DieselPowerUp

Find the right performance parts to take your truck to the next level. We can guide you through all kinds of modifications, from DPF/DEF deletes to the best lift kits, and much more...

  • Home
  • Contact
  • About
  • Privacy Policy

How-To: Choose The Best Batteries for Your Truck

Updated February 22, 2024 by Jeff Hart

What could possibly be worse than the Monday morning commute to work?

How about when you go to start your truck one cold January morning in preparation for your drive and all you get from the truck is endless cranking or a dull click from the starter?

Of course, batteries are pushed the hardest in the winter and in our freezing conditions it was really no surprise that the fail so often in these conditions.

Unfortunately, I speak from experience, as this had actually happened to me. I hadn’t driven the truck at all that weekend, so my batteries were just done with life after sitting inactive that long in the cold.

I learned a couple of important lessons that day, number 1 being that jumper cables do you no good at all if no one is around to give you a jump, number 2 being that when 5 year rated lead acid batteries haven’t been replaced in 7 years, they’re pretty darn prone to fail at any point.

What is the best truck battery?

If you shop around in stores and online these days, you’ll find that there are more than a dozen different main battery brands. What you probably didn’t know (and neither did I) but there’s really only a few of the main manufacturers that are actually producing the batteries for all of these different brands.

In case you were wondering, the breakdown of the manufacturers of the different mainstream brands are as follows:

Johnson Controls makes Duralast (for Autozone,)  EverStart, AutoCraft (Advanced Auto’s brand) as well as Diehard and Interstate.

Exide is another of the big guys, they put out batteries under their own Exide brand, as well as under Orbital, Bosch and Marathon.

EnerSys Energy Products is the company behind the Odyssey brand batteries.

East Penn Manufacturing is well known for producing the Deka brand automotive batteries.

Which size batteries to buy?

The comparisons below focus mainly on which of the group 65 batteries are the best option, as this is the size I needed for my 6.0 powerstroke. Of course, if you are in the market for a new truck battery, you would want verify that your truck uses this size group also before buying one (a lot of diesels do).

For other trucks, check the following:

  • 2000-2005 Dodge Ram w/Cummins 5.9L: Group 65   Requires 2 Batteries
  • 2006-2017 Dodge Ram w/Cummins 6.7L: Group 94R    Requires 2 Batteries
  • 2003-2007 Ford Powerstroke 6.0L: Group 65    Requires 2 Batteries
  • 2008-2014 Ford Powerstroke 6.4L: Group 65    Requires 2 Batteries
  • 2015-2017 Ford Powerstroke 6.7L: Group 65    Requires 2 Batteries    
  • 2008-2010 Chevy Duramax LMM: Group 48    Requires 2 Batteries
  • 2011-2016 Chevy Duramax LML: Group 48     Requires 2 Batteries

Take note:  If your truck uses two batteries, it is best to have a matching set, as it will extend the overall life of your truck’s electrical system. Always replace in pairs for a dual battery setup.

Battery Comparison

  • Odyssey 65-PC1750T Automotive and LTV Battery

Odyssey has been making the best batteries around for quite awhile now, and while they are definitely not the cheapest option, they are virtually unbeatable in terms of quality.  This monster in particular provides 950 CCA (cold cranking amps) which would be enough power to start the most stubborn of trucks, even in extreme weather conditions. The sealed AGM (absorbed glass mat) design of the battery will hold up to almost all conditions that you can throw its way, from vibration to very cold and very hot temperatures no problem.

