Best 6.0 Powerstroke Upgrades Review In 2023 : (Powerful & Reliable)

In this review update, we will go over some of the best 6.0 Powerstroke upgrades that will help users get the most out of the performance of the 6.0L engine.

There are several tricks and aftermarket replacement parts that can upgrade or work better than original components in your 6.0L engine.

First and foremost we start with the basics and proceed to more complex parts that provide strong horsepower and torque whilst maintaining airflow efficiency.

Some excellent ways to boost up a 6.0L truck engine include but not limited to modifying or upgrading the air intake, exhaust compartment, and EGR delete kits.

Best 6.0 Powerstroke Upgrades [Top Picks]

Find below, some of the most innovative ways and car parts that you can use for a 6.0L Powerstroke engine.

A majority of these parts are specific for Ford models made between 2003-2007 diesel trucks. Let’s get right in.

For power and performance enthusiasts, in this section, our experts review 11 of the best upgrades for 6.0L Powerstroke Ford engines.

This list represents the basic upgrades needed to serve various purposes like increasing the horsepower to bypassing delicate components in a bid to extend longevity or enhance the reliability of your 6.0L.

Our experts considered several upgrades for a 6.0L to finally arrive at this list.

So after putting in painstaking hours,  and reading thousands of customer reviews we are certain that this list will get you started on the right foot. Let’s get right in!

Top 11 Best 6.0 Powerstroke Upgrades Reviews

01. Coolant Filtration System for Ford – Top Rated Performer

 

Top 3 Features

• Built with quality parts
• Precision fitness
• Designed for Ford cars

The coolant filtration system for Ford models made between 2003-2007 is one of the best filtration systems in the market today.

Our experts spent 10 hours reviewing the pros and cons of various filtration systems but the sinister diesel coolant filtration system is heads and shoulders above them all.

Here are three top features that place this product at the top of our list:

Quality Design

The quality of this sinister diesel filtration coolant system takes this product beyond the competition.

It is made from top-notch materials to ensure that users get the most out of the coolant for a long time.

Without making any exceptions, this filtration system makes use of a CNC machine billet 6061 aluminum which is one of the best materials in the industry.

Top Performance

The design features as well as the innovative construction helps this coolant bypass and filter out all coolants whilst eliminating almost all contaminants from the truck’s engine.

This system is capable of replacing the low-quality coolant system initially installed in Ford models and helps prevent abrasive particles from gaining entrance to the 6.0L diesel engine.

Precision fitting

The sinister diesel coolant filtration system is precisely made to fit Ford models made between 2003-2007 including Ford excursion, 250, and 350 models.

In addition to the precise fit, it is also easy to install and run effortlessly with the car’s system.

Pros

• Precision fit and easy to install
• Top-notch quality material
• Efficiently eliminates contaminants from the coolant system

Cons

• There may be some issues with customer service

02. Edge Products Insight Cts2 – Alternative Performance Upgrade

 

Top 3 Features

• Multicolour high precision/resolution screen
• Highly customizable background
• Gauge display and performance monitoring

The Edge products Insight Cts2 is one of the performance upgrades that are the perfect match for heavy-duty truck hauling.

If you are a performance junkie and seek to get the most out of your truck, then you must consider this 6.0 upgrade.

Truck Diagnostic Tool

One special feature of this product is that it is a diagnostic tool that can be connected with an OBD port to display a variety of parameters.

However, while this tool is capable of alerting users to impending problems it actually can’t precisely identify what the issue is but it does display error codes that can point you in the right direction.

Performance monitoring and Gauge display

The Cts2 is capable of digital gauge displays that users have the liberty of setting to their preferences.

To take things further, installing this device is a lot easier than traditional gauges which aren’t recommended for armatures.

Additionally, you have the preference option of setting visual alerts of the performance of your truck.

Maintenance alerts

With the Cts2 diagnostic tool, a user can set up maintenance alerts on several parameters.

A maintenance task that notifies users on the mileage is one such task. This reminds the truck owner when a mileage target has been reached.

Pros

• High-performance monitor
• The customizable and comprehensive gauge system
• Easy to use and install

Cons

• Lacks custom truck tuning feature

03. Blue Spring Kit For 6.0 Powerstroke Upgrade – Fuel Regulator Kit

 

Top 3 Features

• Complete kit for installation
• Compatible with 6.0 Powerstroke
• Quality material

The 6.0 Blue Spring Kit Upgrade is an innovative approach to mitigating the problems associated with injector failure.

