Best Upgrades for a 6.7 Powerstroke: Unleash Your Diesel Beast!
So, you've got yourself a 6.7 Powerstroke, huh? Congratulations, you're the proud owner of a seriously capable truck. From its impressive towing prowess to its daily driving comfort, the 6.7-liter V8 turbodiesel under the hood is a marvel of modern engineering. But let's be honest, good isn't always best, and even the most robust machines have room for improvement. Whether you're chasing more horsepower, better fuel economy, enhanced reliability, or just a more enjoyable driving experience, there are a ton of fantastic upgrades out there.
Think of it like this: Ford builds a great truck, but they have to cater to a massive audience and endless regulations. When you upgrade, you're customizing it to your specific needs, making it truly your truck. But with so many options, where do you even start? Don't worry, I've got your back. Let's dive into some of the best upgrades for a 6.7 Powerstroke, focusing on what truly makes a difference.
The Foundation: Reliability & Longevity First
Before we even think about squeezing more power out of your beast, let's talk about making sure it stays healthy. Some upgrades are less about "performance" and more about "peace of mind."
Protecting Your Fuel System (CP4 Pump Mitigation)
This is, hands down, one of the most crucial upgrades for any 6.7 Powerstroke owner, especially those with 2011-2019 models. The Bosch CP4 fuel pump, while effective, has a known Achilles' heel. If it fails, it can send metal shards throughout your entire high-pressure fuel system, leading to a catastrophic repair bill that can easily hit $10,000 to $15,000. Yikes!
This isn't a maybe; it's a must. The S&S Diesel Motorsport Disaster Prevention Kit or similar bypass kits from brands like Thoroughbred Diesel are absolute lifesavers. They effectively reroute the fuel return from the CP4 pump, so if it does fail, those metal fragments are caught before they contaminate everything else. For a relatively small investment (compared to a full fuel system replacement), you can sleep a lot sounder.
EGR System: To Delete or Not to Delete?
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system is designed to reduce emissions, but it can be a notorious source of issues on diesel engines, including the 6.7. Carbon buildup, stuck valves, and cooler failures are common headaches.
An EGR delete kit removes the entire system, preventing these problems and often leading to slightly better throttle response and cleaner oil. However, it's important to understand the legalities. EGR deletes are for off-road use only in many regions and can affect your vehicle's emissions compliance. If you're staying emissions-compliant, a thorough cleaning, monitoring, or even an upgraded EGR cooler can still offer benefits. But for those serious about reliability and performance, an EGR delete is high on the list.
Unleashing the Power: Performance Upgrades
Alright, now that we've shored up the weak spots, let's talk about making your truck feel like it just chugged a double espresso.
Custom Tuning: The Single Biggest Bang for Your Buck
If you only do one performance upgrade, make it custom tuning. Seriously, this is where the magic happens. Factory tuning is a compromise, designed for broad appeal and emissions. A custom tune, loaded via a programmer like an EZ Lynk or SCT, completely transforms your truck.
You'll find tunes for everything: * Economy tunes for better MPG (who doesn't want that?). * Tow tunes that optimize power delivery and transmission shifting for heavy loads. * Street/Daily Driver tunes for improved throttle response and a noticeable power bump. * Race tunes for maximum horsepower and torque (use with caution and only if your truck can handle it!).
Reputable tuners like PPEI (Kory Willis), Calibrated Power Solutions (DuramaxTuner.com), and Tyrant Diesel are well-known in the Powerstroke community. They can often provide "DPF-on" tuning that keeps your emissions equipment intact, or "DPF-off" tuning if you've gone the delete route. The difference is night and day; your truck will feel like a whole new animal, with better shifting, more responsive power, and often better fuel economy too.
Exhaust System: Let It Breathe!
Once you've tuned your truck, the next logical step is to help it exhale better. The stock exhaust, especially the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and catalytic converter, can be restrictive.
An aftermarket exhaust system offers several benefits: * Reduced backpressure: Allowing the turbo to spool faster and the engine to breathe more freely. * Improved sound: A deeper, more aggressive tone that just sounds right on a diesel. * Aesthetics: Polished tips and better-looking pipes.
If you're keeping your emissions equipment, a DPF-back exhaust (e.g., from MagnaFlow or MBRP) will improve sound and flow after the DPF. If you've gone the DPF-delete route (again, off-road only), a full turbo-back or downpipe-back exhaust will offer the maximum flow benefits.
