Best way to get more horsepower and better MPG's

Mason_lloyd · Mar 5, 2013

Hey guys, I'm new to the site. I'm driving a 2004 F-250 6.0 with EGR delete (as far as I'm aware of). Truck has 317k miles on it and was passed down to me from my father. A lot of parts have been replaced from the local ford dealership to keep the truck running. I'm wanting to know the best way to make my truck have better gas mileage while still being able to get up and go when I need to. A buddy of mine said to get a sct tuner with a custom economy tune.
If I get that, what aftermarket parts will I need so that the truck doesn't break down because I know you can't just put a tuner on a truck and expect something not to mess up.

Thanks

-Mason, Rockport, TX

HeavyAssault · Mar 5, 2013

What are your current MPG numbers??

Mason_lloyd · Mar 5, 2013

9-10 if I'm lucky.

HeavyAssault · Mar 5, 2013

Looks like a 8" lift and 38"s??

Mason_lloyd · Mar 5, 2013

You are correct.

HeavyAssault · Mar 5, 2013

Like that isn't a possible reason for the low MPGs.

Custom SCT tuning and FICM tuning may help. You would need to post up your current PCM/FICM strategy codes.

Powerstroke Cowboy · Mar 5, 2013

The best way to get more power it to and MPG at the same time is to. Fully build your 6.0L from the ground up. Then by a Jetta TDI and leave your pickup sit...

HeavyAssault · Mar 5, 2013

I just ran back from FL with my buddy. His 2003 on 8" and 38" Toyos was getting great mileage, over 14+. He has a few tricks done to the truck.

Spectre32 · Mar 5, 2013

Powerstroke Cowboy said:
The best way to get more power it to and MPG at the same time is to. Fully build your 6.0L from the ground up. Then by a Jetta TDI and leave your pickup sit...

Hahahah WORD!

Its an 8000#+ truck son, with an outdated fuel injection system. You have an 8" lift and monster tires...Your not going to get 20+MPG cruising down the highway in it. If you put it back to stock ride height, got some non aggressive tread tires, ensured your fuel delivery system is up to snuff and couple that with a FICM/ECM tune you might get close to 20...and thats a big might.

Mdub707 · Mar 5, 2013

My SC/SB 4x4 6.0 has basically gotten 15mpg it's whole life, no matter what tunes I use, or even going up to a slightly larger tire. I might be able to squeak 17 out of it, with the 35's on going down the highway, but I can't seem to drive sensibly enough for a long enough time to find out. I'm ok with 15 with a hot tune and oversized tires. I bought myself a TDI for mileage.

That or look into a vegistroke system.

Regardless, I would think you should still be better than 9mpg. What gears are you running?

SCT with custom tune would be the only way to go, keep the tuning mild though if you don't want to stud it right away. A street tune should be good. I would avoid the economy tunes, waste of money from what I've seen. I used mine once, avg'd 15.1mpg with it, and that was driving like a little old lady. Loaded up my extreme street and drove like an idiot and got 15.3...

Mason_lloyd · Mar 5, 2013

I'm just looking for a little better gas mileage. I can handle not getting 20+. But if I were to get a tuner for my truck, would I need to get any other replacement parts for my engine?

Mason_lloyd · Mar 5, 2013

Gear ratio is factory along with everything else in the truck. I know when I'm driving on the highway I get 12-13. But in my town there are a lot of stop lights and a lot of snowbirds (Winter texans), so you can imagine how frustrating it is going from 45 mph to 15 in a blink of an eye.

weazel · Mar 5, 2013

Mason_lloyd said:
I'm just looking for a little better gas mileage. I can handle not getting 20+. But if I were to get a tuner for my truck, would I need to get any other replacement parts for my engine?

This has been the topic of discussion many times, running a big power tune and driving like an old lady will yield better milage, but driving like an old lady becomes difficult due to the amount of fun the truck becomes

Sent from in a ditch up side down and on fire with the wheels still spinning

Mason_lloyd · Mar 5, 2013

So, if I do get an sct tuner, My stock engine will support everything?

HeavyAssault · Mar 5, 2013

Using a mild SCT tune all should be well....going big on power will force something to yield. Be ready to pay for playing......

Mdub707 · Mar 5, 2013

Maybe. EGR delete would be a good idea (at least verify it's done) and sometimes ARP headstuds are needed. Usually only on the hotter tunes, but your driving habits will be the biggest factor. Other than that... not really. Good tuning will ensure the transmission lives (gears would also help there), the rest is up to your right foot and a little luck.

weazel · Mar 5, 2013

Mdub707 said:
Maybe. EGR delete would be a good idea (at least verify it's done) and sometimes ARP headstuds are needed. Usually only on the hotter tunes, but your driving habits will be the biggest factor. Other than that... not really. Good tuning will ensure the transmission lives (gears would also help there), the rest is up to your right foot and a little luck.

Agreed, I would suggest studs, without them you are rolling the dice. That is the first thin I did when I got mine

Sent from in a ditch up side down and on fire with the wheels still spinning

Mason_lloyd · Mar 5, 2013

I usually try to never exceed 2000 RPM's so I would say my driving habits are good. And I do know for sure that I have an EGR delete.

Jeremyleggett07 · Mar 5, 2013

Buy a SCT that takes custom tunes....I have a SF3 that had canned factory tunes and can hold 3 custom tunes. Then get in contact with Eric at Innovative Diesel Performance or Matt at Gearhead, whom are both vendors for this site and phenomenal tune writers.