Odyssey 65-PC1750T Automotive and LTV Battery

Odyssey 65-PC1750T Automotive and LTV Battery

Check Price
Amazon
as of May 8, 2025 10:46 pm

Features

  • Cold Crank Amp (CCA)- 950
  • Better warranty: Limited 3 and 4 year full replacement warranty - not pro rata
  • Includes SAE Automotive terminals
  • Mounting flexibility: Non-spill able design, vibration resistance- design protects against high impact shock and mechanical vibration
  • Extreme temperature tolerant- Operating temperatures from -40 degree Celsius (-40 degree Fahrenheit) to 45 degree Celsius (113 degree Fahrenheit).
  • Deka Intimidator Extended Life AGM Battery 9A65

Skip the inflation of buying a name brand, and go right to the manufacturer with these Deka batteries. These are made by East Penn Manufacturing, who have been behind the scenes of many of the most popular battery brands for decades. This model has the AGM technology along with 860 CCA at 32° F to start you up reliably, even in colder temperatures. The advantages of the AGM construction are vibration resistance (good for off-road) and longevity. The Deka brand in particular is an exceptionally good value because of the elimination of the middle man who slaps an auto parts or battery store brand on and marks up the final cost for no good reason – as they’re still an East Penn made battery.

Deka Intimidator Extended Life AGM Battery 9A65

Deka Intimidator Extended Life AGM Battery 9A65

Check Price
Ebay.com
as of May 8, 2025 10:46 pm

Battery Features:

20 amp hour rate: 75
Battery End Type: Top Post
BCI Group Size: 65
CA at 32 degrees F: 860
CCA at 0 degrees F: 750
Country of Origin (Primary): US

  • XS Power D6500 XS Series 12V 3,900 Amp AGM

The XS Power D6500 is actually an AGM battery, which means it has the superior glass mat inside. It’s also made in the USA, which is good to see these days. Apparently these XS Power batteries are used in a lot of custom audio cars, so that’s a good indicator of massive capacity which translates well for diesels.

XS Power D6500 XS Series 12V 3,900 Amp AGM High Output Battery with M6 Terminal Bolt

XS Power D6500 XS Series 12V 3,900 Amp AGM High Output Battery with M6 Terminal Bolt

Check Price
Amazon
as of May 8, 2025 10:46 pm

Features

  • : The 12V XS Power AGM battery features sealed, maintenance-free AGM tech, offering leak resistance and long lifespan. Perfect for powering many Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models and more high-energy accessories like audio systems or other electronics in all weather conditions.
  • : This 12V Deep Cycle Small AGM battery offers 1100 cranking amps (CA) and 968 cold cranking amps (CCA) for reliable engine starts in extreme weather. It powers car audio systems, electronics, and high-demand devices, keeping your ride smooth in all temperatures.
  • : This 12V powersports battery features a sealed, leak-proof AGM design, is maintenance-free, and includes M6 terminal hardware for easy installation. Perfect for custom setups, with a 3-year warranty for long-lasting performance.
  • - : This 12V AGM deep cycle battery(Group 65) offers 3800 max amps, 86 amp-hours (AH) capacity, and 174 minutes of reserve power. It operates seamlessly Secondary 3000W/4,000W Range and its compact size (11.8" L x 6.80" H x 7.20" W) and lightweight design (53.81 lbs) ensure versatility. Backed by a 3-year warranty.
  • : Weighing only 53.81 lbs, the XS Power D6500 is designed for effortless portability and installation. Its compact size makes it perfect for powering aftermarket accessories like car audio systems, power inverters, or LED lights, providing high power without the bulk of traditional batteries.
  •  Delphi AGM Group 65 Battery

This Delphi has surprisingly good pricing, but also with a trusted name brand behind it and AGM technology. Many folks swear by this battery, it is a popular option with a lot of diesel guys. Boasting high cycling capabilities and being very charge receptive, as well as 100% leak proof, it’s a really good choice for most daily drivers.

Delphi BU9065 MaxStart AGM Premium Automotive Battery, Group Size 65

Delphi BU9065 MaxStart AGM Premium Automotive Battery, Group Size 65

Check Price
Amazon
as of May 8, 2025 10:46 pm

Features

  • Extended cold cranking amps delivery means more power for today's demanding electronics
  • Group 65 battery with 750 CCA (cold cranking amps) and 150 R. C. (reverse capacity)
  • 20x the vibration resistance of conventional batteries
  • Superior vibration resistance, optimized component compression , and fortified posts, straps and welds
  • Fit type: Vehicle Specific

Hard start issues caused by low batteries

On a diesel truck, the amperage of your batteries is of even more importance than on a gas powered vehicle. When you turn your key and engage the ecm, glow plugs, ficm, fuel pump and starter, a huge draw is put onto the batteries, and they really need to be healthy for everything to work as it should.

