F550 6.0 Tuning

muns53 · #1 Thu, October 15th, 2009, 12:33 AM

Anyone running PHP tunes in a 6.0 F550? I might be purchasing one of the beasts in the near future. Most likely it will be a crewcab with a 12' flatbed. The weight load will vary from 0-8000 lbs and it will see a fair bit of towing duty as well.

I am not sure of the merits of tuning at all because there's no flip-chip option for the 6.0. I'll be pushing it regularly up to the 17,950 GVW and with the weight fluctuating so much during the day, not sure a programmer will make sense.

Thoughts? Which direction should I go with tuning on this?

Thanks in advance!

***Power Hungry*** · #2 Thu, October 15th, 2009, 03:10 AM

Eric,

The Gryphon on the 6.0L, while not a true switch-on-the-fly device, programs really fast (about 30-35 seconds) when you want to change levels and it provides power gains similar to those on the 7.3L. The 05-07 6.0L engines are pretty reliable compared to the 03-04 and don't exhibit the head gasket problems of the earlier trucks.

Given that you're looking at a flatbed, I'd be inclined to say that you want to keep power levels reasonable... say in the 60 HP range.

Let me know if this is something you might be interested in.

muns53 · #3 Thu, October 15th, 2009, 08:55 AM

Thanks, Bill! Glad to know that the 6.0 Gryphon programs much quicker. I also noticed it holds 4 tunes instead of 3. I am definitely looking at either an '05 or '06 for reliability concerns if I decide to go the 6.0 route. Otherwise, if I decide to get a 7.3, I'll get the chip.

Followup question... is the 4.5L Navistar V-6 diesel tunable? Have you ever played with that motor? As I understand it, it's a V-6 based on the 6.0 design. Stock power is 200HP/440TQ. Curious what your thoughts are on that.

The reason I'm asking is another alternative for me to the F550 is a Ford LCF or International CF (cab-overs with the 4.5L motor) - they are plentiful and easier on fuel and are rated for more "payload per GVW" than the F550. I have some feelers out about how to "veg" them. Link: https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...m/2009-LCF.asp

***Power Hungry*** · #4 Thu, October 15th, 2009, 02:52 PM

The problem with the Navistars is that they use a completely different computer which is not compatible with the programmer.

At this time, we don't have anything to offer for them.

soutthpaw · #5 Thu, October 15th, 2009, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Power Hungry

The problem with the Navistars is that they use a completely different computer which is not compatible with the programmer.

At this time, we don't have anything to offer for them.

Bill you forgot a word at the end (YET!)

Oh If you are looking for COE trucks I would suggest a UD. I had a 2000 model with the 225hp 6 cylinder diesel for a couple years. Loved that truck and it was my daily driver too. easy to drive and the short throw 6 speed shifter was like a sports car to shift. 14 ft stakebed dump. just found an old pre digital pic of it. ill have to scan and post it along with the pic of my 863 bobcat that i had too...

Any idea if there is anything you can do to boost the power on the old DT466's? there is a couple cab and chassis older S series coming up at a local auction and I am really tempted to go try and get one... they are 4x4 which is real rare to find. would either swap the running gear over to my 4700 or just do a new tonka truck project with it. don't know much more about the trucks as I will have to go to the auction site and check them out...

***Power Hungry*** · #6 Fri, October 16th, 2009, 02:05 AM

If it's a 94-97 3-box (ECM, IDM, VPM) system, we offer chips for both the 466 and the 444. Unfortunately, the 530s were still mechanically injected on those years.