One of the most common problems associated with injector failure is low fuel pressure and this kit was made to solve that problem by increasing fuel pressure.

Increased Fuel Pressure

The primary purpose of this Blue spring upgrade is to eliminate the problems associated with low fuel pressure.

Increasing the fuel pressure of trucks also increases the performance of the engine.

This kit is capable of increasing fuel pressures by 10-15psi on a variety of 6.0 Powerstroke engines.  As a direct consequence of this increase, the injector life is also increased.

Ease of installation

One major problem many amateurs have with upgrades is that they can be quite hard to install. Not with this kit. It comes with easy to follow instructions and all parts that are needed for the installation.

There is even a very detailed installation video that can help guide the installation process.

Compatibility

Compatibility is an issue you need to consider before committing to purchase this kit.

This particular Ford upgrade is the equivalent of 3C3Z-9T517-AG which is the perfect match for many stock and modern-day trucks.  Furthermore, it also serves Ford models from 2003 – 2007 in addition to F350, 450, and F550 models.

Pros

• Strong power boost to trucks
• Easy to install and works great
• Prolong the life of injectors

Cons

• May result in increased fuel economy

04. New Diesel Valve Power Stroke – An Identical Great Replacement For Ford

 

Top 3 Features

• High-quality design
• New Construction metallic design
• Direct fit OE replacement

This is a brand new 100% construction replacement value that has been crafted for OE style replacement for Ford Cars.

The value is from a Tier one supplier so there is a very strong assurance that you are getting a product produced with very strict standards.

Metallic Design

This replacement OE style value has a metallic body construction that will ensure users get the most out of the usage.  With a newer construction and with the use of innovative technology our experts are certain that this value.

Top-notch EGR valve

This product is as displayed and identical to what’s in stock.  It is a perfect fit for Ford car models although some users have had problems with the size of the O-rings.

We’d advise that you ensure is model is compatible with the model of the car you own.

Proper fitting

For Ford cars that are compatible with this value, it sits properly in place. However, if you encounter problems, use WD-40 oil on the rings and apply a little force to set it in place.

Pros

• Good quality product at an excellent price
• Good fit for OEM parts
• Metallic design feature

Cons

• There might be installation problems

05. Ford 3C3Z-9T517-AG Fuel Pressure Regulator Kit

 

Top 3 Features

• Universal fit type
• Genuine OEM
• Specific for the Ford Model

This fuel pressure kit is a low-cost modification that is constructed to increase the fuel pressure of your car.

The best part of this tool is that it is a universal fitting and genuine OEM device so there should be little to no problems encountered during installation.

High-Performance

It’s a known fact that increasing the pressure of your fuel has a positive effect in prolonging the lifespan of the injector.

With performance upgrades tools like the Ford 3C3Z-9T517-AG Fuel Pressure Regulator Kit, you can challenge the limits of your fuel system.

This tool is a high-performance variant that increases fuel pressures by about 10-15 psi.

Easy install

It takes roughly 30 minutes to install this device and immediately users will notice a 10-15psi of fuel increase.

There is a dedicated instruction guide and a repertoire of YouTube videos to guide owners through the installation process.

Compatibility

Ford 3C3Z-9T517-AG Fuel Pressure Regulator Kit device is compatible with Ford models made between 2003-2007 including E-series, Excursion, F250, F350, F450, and F550.

The device comes with new cast covers, an updated blue pressure kit, seals, bolts, and an installation guide.

Pros

• Increase engine throttle response
• Easy install in under 30 minutes
• Prevents low fuel pressure

Cons

• Problems associated with the defective product

06. S&B Filters 75-5070 Cold Air Intake -A Great Horsepower Maker

 

Top 3 Features

• Innovative design improvements
• Premium Silicone filters
• Better fit and bolder look

The S& B diesel performance intake kit works by improving the airflow in your Ford’s engine.

The increased airflow feature results in improved horsepower and torque whilst maintaining the filtration process.  The improved airflow also reduces engine temperatures as well as promotes a healthy fuel economy.

Better fitting

With a solid and bold looking surface, this product provides greater airflow features offering protection and more horsepower to your truck’s engine. The kit is an upgraded version that helps provide superior fitting to the pop hood of your car.

Innovative design improvements

One of the most innovative design features of the S&B filter cold air intake is that it is designed like a piece of black box that incorporates an integrated boxing seal along with a filter remainder.

Premium Filters

The use of premium filters is an added advantage of this cold air intake filter. Silicon is one of the best and highest quality filters that aren’t available with other brands.