I’ve seen trucks before that sounded really healthy and fine when cranking over, but just seemed to not want to start. I later found that this was because the batteries were not supplying enough amperage for all of the ancillaries to do their jobs.

With this in mind, if your truck starts having issues with starting, the first thing to test would be the batteries, if they are older than their rated lifespan.

Testing Batteries

If you’re not sure if your batteries are actually bad or not, the best way to find out is by hooking up a battery tester and seeing what the readout and load test have to say about how healthy your batteries and charging system are.

You can always do a quick multi meter check for the minimum 12v when the truck is off and at least 13v running, however a battery with a bad cell can still put out 12v but not be able to provide enough amperage.

The best way to take all of the guesswork out of the equation is with a battery testing tool such as this one:

FOXWELL Battery Tester 12V Automotive Battery Analyzer Health/Faults Detector BT100 Pro

FOXWELL Battery Tester 12V Automotive Battery Analyzer Health/Faults Detector BT100 Pro

Check Price
Amazon
as of May 8, 2025 10:46 pm

Features

  • Classic Edition, More Reliable: With over 13 years of brand expertise and 9 years of continuous upgrades, Foxwell prioritizes customer trust. BT100 Battery Tester offers lab-grade precision via advanced conductance technology and a smart chip (99.6% accuracy) at a DIY-friendly price, delivering rapid results and 5 professional recommendations (replace/charge/monitor) to prevent unnecessary swaps—saving over $120 annually. Tip: For 12V lead-acid batteries only: AGM, EFB, GEL and Regular-Flooded.
  • Easy to Read & Use: This 12v battery tester features large backlit LCD screen ensures clear visibility in both bright daylight and low-light conditions. With a simple 3-step process requiring no technical skills—connect the clamps to the battery terminals, select the battery type , and input the CCA/AH values—battery tester 12v automotive instantly analyzes SOH (State of Health), SOC (State of Charge), CCA , and internal resistance, delivering professional-grade diagnostics. Critical Note: Insufficient CCA can leave your engine dead in freezing weather, while abnormal internal resistance in a single battery cell may doom the entire pack to failure.
  • Not Only Accurate, But Knows You Better: Foxwell BT100 battery tester delivers precise measurements with its upgraded intelligent chip, enhanced copper clamps (strong conductivity), and automatic temperature compensation. Ideal for 12V battery vehicles, it helps detect battery issues so you can replace it on time during the warranty period. Whether it's the hot summer or the cold winter, use the BT100 to test your battery before heading out, saving you time and money Tip: Suitable for 12V ATV, MOTORCYCLE, SUV, LIGHT TRUCKS, BOAT
  • Help You Make the Right Decision:Tired of vague ‘Good/Charge/Bad’ guesses? Automotive battery tester cuts the uncertainty with 5 expert-level diagnostic results—factoring in undercharging, poor cable connections, and hidden flaws—to slash false alerts by 70% and save you from costly misjudgments. Whether you’re tackling daily errands or facing critical moments, this tool arms you with confidence. Pro Tip: When testing in-vehicle, disconnect all accessory loads, ensure the key is OFF, and close doors to eliminate interference.
  • Track Battery Performance & Eliminate Guesswork: This 12v auto battery tester features robust data logging, allowing users to easily access the last test results to track changes in battery performance and detect potential issues early. Foxwell battery analyzer tester also supports nine languages, eliminating any concerns about language barriers while reading the results

FICM Damage caused by bad batteries

Another big thing to watch out for, especially with the 6.0 powerstroke, is bad batteries taking out your FICM (Fuel Injection Control Module). A defective FICM can easily keep your truck from running correctly, or even at all, often throwing codes for all of the injectors, which is a dead giveaway.

It’s a good idea to always periodically check you batteries to make sure that they are not putting excessive load onto the charging system, which is what ends up damaging the FICM.

