Small changes can have a significant impact on driving performance. Here are some ways to eke out more from under the hood with Ford 6.2 super duty performance upgrades.
Contents
What is a Programmer and Gas Tuner?
A vehicle’s seats can be adjusted. So can the steering wheel height, rearview mirrors, and more.
Newer vehicles even have touchscreens with menus to display all kinds of sensor data, including tire pressures.
With such vehicles literally being mobile computers, like smartphones, how best can they be tweaked?
Manufacturer-approved workshops or independent specialists usually handle such tasks.
Some of these tools are now available in the open market, so let’s explore what they can do.
We also suggest to learn all issues and solutions of ford 6.2 engines.
Learning curve
Some may already be familiar with early versions of such tweaking tools.
They’re fitted under the hood and displayed either as a dashboard screen or as smartphone apps.
Most used to be just driver habit tracking, focusing on acceleration and braking patterns to help improve fuel efficiency.
Advanced versions can do far more, just like in specialist and manufacturer workshops.
These tools can even tune engine performance for higher power output or better fuel efficiency.
As can be imagined, such tweaks come at a price. Messing with such settings can quickly go so wrong.
Fortunately, the tools – known as engine programmers or gas tuners – also have preset limits.
This prevents a novice from cranking up the wrong settings and burning up the engine.
Still, there’s a learning curve on how best to get the best out of these tools. It’s best to always start slow.
Benefits of Installing a Programmer and Gas Tuner
In theory, installing an engine programmer and gas tuner should boost power output and fuel efficiency.
Being human, we can’t always operate with robot precision. So, there’s always room for improvement, and these tools can show where things can be better.
For example, proper tuning can improve fuel consumption for vehicles mainly used to drive to the corner store.
This setting won’t work as well when the same car is used for ferrying heavy loads.
Since benefits vary with each individual drive, comparisons should be done as weekly averages.
Best Programmer and Gas Tuner for Ford 6.2 Super Duty
01. Bully Dog 40417 GT Platinum Tuner
Highlighted features
- 4-in-1 multitasking
- Can recalibrate the onboard computer
- Can read and clear DTC alerts
An all-rounder, this unit combines a vehicle engine tuner, monitor, gauge, and diagnostic.
Linkup, including power supply, is via the OBD-II (onboard diagnostics II) port next to the steering wheel.
This device is quite powerful as it can recalibrate the onboard computer to perform Ford 6.2 performance upgrades.
Changes can be made directly to increase horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency, offering 10 custom tune files.
The display makes it easy to monitor a full range of 15 parameters related to critical engine data.
Should there be any warning alerts, the diagnostics will present the exact issues involved.
It will use Ford vehicles’ SAE J1850 PWM protocol to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC).
Once the DTC issues are identified, you can also clear them if they pose any potential danger.
Other adjustable features include speedometer correction plus speed limiter removal or setting.
“If attaching permanently, you’ll need to fix it with a power wire to the ignition fuse box, so it doesn’t keep running when the vehicle is turned off.”
What We Liked
- Plugged in via OBD-II port
- Custom tune files
- Multiple adjustments possible
What We Didn’t Like
- Needs separate power wiring for long-term use
What is a Pedal Commander?
Factory-set limits aim to prevent accidental overstraining of the engine and other critical vehicle parts.
This helps prolong the vehicle’s lifespan, keeping excess capacity for later years of usage.
It also acts as a safety buffer, extra banking scope as high as 20%.
It’s pretty safe to harvest a chunk of this added range to improve performance now.
You’d use a pedal commander to unleash this reserve throttle power.
This device is fitted between the gas pedal and a vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU). There’s no overriding. It just alters signals sent to the ECU.
Benefits of Installing a Pedal Commander
Faster pickup is the main reason why many fit pedal commanders in their vehicles.
The pedal commander doesn’t crank up engine power output. As the name suggests, it regulates the gas flow to the engine.
This device usually comes with several presets, familiar names like ‘Sport’ and ‘Eco’ modes.
Faster engine response, especially when winding mountain roads, is best with the ‘Sport’ mode.
The ‘Eco’ mode aims to improve fuel efficiency, which means a steadier pickup rather than high revs.
Best Pedal Commander for Ford 6.2 Super Duty
02. Pedal Commander – PC18 for Ford Trucks
Highlighted features
- Plug-n-play device
- 36 settings
- Bluetooth link to app
This pedal commander is a plug-and-play device, working with both automatic and manual transmissions.
It utilizes electronic gas pedals in today’s vehicles, amplifying signals sent to the ECU for either faster or slower pickup responses.
Controlled using an LCD display, there are 4 control modes: Eco, City, Sport, and Sport+.
Each has 9 different individuals presets, providing a total of 36 settings.
Bluetooth linkup to a smartphone app also provides more convenient access to these settings.
“Settings should not be made on the fly as it can cause conflicts with the ECU, lighting up the ‘Engine check’ alert.”
What We Liked
- Easy & quick to install
- Multiple settings offered
- Smartphone app controls
What We Didn’t Like
- Cannot change settings on-the-fly
What is an Air Filter?
All our noses have tiny hairs to filter out dust and airborne particles. Vehicles have similar air filters, but they’re built to be more efficient.
As a vehicle moves at higher speeds, air filters must also be able to withstand impacts.
Usually made of cotton, synthetic paper, or foam, air filters must remain unaffected by fast-moving dirt, sand, pebbles, and even insects.
Working correctly, these filters ensure only clean air inflows for fuel-air mix combustion in the engine to produce the maximum power output.