We are certain that the use of premium filters will help elongate the lifespan of this airflow product.

Pros

• Easy to maintain
• Very easy installation steps
• Provides more power and torque to the engine

Cons

• Lacks a grommet feature

07. Genuine Ford 6E7Z-9A332-B Fuel Supply Tube

 

Top 3 Features

• Quality premium design
• OEM product
• Nice fit

This is a genuine and high-quality Ford upgrade part that is recommended for almost all trucks it getting the utmost operational power from your engine is a top priority.

Ford’s quality and highest standard of functionality mean users can trust that this upgrade will do just what it intends.

Highly Functional

This genuine Ford 6E7Z-9A332-B Fuel Supply Tube is notorious for retaining the operational power of your engine as soon as it is switched on.

It does this by making use of an innovative design feature that incorporates a check valve to help it retain oil at the top of the engine.

Therefore as soon as you turn on the engine, the number of rotations that is needed to reach optimum function is dramatically reduced.

Original OEM part

This Ford fuel supply tube is reliable in terms of functionality because it is a genuine OEM Ford part that is gotten from only authorized Ford dealers located around the United States of America.

Built to last

Rugged and built to last, users will derive the most out of this Ford fuel supply tube whilst making sure that the engine operational performance is maximized.

Pros

• Genuine factory rated OEM part
• Proper fit for your Ford truck
• Durable and affordable

Cons

• Be sure there are no faulty parts

08. DB Electrical SFD0122 New Starter Replacement -Best upgrade for the 6.0 Powerstroke available

 

Top 3 Features

• Built to meet OEM specification
• Superior Quality
• Engineer-tested for optimum performance

The DB Electrical SFD0122 New Starter Replacement part is a premium-quality alternator that is designed to offer superior performance for Ford-F series trucks.

We are confident that if you own a Ford-F-series truck, you will value the added functionality this electrical alternator provides.

Superior Quality

This aftermarket electrical alternator delivers superior performance that is closely identical to that offered by the original part.

It functions to provide better charging capacity under high heat environments by offering high-temperature epoxy.

Direct-Fit product

Installing this electrical alternator is a breeze because it’s a direct fitting model void of any complexities.  It has been designed to fit-in directly where the original model was placed.

Optimum performance

We are certain that is model electrical alternator will surely provide users with a flawless mechanical performance because it has been rigorously tested by highly skilled engineers and programs to meet the required standards.

Pros

• Built to withstand the heat
• Performs optimal in harsh conditions
• Tested for excellent performance

Cons

• May have problems in the long run

09. Heavy Duty Y-Pipe Up Pipe with Gasket and Turbo Install Kit

 

Top 3 Features

• Tubular construction
• Solidly built stainless steel
• Y-pipe shaped Gasket

This Y-shaped heavy-duty gasket assembly is one of a kind that can serve as the right upgrade for Ford 6.0 Powerstroke trucks and cars made between 2003-2007.

It includes an upgraded heavy-duty bellows for an additional layer of efficiency and convenience.

Heavy-duty performance

The Heavy Duty Y-Pipe Up Pipe with Gasket and Turbo Install Kit comes with all the right accessories that are needed to upgrade the performance of your Ford trucks.

The kit includes heavy-duty bellows and a Y-pipe-shaped gasket to provide a solid turbo to the engine.

Rigorous Quality

The turbocharger kit has been rigorously tested and engineered to provide the best quality performance for your 6.0 Powerstroke engine.

All parts of this product have undergone strict testing and vetting to ensure that they all meet the highest of standards.

Build quality

First and foremost this product comes with the entire required gasket and bolts needed for a successful installation, however, we’d advise that you leave it loose at the flanges during installation to ensure it aligns with the turbo.

All parts are well-constructed, built to last, and in quality stainless steel.

Pros

• Quality stainless steel construction
• Innovative design
• Perfect fitting with turbo

Cons

• Difficult installation process

10. MagnaFlow 18945 Cat-Back Exhaust System

 

Top 3 Features

• Mandrel-bent tubing
• Stainless steel construction design
• Innovative quality design

Upgraded Performance

The MagnaFlow 18945 Cat-Back Exhaust System has been built to last and engineered to deliver the best performance in the toughest of conditions.

With increased performance and better fuel economy, we are certain that heavy-duty upgrade enthusiasts will enjoy the smooth operation and deep sound provided by this upgrade.

Increased torque and horsepower

The cat-back exhaust design is designed to lift the present horsepower limits for your engine.