Read more about how to trouble shoot and repair your control module in our FICM repair guide.

Conclusion

Hopefully this guide has been informative and has given you a better idea of which batteries you need for your truck. As always, if you have any questions or concerns feel free to leave us a comment below! Thanks for reading!

Filed Under: Guides

Best Upgrades For The 6.0L Powerstroke

Updated February 26, 2025 by Jeff Hart

6.0powerstrokeupgrades

Have you been searching to find the most popular ways that people are upgrading and getting more performance out of their 6.0 powered Super Duties?

Well you’ve come to the right place! We love power strokes, and we love to modify them!

Four starters, while everyone wants to talk about how you need to head gasket/stud these trucks the actual instant you buy them, we have seen many times where the trucks were kept within a respectable amount of modification and have held up just fine.

Wait a second, did I accidentally say four starters instead of for starters? Yes, yes I did, but not an accident. If you know, you know. Get yourself a hp gear reduction starter to fix that.

Are the clamping forces as designed terrible at keeping the head gaskets under the heads at high boost? Absolutely. Can it be functionally fixed with head studs? Yep, and there are plenty of kits to do just that if you want to go big turbo and big power.

Still, there are lots of owners just out having fun and getting work done with their perfectly capable (if a little flawed) trucks.

Moving along, anyone who has ever modified a vehicle can tell you – an air intake and an exhaust are easy, inexpensive ways to boost your truck’s power by aforementioned respectable amounts, as modifying these systems allows your truck to breathe way easier and run more efficiently.

Through the process of modding, and then modding again, we have exhausted the options and intaked ( is that a word?) what we believe to be the absolute best of the best.

All compiled in a neat little list of ways to upgrade for your truck. Just scroll down. You’re welcome 🙂

PS, this guide is specifically made for the 6.0L Powerstroke engine in the ’03-07 Ford diesel trucks. If you have a newer truck, check out our guides for the 6.4L and 6.7L Powerstrokes.


Best way to monitor your 6.0’s vitals

In my opinion, the very first thing that is needed to extract the maximum safe horsepower, torque and fuel economy from your truck is a reliable way to instantly monitor your truck’s vitals, to be able to react immediately.

My logic being that if you go into modding you truck without any feedback, and without a good way to monitor what your truck wants to tell you, how could you possibly keep the head gaskets inside the engine where they belong? 😉

Our pick for the best option for the 6.0 is of course the Livewire Vision Peformance monitor. Please note: this is different from the Livewire TS+ Tuner.

SCT Livewire Vision for Ford Powerstroke 7.3, 6.0, 6.4, 6.7 5015P

SCT Livewire Vision for Ford Powerstroke 7.3, 6.0, 6.4, 6.7 5015P

Check Price
Ebay.com
as of May 3, 2025 10:40 pm

Color 4" Touch Screen Display
Livewire Vision features a full color 4" touch screen display with built-in ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment day & night.


Blue Spring Fuel Pressure Upgrade Kit

The blue spring mod is a very popular performance and reliability upgrade for the 6.0, and for a good reason. This simple mod will increase your fuel pressure by around 10-15psi, making your truck run much more smoothly, while decreasing the amount of strain on your injectors.

Bank for your buck it is one of the cheapest and best fuel mods than you can do to these trucks. It is especially a must do if you are going to be adding other power increasing mods to your truck.

6.0 Blue Spring Kit Upgrade - Fuel Regulator Kit - Ford Blue Spring Kit 6.0 Powerstroke F250, F350, F450, F550 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 - 3C3Z-9T517-AG

6.0 Blue Spring Kit Upgrade - Fuel Regulator Kit - Ford Blue Spring Kit 6.0 Powerstroke F250, F350, F450, F550 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 - 3C3Z-9T517-AG

