What’s the Best Tuner for 6.0 Powerstroke? – Expert Review & Guide

Hi all, this time we've have been asked to look at 6.0 Powerstroke engines and share our thoughts on the best tuners. Now we expect that our readers already know that there is no real best programmer for 6.0 Powerstroke engines; there are competing brands that provide equal services. It comes down to personal preference.

6.0 Powerstroke Tuner reviews:

Some tuners will give more options to read and erase while others will give more flexibility in programming by using preset tunes. Essentially, there are three layers to these devices: the basic layer for beginners - quick tunes, the intermediate devices that provide versatile readings and settings, and the top layer which are professional devices.

This guide will concentrate on the intermediate layer that provides great versatility with good value for money. I've selected the top four devices. Any one of these should provide sufficient calibration and optimization for your Ford Powerstroke engine.

Best Tuners for 6.0 Powerstroke Reviews:

The Superchips Flashpaq for Ford (PN 1845) is a small device; it's the basic, intermediate package that provides versatility for a fast way to record and review your engine's processes as you drive. This tuner will work with a lot of Ford engines, including the 6.0 Powerstroke, but will also cover 6.7 Power Stroke motors too making it one of the best tuners. It comes with a 2-year powertrain warranty as well.

The Flashpaq comes with a high-definition, 2.8″ color screen supported by a redesigned graphic interface that provides you with easy to read data. They have also increased the memory and added a faster processor for improved tuning and faster downloading for updates. This device comes with a USB connector for internet updates.

The basic features you will get when using this ODBII linked device are:

• Tuning for Economy, Towing, Daily Driving, & Extreme Optimization
• You can eliminate the downshifting for climbing hills
• Changed tire size ratio corrections for the speedometer
• You can adjust your speed and rev limiters
• It will tune shift points, shift firmness, and provide TQ management
• It gives you active fuel management control
• A full vehicle parameter monitoring
• It reads and clears all DTC's

FlashPack Video

The X4 Power Flash has so many pros it was hard to decide which ones to place in the intro. Essentially, this is the super-intermediate tuner/programmer model for Ford 6.0 Powerstroke engines. This package comes with a set of preloaded Dyno-proven tunes that makes immediate optimized tuning easy. It also allows you to create and save 20 personalized tunes.

You can always quickly return the tunes to factory settings by pressing the "Return to Stock" feature and will save you a lot of hassle when having your engine checked by federal and state agencies.

The screen is a classy full-color backlit LCD display panel and comes with a built-in WIFI, so you can link up to the internet for immediate updates and store your data on a cloud.

This device will read and clear all DTC's, and it monitors all your essential data as you drive. It will also increase your HP, torque, throttle response and fuel economy.

Here are some of the features you can play with:

1. Axle Ratio: You can correct your vehicles speedometer and fuel consumption calculations when you re-align the axle ratio to the new gear ratios you set.
2. Fan Control: This feature sets a lower starting on temperature for the fan.
3. Torque Reduction: This feature allows you to reduce your torque during gear shifts.
4. TPMS: You can toggle your tire pressure monitoring system.
5. Transmission Shift Points: This allows you to change the RPM level between gear changes in an automatic transmission.

SCT Video

The Evolution Programmer was the first programmer to monitor EGTs while the vehicle was being driven. The Edge continues to provide leading technologies that read, adjust and clear data from your engine.

The EP comes with advanced tuning capabilities, including

1. Axle Ratio: You can correct your vehicles speedometer and fuel consumption calculations when you re-align the axle ratio to the new gear ratios you set. This will help improve the overall fuel economy of your vehicle.
2. Fuel Injectors: You can adjust the parameters when you install different sized fuel injectors
3. Idle Adjust: This function will allow you to change the idle value, essentially you can optimize your voltage in idle, enabling you to use auxiliary electronics without depleting the battery.
4. Rev Limiter: You can change the RPM rate before your engine's computer comes into play. Essentially you reset the automatic limiter to protect your engine from overstating RPM's.
5. Tire Size: This will give your speedometer the correct ratios for determining your speed when you change your wheels and tires from stock.

This is not all, you also get to view 5 PIDs simultaneously, and there are 11 basic PIDS to select, including RPM (revolutions per minute), MPH (miles per hour), ECT ^oF (engine coolant temperature), and IAT ^o F (Intake air temperature).

On top of these functions, you also get to choose your power gains by levels, and there are 4 preset levels for you to choose from. These power gains were reached at 4,400ft above sea level, so expect changes at different land heights.

• Level 0: Stock
• Level 1 (Trans Only) This setting adds transmission line pressure to give firmer shifts.
• Level 2 (Economy): 15 HP with 55 ft/lbs torque
• Level 3 (Tow): 60 HP with 110 ft/lbs torque
• Level 4 (Extreme): 100 HP with 200 ft/lbs torque

This device comes with a special custom pod that will make your device look like it's a stock item installed on your dash. It is updateable via an internet connection, and it will give you a 0-60 with ¼ mile performance tests including reaction times and Christmas tree style lighting.

PP 15003 Installation Sheet

The Hypertech Max Energy Programmer for 2004-14 Ford is one of the best there is on the market, and that's why it is featured here. This small programmer is available for most gasoline, E-85, and diesel vehicles, and the provide a lot of versatility.

This device will read and clear all DTC's. It provides many calibration alternatives and comes with immediate improvement presets so that you can start off with a fast calibration, giving you time to program any personalized tunes.

This device will provide optimum tuning for the 6.0 PowerStroke 2006-07 F250 Super Duty, F350 Super Duty, F450 Super Duty, and F550 Super Duty as well as the 2006-08 E350 Super Duty and E450 Super Duty.

Here is are some of the functions included with this model:

1. Axle Ratio: You can correct your vehicles speedometer and fuel consumption calculations when you re-align the axle ratio to the new gear ratios you set.
2. Fan Control: This feature sets a lower starting on temperature for the fan. 180°/195°
3. Idle Adjust: This function will allow you to change the idle value, essentially you can optimize your voltage in idle, enabling you to use auxiliary electronics without depleting the battery.
4. Rev Limiter: You can change the RPM rate before your engine's computer comes into play. Essentially you reset the automatic limiter to protect your engine from overstating RPM's. +/- 500 RPM (in 100 RPM increments)
5. Speed Limiter: This function will change the top speed your engine can reach before it sets in the automatic limiter. 81-255 mph based on tire speed rating

There is more; you can quickly return to stock settings. It also provides some amazing preset tunes for all engine types.

What is the best programmer for 6.0 Powerstroke?

We recommend Superchips 1845 Flashpaq F5 Programmer as the best tuner of the lot. These are great little machines to have around, and if you are a professional driver, from ridesharing to haulage, these devices will optimize your overheads. They improve fuel economy, give you the contacts metrics to save on car maintenance, and will essentially make your work easier and less of a financial burden.

Any of these devices will provide you with access to pre-set tunes that will optimize your engine's performance. My suggestion is: if you're new to this scene, don't play around with personalizing your own tunes. Start off by understanding the pre-set ones; you can change them around a few times to see what happens.

Once you understand how each tune function affects your vehicle, and you fully comprehend the incremental changes for every feature, then you can start to experiment. Just don't blame the device if you blow up your engine.

Final thought: do not go out and buy the most expensive model, that's stupid. Consider what make and model your vehicle is and what you want to achieve. If you're a ridesharing driver or taxi (professional driver), then you need to calibrate for fuel economy and comfort performance. If you are a professional hauler, then you need to calculate for load weights and power shifting in up and down conditions.

Finally, always consider braking as a serious function to focus on; optimized engine braking provides overall economy and safety.