The 6.0 Powerstroke is a Ford diesel engine that is part of the Power stroke family used for the F-series trucks. It is also used in the Ford E-Series, Ford Excursion, and Ford LCF commercial truck. The first Powerstroke appeared in 1994 and was originally manufactured by Navistar. In 2010, with the development of the all Ford 6.7: Powerstroke V8 engine, all models are now Ford.
Now let's take a look at the five best air filters for Duramax diesel engines.
The Air Filters for 6.0 Powerstroke Reviews:
This is the Sinister Diesel model SDG-CAI-6.0 for 2003-2007 applications.
Performance
This Sinister intake model is made CNC machines and mandrel bent aluminum tubing that is engineered for maximum performance and strength. These kits come with silicone couplers which are much more effective and reliable than OEM materials.
This kit is polished, and powder coated in the unique Sinister Blue, this provides an exceptional eye catching the durable finish.
The filter is an oversized Reusable Cotton Oiled material, and the overall design significantly Improves your Throttle Response and Turbo Spool-up.
This is an excellent upgrade for Daily Driving, Towing and performance racing.
Features
- CNC Mandrel Bent Aluminum Intake Tube
- Reusable Oiled Cotton Media Filter
- Installation Hardware
Recommendations
Sinister is a well-known brand with signature color and finish, the performance is never in doubt, and you will always improve your 6.0 Powerstroke performance with this upgrade.
Description
This is the S&B Filters 75-5070 Cold Air Intake for 2003-2007 applications.
Performance
S&B is a global force in the aftermarket scene, and this model of their air intake collection is focused on 2003-2007 Ford Powerstroke 6.0L engines. The 75-5070 is engineered to minimize air restriction and flows by 36.82% better than stock.
This model is designed with a fully enclosed airbox that provides total filter protection from dirt while it restricts engine heat from affecting the cold air inflow. The box uses silicone seals and couplers that are both thermal resistant and more flexible than rubber. These silicone seals provide absolute protection, and the filter minder is relocated for performance.
There is an oversized air snorkel with larger lips to improve air intake, retaining the cool flow that provides optimized air characteristics for performance. The funnel lid is also made of silicone, which helps to isolate the engine heat even more.
This is easy to install and maintain the model.
Features
- Red oil
- Cotton filter
- Street legal in 50 states
- Silicone filters and couplers
- Silicone Lid
Recommendations
It really is hard to argue with S&B, and that is why you have five different filters alongside each other for comparison. This one is a classic S&B model that delivers excellent performance, reduces maintenance issues and makes driving an improved experience.
Description
This is the Chinese Blackhorse-racing air intake filter for 2-003-2007 6.0 Powerstroke applications.
Performance
Not to be confused with the American Blackhorse-Racing company that produces exhaust systems, this is a generic brand made in China. However, it has been tested and provides exceptional performance. The price reflects the product's materials and construction, so while it is not aFe, S&B or K&N, it does deliver budget friendly upgrade performance.
This model is made from aluminum alloy mandrel bent tubing that is powder paint coated with a glossy blue finish delivering excellent eye-catching results.
This model doesn't come with a box, as such, the air comes from free flow in the engine space, there is no additional flow improvement.
Features
- Mandrel bent aluminum alloy tubing
- All the hardware for installation
Recommendations
This is an extremely budget-friendly upgrade kit, it delivers standard OEM style performance and is a simple generic model. The reason it's on this list is due to the proven results and the price.
Description
This is the Upower 4″ Red Cold Air Intake Kit for 2003-2007 applications, another generic Chinese brand for performance, and extremely budget friendly.
Performance
This is another Chinese import, made of basic materials and designed to be used by budget restricted drivers seeking additional performance at a cut-throat price. To be honest, it doesn't get much cheaper than this model, but you do get some great features, and that is why it's on this list.
To start off with, this kit comes with a polished aluminum alloy cold air intake tube and connects to a standard washable and reusable synthetic filter. There is a powder coated steel heat shield that is used to isolate the air filter from the rest of the engine compartment.
This model doesn't come with a box, as such, the air comes from free flow in the engine space, there is no additional flow improvement. The claims for improvement in performance are yet to be established, as such I consider this only a low priced stock replacement part.
Features
- Black Heat Shield
- Red Washable and Reusable Air Intake Filter
- Polished Aluminum Cold Air Intake Pipe
- Edge Trim with Rubber Hump Hose and Hose Clamp,
- All hardware included.
Recommendations
This is the cheapest model I could find that would perform well. It delivers a standard stock performance, and its price is such, that you can buy six of them for the price of a standard branded model.
Description
This is the DK Engine Parts, it's an all American made kit for your Ford 6.0L 6.0 2003-2007 applications.
Performance
DK engine parts is a small Atlanta based engineering shop for automotive parts, and has accumulated over 45 years of experience in the aftermarket scene providing a lot of different components for many companies including Cummins, Ford, General Motors, and Komatsu, and many more.
This is their aluminum pipe, silicone boot with heat dissipation performance designed to be a classic stock replacement for your 2003-2007 applications.
Features
Recommendations
If you are seeking a budget friendly aftermarket cold air intake replacement part and all USA made, this is the one to get. It outperforms all generic imports and is made from prime materials. The customer support is exceptional too. I added this one to the list because in all honesty, David DeBuc and Kevin Bell, the co-owners, are leading this company to exceptional goals, with high quality products and a great care for detail.
How To Choose The Right Air Filter For 6.0 Powerstroke?
Upgrading your 6.0 Powerstroke
There are issues with the 6.0 Powerstroke, and they do go into the "shop" for upgrading, so here is a list of items you will need to upgrade to reach specific HP levels, and in each one, you will find the need for a cold air intake filter upgrade.
Check this out:
300 Horsepower
To increase your performance up to 300 HP, you will need to replace your Cold Air Intake, Turbo Back Exhaust System, Programmer, Coolant Filtration Kit, EGR Valve and Cooler Conversion Kit.
400 Horsepower
To increase your performance up to 400 HP, you will need to replace everything in the 300HP list, in addition you will need to upgrade your Turbo Charger, Lift (Fuel) Pump, Heavy Duty 58V FICM, Diesel Regulated Return Fuel System, Diesel Oil Cooler, Head Studs.
500 Horsepower
To increase your performance up to 500 HP, you will need to replace everything in the 400HP list, in addition you will need to upgrade your Diesel 50HP Injector Set, Heavy Duty Ported Exhaust Manifolds
600 Horsepower
To increase your performance up to 600 HP, you will need to replace everything in the 500HP list, in addition you will need to upgrade your Intercooler and transmission.
As you can see, the cold air intake is just one stage in the overall upgrade in performance for a 6.0 Powerstroke engine, and you don't need to add more, but if you do seek serious HP and torque, consider the above list as your upgrade bible.
Cold Air Intake Filter Kits
A cold air intake filter kit is guaranteed to improve any engines horsepower and torque performance. Aftermarket kits are designed to provide better airflow rates, cleaner air and in some instances boosted air that helps support turbocharger systems.
Most models are very easy to install, and a good kit will only require basic tools such as a screwdriver, plier and ratchet set. The time to replace is around 90 minutes. The best replacement kits come with OEM style holes and connection shapes and sizes so that you don't need to drill or adapt any part during the installation process. Kits are vehicle specific, so you do need to ascertain your exact model before buying and pairing a kit.