Check Price
Amazon
as of May 3, 2025 10:40 pm

Features

  • BLUE SPRING KIT 6.0 POWERSTROKE - Increase fuel pressure for increased performance. This upgrade will increase the fuel pressure 10-15psi on your 6.0 powerstroke truck and it lengthens the life of the fuel injectors as well.
  • EASY TO INSTALL - The 6.0 powerstroke blue spring kit includes all the gaskets, seals, bolts, spring, and regulator housing needed for installation. This fuel pressure regulator kit includes a detailed installation video (link included in packaging) with step-by-step instructions for the blue spring upgrade.
  • COMPATIBLE WITH FORD 6.0L POWERSTROKE TRUCKS - Ford F250, F350, F450, F550 and Excursion model years 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. This is not a genuine OEM part, the term is used only for vehicle identification purposes.
  • REPLACES PART# 3C3Z-9T517-AG. Perfect for stock or modified trucks. The 6.0 Blue Spring Kit is a common upgrade because it increases injector life, increases drive-ability, and gives smoother power delivery.
  • COMPLETE INSTALLATION KIT - Everything needed for installation on your 6.0 Powerstroke Ford Truck: the blue spring upgrade, 4 rubber o-ring seals, 3 orifice seals, 4 screws, and the fuel pressure regulator housing. This blue spring kit manufactured by AA Ignition comes complete with a lifetime warranty. See our website for full details.

Turbo Back Exhaust

Quite simply, the best turbo back exhaust for the 6.0 powerstroke is a simple straight pipe (no restrictions) from the turbo right out to the back of the truck.

Having the exhaust free of all the factory restrictions has a few great benefits (lower exhaust temps, quicker spooling from the turbo), but by far my favorite two side effects are more horsepower and torque!

One thing to look for to find a good exhaust system: mandrel bends. This simply means that the bends in the exhaust have been made with a die of some kind inserted inside of the pipe at the bending point, to prevent deformation (crushed in sections in the middle of the bend.)

When looking to maximize flow and spool times, you’re going to want to minimize any disturbances in the flow, especially where the exhaust gases have to go around bends and corners. This is the reason why these types of bends are far superior to crush bent exhausts, it simply flows much better because the middle of the bend isn’t all smashed in and interfering with flow. Any good exhaust will always use mandrel bends.

Our favorite for the 6.0 is this one show below. This is the kit that fits on all bed sizes of the ’03-’07 Ford powerstroke trucks.

MBRP 4" Straight Pipe Exhaust For 2003-2007 Ford F-250 F-350 6.0L Powerstroke

MBRP 4" Straight Pipe Exhaust For 2003-2007 Ford F-250 F-350 6.0L Powerstroke

Check Price
Ebay.us
as of May 3, 2025 10:40 pm

Banks Power Ram-Air Intake System

An air intake kit is possibly the most common modification that people start with when looking for more performance, and the reason is obvious:

Engines need air and fuel to make power. The more air and fuel, the more power, it’s as simple as that. Having a turbocharger like the 6.0 has just makes unrestricted breathing even more important.

Nearly unrestricted breathing is the aim of most aftermarket intakes, and a lot of them do just that. They also all look pretty similar in form too.  Since most of them will do the job of opening up the airflow, it basically all comes down to the differences in performance vs reliability, maintenance, and cost.

This Banks intake pulls off the balance between form and function very well. Because of the great Gale Banks design (that actually pulls in cold air) and the reusable dry filters, I would say that it is the best value intake out there for the 6.0 powerstroke. A main concern with a lot of the other aftermarket intake designs is that they leave the filter exposed to the heatsoak of the engine bay. This is a really bad idea, especially with how high the underhood temps can get in these trucks.

The Banks kit solves the underhood temp issue with a filter box that pulls air from outside your engine bay, like an intake always should. This design allows you to visually inspect the filter, and makes it much less of a pain to remove for cleaning vs. the stock setup. The rubber seal that they include blocks airflow around the airbox, making the setup draw even colder air from outside the engine bay.

As far as reliability and maintenance goes, the best part about the dry filters that Banks uses in this kit, is that they can be reused a bunch of times and they never need oiling. All you need is just a soapy wash and water rinse (rinse from the inside out) from time to time. Or alternatively, you can vacuum the filter (from the outside) to get the dirt out, which works well too. But one thing I have learned the hard way with dry filters, NEVER try to clean the filter with compressed air, it ends up ruining the media and you’ll have to buy a new one (my wallet speaks from experience here.)