Benefits of Installing a New Air Filter
Peak engine performance is possible only with clean air filters. These have holes so tiny to capture even hair but let clean air through.
The problem starts when too many of these holes get clogged, causing the engine to suffocate. The fix is to replace it with a new air filter.
Identifying a problematic air filter is easy. They should be checked and replaced every 10,000 miles or so.
They’re dazzling white when new, dirty grey, or even brownish when all clogged up.
Early signs of air filter issues include higher fuel consumption, misfiring engines, or rough idling sounds.
If the problem worsens, impurities can get into the combustion chamber and cause damage.
The engine acts sluggish as it tries to cope with less oxygen. The exhaust gets smoky and may emit a strong fuel smell.
In short, a clean air filter is critical to prevent the vehicle from collapsing into a total breakdown.
Best Air Filter for Ford 6.2 Super Duty
03. K&N Washable Air Filter
Highlighted features
- Long-period before maintenance
- Reusable multiple times
- Tested in race engines
As the official air filter of NASCAR, these units can be used up to 50,000 miles before the first cleaning.
The longer period between maintenance is due to its design, which allows up to 50% more than usual clean airflows.
This unit captures dirt and dust particles better with the pleated cotton build soaked in a proprietary oil blend.
Simple detergent and water can then wash out impurities. Once thoroughly dried, a layer of oil is sprayed on, and this air filter is ready to be refitted.
Its reusability means this could be the only air filter for the vehicle’s lifespan.
An added advantage, being part of Ford 6.2 performance upgrades, this environment-friendly unit helps reduce disposal issues of used filters.
“As the package doesn’t include the foam block that is part of the factory-fitted filter, the ‘engine check’ alert may be triggered.”
What We Liked
- Easy to install
- Cost-savings as reusable
- Less frequent maintenance
What We Didn’t Like
- Missing foam block
What is a Cold Air Intake?
The system controlling airflow into the engine comprises three parts: air filter, mass flow sensor, and throttle body.
Since these components sit next to the engine under the hood, they can get hot from the radiated heat.
This heating is significant because air expands when hotter. Cooler air is denser, which means there’s more oxygen content for the same volume.
A cold air intake system provides cooler air intake as it reduces exposure to radiated heat.
To achieve this, a cold air intake system exterior is made from heat-repelling materials like plastic.
Heat shields fend off engine radiated heat, and shorter air intake tubes further reduce heat exposure.
Benefits of Installing a New Cold Air Intake
A cold air intake system typically features a conical air filter, enabling a larger air volume to flow faster into the engine.
Protected from radiated engine heat, the higher oxygen content produces better combustion for optimal power output.
Fuel consumption is also improved as higher oxygen content leads to better fuel-air mix combustion.
Otherwise, more fuel needs to be burnt with less air inflow to produce the same power output.
The higher air inflow has a further pleasing side effect. A higher combustion rate produces an engine growl which many drivers crave, rather than the quiet purr.
Best Cold Air Intake for Ford 6.2 Super Duty
04. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit
Highlighted features
- Full installation kit
- DIY install ready
- Reusable air filter
This K&N air intake kit completely replaces the factory-installed standard air filter and the entire air inflow path to the engine.
The package comes with necessary hoses, clamps, and fittings, built around its flagship washable air filter.
While it may look complicated to perform a DIY install, the package includes a 40-step instruction brochure.
No cutting or drilling is needed. The fitting takes less than 2 hours using just a screwdriver, pliers, and a ratchet set.
Once installed, a test drive would usually result in improved engine power output and a satisfying growl.
“A gas tuner can be used to further optimize benefits of this package.”
What We Liked
- Installation instructions included
- Washable air filter
- Engine performance improved
What We Didn’t Like
- Gas tuner needed to tap full benefit
What is an Aluminum Radiator?
Vehicle radiators are made of copper as this metal is one of the best for conducting heat.
The downside to copper? It’s heavy and also soft, so radiators are easy to dent or puncture.
Using aluminum, which is lighter and sturdier, radiators can be made smaller. This is a massive benefit as the bigger space around the radiator facilitates more cooling airflows.
Benefits of Installing a New Radiator
Tap water and coolant fluid is filled into the radiator. Over time, the coolant residue turns into sludge, and water impurities coalesce together.
These impurities will coat the inside of the radiator tubes, reducing their heat conductivity. Installing a new radiator solves this issue.
Switching from a copper/brass radiator to aluminum also results in weight savings for better fuel efficiency.
Best Radiator
05. Mishimoto MMRAD-F62-10 Aluminum Radiator
Highlighted features
- Doubled cooling surface
- Plug and play fit
Fitting this radiator can be considered one major part of Ford 6.2 super duty performance upgrades.
Its redesign allows the radiator to contain 150% more coolant and doubled (+102%) the cooling surface area.
This unit is meant to directly replace factory stock, so be careful when detaching original hoses. The package includes an ‘O’ ring and screws for a snug fit.
“The radiator cap is a bit flimsy. Better to reuse the factory unit.”
What We Liked
- Higher efficiency with more coolant
- Increase cooling surface
- Installation reuses factory parts
What We Didn’t Like
- The radiator cap is flimsy
Conclusion
It’s easy to get carried away with Ford 6.2 super duty performance parts, but it isn’t necessary to adopt all.
As we’ve outlined, you can start one device and review it before going full hog.
To gain full benefit from these upgrades, you may also need to reassess some driving habits.
Once a human is fully in sync with the machine, who knows how much performance can be enhanced?