Its straight-through design optimizes the engine airflow to provide users with unlimited horsepower while at the same time optimizing exhaust performance.

Innovative Design

A simple look at this cat-back exhaust tubing will reveal engineering ingenuity and quality construction that aims to deliver maximum horsepower without compromising on exhaust efficiency. All service parts are included with directions on how to easily install this cat-exhaust system.

Pros

• Increased horsepower and torque
• Innovative cat-exhaust system
• Top-notch mandrel-bent construction
• Easy installation process

Cons

• Numerous small parts

11. 6.0 Compressor Wheel & Housing Turbo

 

Top 3 Features

• Strong housing compartment
• Increased Horsepower and torque
• Top-notch material build

Quality Upgrade

The 6.0 Compressor Wheel & Housing Turbo is a quality upgrade that is capable of providing up to 175 horsepower for a 6.0 Powerstroke engine.

If you are a fanatic of heavy-duty trucks and cars then this compressor wheel and housing upgrade ought to be on your list.

It pushes the boundaries of power and ensures your truck has all it takes to take on rough and complex terrains.

Direct Fit

This product is a direct fit for Ford truck models made between 2003-2007 and requires no machining jobs.

For added compatibility, it also fits in properly into 6.6 Duramax LLY turbo engines but the intake compartment must be changed to house the fitting requirement.

Additionally, it can also fit into a Duramax LMM turbo but unlike the Duramax LLY turbo, you may need to change out the shaft to a much more convenient Powerstroke.

Top-notch construction

The 6.0 Compressor Wheel & Housing Turbo is constructed with high-quality metal material to provide optimum performance and improve/increase the turbo and horsepower rating according to your present vehicle’s modification and calibration.

Pros

• Increased horsepower (up to 175 hp)
• Quality construction
• Ease to install and operate

Cons

• There may be major turbo lag

6.0 Powerstroke Upgrades Kit (Buying Guide)

This video makes you understand which Top 3 upgrade mods you must need for your 6.0 Powerstroke  engine

There are several upgrades you can make to a 6.0L heavy-duty Ford truck to get the most performance out of it.

These upgrades can increase the horsepower, torque or even promote longevity and reliability of the car.

However, determining what needs to be upgraded can be a rather tough decision to make that is why our experts have written this guide to point you in the right direction.

A majority of these upgrades aren’t necessary for a traditional 6.0 Powerstroke engine but they can be ideal if you have the space to incorporate performance enhancers.

Additionally, a combination of some of these upgrades can dramatically improve the performance of your engine.

Let’s get started with some of the engine components that are suitable for a 6.0 Powerstroke upgrade.  We start with the basics of them all; the EGR cooling system.

Upgrading the EGR Cooler:

One of the most basic and first points of call to a 6.0 Powerstroke upgrade is to consider upgrading the EGR cooler.

Upgrades for the EGR are readily available and are capable of efficiently transferring heat at a better rate than OEM units.

Besides, EGR’s are less prone to soot build-up and eliminates clogging which is capable of causing besetting problems for the engine.

Originally, many Ford Models  (especially those from 2003- 2004) have square EGR coolers which are prone to sudden failure, hereby leaking out the coolant.

Therefore it is necessary to look for newer upgrades that can substitute the traditional square EGR coolers.

Turbochargers oil drain tubing:

The faulty kinked traditional turbocharger oil drain tubing of Ford models made from 2003 – 2006 will not suffice in today’s complex and harsh terrains.

An upgrade is needed and that has come in the form of a Mandrel bent oil drain tubing.

If you consider the analogy of a garden hose that is kinked at several sides to one that is not kinked then you aren’t further from the truth.

Water flows freely in a hose that isn’t kinked than a hose kinked on several sides.  The same analogy can be applied to the oil drain tubing of a 6.0 Powerstroke engine.

Oil helps remove heat and keep the bearings of the turbo pipe well-lubricated. By allowing oil to flow freely in the turbo pipes, heat is dissipated from the turbocharger.

Upgrading the oil drain turbo pipes may not in any way improve performance but it will certainly contribute to the longevity of the engine.

FICM:

The fuel injector Control Module is another area in a 6.0L Powerstroke engine that might need some upgrades.

The main function of the FICM is to control the proper firing of each individualized fule injector system by providing an ideal amount of volts to the solenoid of the injector.

The major problem associated with the FICM that necessitates an upgrade is that it is located on the engine’s valve cover.