BANKS 42155 Ram-Air Intake System, 2003-2007 6.0L Ford

BANKS 42155 Ram-Air Intake System, 2003-2007 6.0L Ford

Check Price
Amazon
as of May 3, 2025 10:40 pm

Features

Part NumberM143787833

Garrett PowerMax Turbo Upgrade

This turbo is a great power upgrade, if your original turbo needs replacement or you just want up to 175 more horsepower, look no further than the PowerMax. You’ll be able to install this turbo with no more hassle than installing the original Garrett that comes in your truck, it is a true bolt in swap.

Garrett is at the forefront of turbo technology and the attention to detail on the powermax really shows off their innovation. One of the coolest features is the variable vane tech that they’ve incorporated into the design, which restricts down low and opens up top. This greatly increases the turbine’s efficiency as the rpms change, which keeps the boost at peak performance from idle to redline.

Garrett Powermax Turbocharger for 04.5-07 Powerstroke 6.0L Turbo

Garrett Powermax Turbocharger for 04.5-07 Powerstroke 6.0L Turbo

Check Price
Amazon
as of May 3, 2025 10:40 pm

Features

BrandGarrett
Catalog Number ListCatalog Number List Element: BDZW772441-5002S
EAN0681430477541
EAN ListEAN List Element: 0681430477541
Item DimensionsHeight: 0; Length: 0; Weight: 0; Width: 0
LabelGarrett
ManufacturerGarrett
Manufacturer Parts Warranty DescriptionParts
MPN772441-5002S
Number Of Items1
Package DimensionsHeight: 1050; Length: 1400; Weight: 4185; Width: 1140
Package Quantity1
Part Number772441-5002S
Product GroupAutomotive Parts and Accessories
Product Type NameAUTO_PART
PublisherGarrett
StudioGarrett
TitleGarrett Powermax Turbocharger for 04.5-07 Powerstroke 6.0L Turbo
UPC681430477541
UPC ListUPC List Element: 681430477541

EGR Cooler Upgrade

More preventative than a fun upgrade, this is still a necessity for just about all the old trucks out there with questionable egr coolers. You do not want to have all your coolant blown out of your exhaust, trust me on that one.

Probably is the best value option for upgrading the problematic, clog-prone factory EGR cooler that comes equipped on the 6.0 Powerstroke is this kit below.

This cooler is a huge upgrade to the factory ford EGR cooler. Made from from stainless steel, and some great looking TIG welds, it looks just as good as it performs. Internally, their design ditches the factory ford honeycomb mesh (that without fail always clogs up) and instead uses rounded tubes as the medium.

They pressure test their coolers to ensure that there aren’t any leaks when you install it. Leakproof is absolutely something you want to be sure of when going through all the trouble of installing a cooler replacement. The install itself is a direct replacement fit, so no hacking or modifying of your other EGR components is required.

Upgraded EGR Cooler & Oil Cooler Kit For Ford F-250 350 6.0L Powerstroke Diesel Turbo

Upgraded EGR Cooler & Oil Cooler Kit For Ford F-250 350 6.0L Powerstroke Diesel Turbo

Check Price
Ebay.com
as of May 3, 2025 10:40 pm

Upstand Pipe and Dummy Plug Upgrade Kit

If your truck is having hard start issues after it’s warmed up, you most likely have a leak in the oil system, causing the injectors to not pressurize fully. A very common place for oil pressure to leak out is the seals on the dummy plugs, causing your fuel pressure to be too low to start the truck right away.

If you’ve checked the usual electrical suspects, such as the FICM, IPR and IPC and those are operating as intended, then you most likely have a loss of oil pressure.

A good upgrade kit for replacing the dummy plugs and upstand pipe is this kit, it solves the issues that your original dummy plugs have with worn out or rotten seals, sealing up the oil system which will restore your fuel pressure back to normal.

