truck with stock headgaskets and stock/factory head bolts. no issues on my end. I have a river city diesel EGR delete and a 4inch turbo back exhaust and larger injectors. check my sig for all my mods
 
#5 ·
Like most of us, once you run your truck tuned, you will likely be addicted and find it nearly impossible to run stock tuning ever again.

My stock Powermax was tricky to tune on my truck and can be on alot of other trucks too. But mine has worked very well for me. Did a write up yrs ago on the PowerMax here...http://www.thedieselgarage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100735&highlight=powermax

Harry
 
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#6 ·
Before you tune, make sure everything else is in good working order, like your coolers, HPO system, etc. Do the research on upgrades that pertain to your particular truck, and know if you have an early '04 or a later '04.5 build. Other than good maintenance, monitoring with a Scan Gauge II and a pyrometer, or maybe an Edge CTS display only that carries the same diagnostic and data monitoring and pyrometer abilities as the other items integrated in one unit and offers a back up camera too.
 
#7 ·
Motor is 04.5 in good running order, had them plug it in and check everything out last winter. last power balance was done a couple years ago.
Have scan-gauge II plugged in, watching FMP, voltage, ICP, IPR. A-pillar pod monitors boost, fuel psi, and egt.
Master-Flow exhaust has 5" down pipe to 4" out the back.
Can anyone tell me about the degas bottle cap, was there a different psi cap recommended for the earlier 6.0? When I tow, it tends to want to puke a little coolant on occasion, have had the coolant tested for exhaust gas last summer and was negative.
 
#8 ·
Think I'll call about the Atlas40 FICM tuning for starters.:D
 
#9 ·
I'd throw a new cap on 10$ or so. If it pukes again I'd question the HG.

I did atlas 40 when I had my FICM rebuilt. Voltages started to drift below 46.
 
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#10 ·
If it's the original cap they do get weak after time as mine did, and the new factory one is the same 16psi type cap but looks a little different. All 6.0L run a 16psi cap for all yr models, and I agree with Weld, your HG's are likely already compromised.

Harry
 
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#11 ·
Also, there is a revised lower coolant level, running the high side of the original level can, in conjunction with an old cap cause minor coolant loss on it's own.

Unfortunately, checking the coolant for combustion gasses does not always work on this engine. Lower the coolant level, install a new cap, and then T in a line for a pressure gauge where it's visible for a drive. Get the engine up to full operating temp (195°-200°) and carefully release the system pressure so your gauge shows 0psi. Take the truck for a normal drive at highway speed and watch the gauge, it should slowly and gradually build pressure. Find adage place for a spirited acceleration test or good grade to put a load on the truck. Again, carefully release the pressure from the system to start at 0psi. Now run the truck HARD. Watch the gauge, if the pressure jumps up to te 16psi cap rating and then flutters between 14psi and 20psi, you have combustion pressure entering the cooling system and escaping through the caps pressure release spring. With the coolant level 1" below the low mark on the bottle, it gives the gas and liquid time to separate in the bottle and prevents coolant loss, which was a neat fix from Ford to cut down on warranty claims for trucks with compromised but not completely failed gaskets.
 
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#12 ·
Well!!! Installed one of Ed's FICM's with Atlas 40 tune, I am VERY happy with the change in power and snappiness of my motor!!
What a differance, is fun driving again, acceleration till turbo spools up is much,much better, when boost kicks in it really takes off. Couldn't be happier!! :rock:rock
Thanks for the prodding about this FICM tune, it's great, would heartily recommend it as the first performance related change to a 6.0.
I got a chance to realy work it this weekend, before I got the FICM in today, towing a 34" camper and a 20 1/2' walleye boat, tightened down the degas bottle cap and headed out. saw 1200-1250 max egt, cruised 60-65 mph, handled it plumb fine, no puking coolant or anything.Passed a semi rig pulling an uphill to get past and romped on it pretty good, saw 1300 egt.
Will be interesting to try it again in a week with the Atlas 40 tune, did notice when getting on it hard today, egt climbing to 1200, which Ed said I'd have to watch that temp when towing.
Cleaned my battery terminals after ficm install and picked up 2-3 more volts. Have a DC Power 190amp alternator coming anyway, and have a de-sulfating Battery minder from ED to wire in yet.
:beer:guitar
 
#13 ·
The EGts will climb because it will stay locked up longer. I just ease off and let it downshift then let her roar. I agree the Atlas 40 is nice! I'm running a stock exhaust so I can hit 1200 pretty easily. I don't let it go over much. 1400 and bad things happen from my research.
 
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#14 ·
Have fun. The power adding complex is addictive. I remember when gauges , exhaust, and tuner were all I wanted to do. Oh well. Many great combinations for power and longevity. And some great companies to work with. I still think even a tuned truck is reliable based on how you maintain it and of course how you drive it. I think I've about got mine dialed in, maybe a different turbo. Advice: don't let the wifey know how much you really spend! Have fun!

One thought. I liked having the tranny tuning of my SCT before I did the FICM tuning. I think it's better for the tranny.
 
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#15 ·
I agree I think the combination of a Tow tune and Atlas 40 pair up nice for shifting and power.
 
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#16 ·
Ordered an SCT X4 from Ed today, he said I'll be pleased with it. Am looking forward to loading the tow tune to go with the Atlas40. :happydance
 
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