Of course, the heat from the engine and the constituent vibrations of a working engine can take a negative toll on the proper function of the FICM.

A failing FICM fuel injector results in a decreased voltage supply to the injector system making the engine hard to start, low power, and other faulty FICM related concerns.

Consult with the right manufacturers or re-builders who have background knowledge of the science behind FICM to help out with the right upgrade option.

Bypassing the Engine Oil Cooler:

The traditional engine oil cooler that comes with the 6.0 Powerstroke is bedeviled by several problems.

The most annoying of them is that it is very prone to accumulating clogs and can occasionally fail thereby contaminating the cooling systems.

Look for an upgrade from aftermarket manufacturers to help design a bypass for this problem.

Replacing the head studs:

Originally the head studs are sufficient in their design but fall short when they are made to work beyond their capacity or limit.

If you have carried out upgrades in other parts of the 6.0L engine you may also want to look into upgrading the head studs to avoid head gasket failures.

Upgrading the Oil Filters:

Bypassing the oil filters is the main upgrade technique that is used to mitigate the problem associated with oil contamination.

The particulate nature of engine oils is a major problem for diesel engines thus you may want to look at upgrading or bypassing this section.

However, additional filtration systems aren’t a necessity but they can help prolong the lifespan of the 6.0L engine.

6.0 Powerstroke Upgrades: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most necessary upgrade for a 6.0L Powerstroke

 A: Upgrading your 6.0L depends on a lot of factors including your personal preferences and need to optimize performance.

However, the most necessary upgrades for a 6.0L are those that promote longevity, reliability, and increased horsepower whilst keeping all other components functioning properly.

Our list of best 6.0 Powerstroke upgrade is a great place to start.

Q: How reliable is the performance of a used 6.0L?

A: Reliability is an aspect that can’t be determined easily. It depends on a lot of factors including previous use cases.

However, you can still get the most out of a used 6.0 Powerstroke by investing in the right upgrades.

If you are confused about what to upgrade, visit your local manufacturer or consult the services of a re-builder to point you in the right direction.

Q: What are the critical component of a 6.0L Powerstroke to be on the lookout for before investing in one?

A: One of the most important components you should be on the lookout for before buying a 6.0 Powerstroke is the coolant.

The state of the coolant can reveal a lot of information about the 6.0L Powerstroke.

Try as much as possible to smell the oil in the coolant. If it has a horrible smell, then that is an indication that the oil may have been contaminated.

Other problems can be fuel contamination or exhaust problems.

Q: How frequently should I have the oil changed in a 6.0 Powerstroke for optimum performance?

A:  According to renowned experts in the industry and as indicated in many user manuals, you should have the oil changed every 7,600 miles in normal operating conditions.

But this should be much lower if the engine is made to work under severe conditions.

You can either follow that rule or stick with the 6 months interval oil changes (whichever comes first).

Q: What is the industrial wide recommended oil to use for a 6.0 Powerstroke?

A:  Not every oil is recommended for a 6.0 Powerstroke.

However, one of the best to date is Mobil. Specifically the Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Oil is one of the best and most reliable oils in the industry for a 6.0L.

Q: How long can I expect my 6.0 Powerstroke to last?

A:  Longevity is a direct function of maintenance and productive use.

You will get the most out of your 6.0L if you carry out regular maintenance on the engine and ensure all worn out parts are replaced on time.

However, despite industrial wide instructions a majority of users hardly get the most out of their 6.0L.

However, the general rule of thumb is that a well maintained 6.0 Powerstroke should at the very least go as far as 450,000 miles.

Q:  Filter maintenance: How often should they be replaced?

A: While it is recommended that you change the oils every 7,600 miles or 6-month interval (whichever comes first), changing the fuel filter under normal working conditions can be done every 14,000 – 15,000 miles.

As usual, this is a lot lesser if the engine is made to work under severe conditions.

Q:  What are the main causes of Injector failures?

A: Injectors can fail for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the location of the injectors on the engine valve may be a besetting factor that contributes to injector failure.

Secondly, oil cooling may also contribute to a failing injector.  If the oil that helps dissipates heat gets too hot it may clog the EGR valve and contribute to a failed injector system.

Conclusion

We have successfully covered a lot of areas about the best 6.0 Powerstroke upgrades in the industry today.

While this is not an exhaustive list, it’s a good start that can get things up and running for you.

Our experts went through painstaking hours to present the best upgrades in the market today.

You will do well to read through them all and figure out the specific upgrade your 6.0L needs to improve its performance, longevity, or reliability.