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

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

Check Price
Amazon
as of May 3, 2025 10:40 pm

Features

  • genuine oem factory part
  • exact fit
  • durable
  • best in quality
  • this is not an aftermarket part

6.4 Starter Upgrade

The perfect upgrade for 6.0 trucks that have a really slow starter is the much better version that comes in the 6.4 and later trucks. Ford revised the gearset in the newer starters which results in much faster cranking times.

It’s a simple drop-in replacement, nothing needs to be modified so this upgrade is a no brainer if your current starter is getting really slow.

DB Electrical SFD0122 New Starter For 6.4L 6.4 Ford F150 F250 F350 Diesel Truck 08 09 10 2008 2009 2010 410-14080 7C3T-11000-AA 7C3T-11000-AB 7C3Z-11002-AA

DB Electrical SFD0122 New Starter For 6.4L 6.4 Ford F150 F250 F350 Diesel Truck 08 09 10 2008 2009 2010 410-14080 7C3T-11000-AA 7C3T-11000-AB 7C3Z-11002-AA

Check Price
Amazon
as of May 3, 2025 10:40 pm

Features

  • PEAK PERFORMANCE: This replacement starter is engineered to deliver peak performance and reliability for increased starting power. The high-quality construction and materials ensure efficient operation, providing the reliable starting performance you need.
  • FAST ENGINE STARTER: The DB Electrical starter is designed for fast and efficient engine starters. This starter part for cars features cleaner and drier inner workings with sealed housings that block performance-robbing residue, as well as upgraded copper and silver contacts for enhanced performance.
  • DURABILITY: This product features high-quality materials and construction, ensuring durability and longevity even in harsh conditions. The starter replacement is designed for simple and straightforward installation, reducing downtime and labor costs.
  • COMPATIBILITY: The DB Electrical 410-14080 starter is compatible with/replacement for FORD: F-250 SUPER-DUTY 2008-2010, F-350 SUPER-DUTY 2008-2010, F-450 SUPER-DUTY 2008-2010, F-550 SUPER-DUTY 2008-2010
  • Please check the Amazon Confirmed Fit bar to ensure compatibility with your vehicle. If the confirmed fit bar has an "i" in a blue circle, this product has additional notes. Please hover over the “i” to see notes before making your purchase.

Head Gasket and ARP Stud Kit

The most hardcore of upgrades is replacing the head gaskets and bolts with new gaskets and studs to clamp it all together. Unfortunately this is an upgrade that a lot of 6.0 owners have had to do to, with head gasket issues being a weak link in these trucks.

It’s such a common occurrence that there are now bulletproofing kit options for replacing everything that this job requires, such as intake gaskets and all the other little gaskets that you would normally not think of when ordering, all included in one easy box with brand new ARP studs – which are a must install. The factory bolts just can’t physically have the same clamping force that studs can, and that’s one thing you really need on a high boost 6.0.

The only thing to be aware of when choosing a head gasket kit is the build dates on your tuck. Basically, if your truck was built before January 14th 2006, and has t40 Torx bolts for the injector hold-downs – then you have the 18mm dowels in your heads. Of course you should get the kit that has the head gaskets that fits those dowels.

After January 14th, the 2006 and 2007 heads have 20mm dowels in them. That’s really the only catch as far as ordering kits goes, pay attention there and your parts will fit when you go to put the beast of a job back together.

03-06 Ford Powerstroke 6.0L Diesel ARP Head Stud Kit & OEM Style 18MM Head Gaskets & Intake Manifold Installation Kit & Exhaust Gaskets Kit - Bundle (18MM)

03-06 Ford Powerstroke 6.0L Diesel ARP Head Stud Kit & OEM Style 18MM Head Gaskets & Intake Manifold Installation Kit & Exhaust Gaskets Kit - Bundle (18MM)

Check Price
Amazon
as of May 3, 2025 10:40 pm

Features

  • ARP Studs
  • MAHLE Black Diamond Head Gaskets
  • Master Intake Gasket Set with Injector O-rings and Turbo Hardware
  • Exhaust Manifold Gaskets

Intercooler Piping Upgrade

The factory intercooler boots on the 6.0 are known for being a weak point. After years of sitting on top of the hot engine they often crack and create leaks. The best way to address this is with an intercooler piping upgrade kit such as this one.