Cold Air Intake (CAI): More Air, More Power
While not as dramatic as tuning, a good Cold Air Intake (CAI) is a solid upgrade. Brands like S&B Filters, AFE Power, and K&N offer systems that replace your restrictive factory airbox with a larger, more free-flowing design.
Benefits include: * Increased airflow: Providing your engine with more cool, dense air, which translates to a small but measurable horsepower and torque gain. * Improved filtration: Many aftermarket filters offer better filtration efficiency. * Subtle turbo whistle: Who doesn't love a little extra turbo sound?
It's a relatively easy and affordable bolt-on that complements other performance mods nicely.
Turbocharger Upgrades: For the Serious Power Junkie
If you're really chasing big horsepower numbers, eventually you'll hit the limits of the factory turbo. The stock turbo on the 6.7 is pretty good, but it can be restrictive for very high power outputs.
Aftermarket turbocharger upgrades from companies like KC Turbos, Industrial Injection, or BD Diesel are designed for increased airflow and efficiency. They can spool faster, deliver more boost, and hold it longer, significantly increasing power potential. This is a more involved and expensive upgrade, often requiring supporting modifications like fuel system upgrades and transmission work, but it's essential for pushing past the 600-700hp mark.
Driveability & Support Mods
What good is all that power if your truck can't put it to the ground safely and effectively?
Transmission Upgrades: Handle the Torque!
The 6R140 TorqShift transmission is a strong unit, but it has its limits, especially once you start adding serious power. Custom tuning helps a lot with shift points and pressures, but if you're running aggressive tunes or frequently towing heavy, you might want to consider transmission upgrades.
- Valve body modifications: Improve line pressure and shift firmness.
- Upgraded clutch packs and input shafts: For handling significantly more torque.
- Aftermarket torque converter: Can improve lockup and efficiency.
For extreme power, a full built transmission from a reputable builder is the ultimate solution, ensuring your power gets to the wheels without slipping or breaking parts.
Suspension, Steering & Braking
With more power, or if you're towing heavy, you'll appreciate upgrades that improve handling, stability, and stopping power.
- Airbags (Rear Suspension): If you tow or haul frequently, airbags (like those from Air Lift or Firestone) are fantastic for leveling out your truck, preventing sag, and improving ride quality under load.
- Steering Upgrades: For trucks with larger tires or those experiencing "death wobble," upgrades like a steering box brace, dual steering stabilizers, or heavier-duty tie rods can dramatically improve steering feel and reduce wear.
- Braking Improvements: Performance brake pads (e.g., Hawk, EBC) and slotted/drilled rotors can improve stopping power and reduce brake fade, which is crucial when you're hauling a heavy load or just driving more aggressively.
Monitoring & Maintenance: Stay Informed!
Finally, don't forget the importance of keeping an eye on your truck's vital signs.
Digital Gauges/Monitors
Once you start modifying your truck, especially with custom tuning, digital gauges or monitoring devices become indispensable. Devices like the Edge CTS3 or Banks iDash allow you to track critical parameters in real-time: * Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) * Boost pressure * Fuel pressure * Transmission temperature * Oil temperature * Coolant temperature
Monitoring these helps you understand how your truck is performing, identify potential issues early, and ensure you're not pushing it too hard.
Quality Fuel Additives
While not an "upgrade" in the traditional sense, using high-quality fuel additives regularly is a non-negotiable for the 6.7 Powerstroke. Modern ultra-low sulfur diesel lacks the lubrication properties of older diesel. Additives like Archoil AR9100, Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme, or Stanadyne Performance Formula provide much-needed lubricity, boost cetane, clean injectors, and prevent gelling in cold weather. They contribute significantly to the longevity of your fuel system, especially your high-pressure pump and injectors.
Putting It All Together: Your Diesel Journey
The best approach to upgrading your 6.7 Powerstroke is often a phased one. Start with reliability (CP4 kit, EGR if you choose), then move to the most impactful performance mod (tuning), and then add supporting mods like exhaust, intake, and potentially transmission upgrades as your power goals and budget allow. Always do your research, read reviews, and consider professional installation for complex jobs.
Remember, it's your truck. These best upgrades for a 6.7 Powerstroke are about tailoring it to your needs, whether that's towing more confidently, winning street races, or just enjoying a more responsive, reliable daily driver. So go ahead, unleash your diesel beast – you won't regret it!