Mishimoto MMICP-F2D-03BK Intercooler Pipe Kit Compatible With Ford 6.0 Powerstroke 2003-2007 Black

Mishimoto MMICP-F2D-03BK Intercooler Pipe Kit Compatible With Ford 6.0 Powerstroke 2003-2007 Black

Check Price
Amazon
as of May 3, 2025 10:40 pm

Features

  • Direct fit for the 2003-2007 Ford 6.0L Powerstroke
  • Pipe Construction: Polished Aluminum Pipe Diameter: 3.0"
  • Improves airflow, power, and EGTs
  • Duracore technology provides superior resistance to heat, pressure, fuel, and oil
  • Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty

Aluminum Degas Bottle and Y-pipe Upgrade

Another huge failure point on the 6.0 that just about always needs to be addressed is the failure of the coolant cap and the eventual cracking and leaking of the plastic degas bottle.

Fortunately, there are a bunch of aftermarket aluminum degas bottles that solve this issue permanently. My favorite one comes from from Rudy’s Diesel in Ford’s famous any color you want as long as its black.

Don’t fall victim to a head gasket failure because of a simple coolant leak, bulletproof the coolant system before that can happen!

Silver Aluminum Degas Bottle/Coolant Y-Pipe/Gold Antifreeze 03-07 6.0L Powerstroke

Silver Aluminum Degas Bottle/Coolant Y-Pipe/Gold Antifreeze 03-07 6.0L Powerstroke

Check Price
Ebay.com
as of May 3, 2025 10:40 pm

Conclusion

We hope this has answered your questions about what performance upgrades to start with for upgrading the performance on your 6.0 Powerstroke. If you have questions, comments or other upgrades that you think should make the list, be sure to let us know in the comments below, thanks for reading!

Filed Under: Guides

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
6.0powerstrokeupgrades

Best Upgrades For The 6.0L Powerstroke

March 27, 2016 By Jeff Hart 8 Comments

Have you been searching to find the most popular … [Read More...]

Best Upgrades for 7.3L Power Stroke

Best Upgrades for the 7.3L Power Stroke

February 5, 2020 By Jeff Hart Leave a Comment

The 7.3L Powerstroke is commonly regarded as … [Read More...]

How-To: Choose and Use a Diesel Compression Tester

February 1, 2017 By Jeff Hart 3 Comments

Compression tests have always been a go-to for … [Read More...]

How-To: Choose The Best Batteries for Your Truck

July 8, 2016 By Jeff Hart 1 Comment

What could possibly be worse than the Monday … [Read More...]

How To Fix The Missing Fuel Cap on Rams

May 8, 2017 By Jeff Hart 1 Comment

Starting in 2013 and continuing still to this day, … [Read More...]

FICM OBD Codes and Repair Guide

July 19, 2016 By Jeff Hart 1 Comment

Is your 6.0 Powerstroke having trouble starting? … [Read More...]

Can an Oil Additive Fix Injector Stiction?

December 6, 2016 By Jeff Hart 4 Comments

In this guide, I wanted to cover an issue that … [Read More...]

tailgate dampener assist

How-To: Add a tailgate assist to your truck

July 17, 2017 By Jeff Hart Leave a Comment

Have you ever had your hands full while trying to … [Read More...]

Transfer Tank Roundup: Best Tank for Your Truck

September 13, 2016 By Jeff Hart 2 Comments

Welcome to our fuel tank roundup! This guide is … [Read More...]

Site Search & Info

[email protected]

[Lets Encrypt]
DMCA.com Protection Status

Subscribe!

Enter your email address to recieve all of our newest tips and guides, directly to your inbox!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
Note: DieselPowerUp.com is intended purely for entertainment purposes. We do not assume liability for how any information on DieselPowerUp.com is used. For site and affiliate partner disclosures, please read our Privacy Policy

© 2025 · DieselPowerUp.com