Recipes for Horsepower | 2003-2007 Ford 6.0 Powerstroke

We get a lot of calls asking, "What do I need to do to my truck to attain a certain horsepower level?" If you've been wondering the same, below are various "recipes" of parts that are needed to reach certain power levels along with any companion parts that you'll need to ensure the overall drivability and integrity of your truck. For example, you could grab the highest setting on your programmer to make 450HP on a dyno run but for longevity sake, you will need and would be better off with a cold air intake, exhaust, upgraded FCIM, and a few other other things. Or we will recommend upgrading to head studs once you've reached a power level where we have found it to be necessary. We are going to mention a lot of specific products, and these are products that we prefer through our experience. There are, of course, many other options available that can get the job done, as well.

Bear in mind that even though Ford says your truck is 325HP, they are quoting flywheel horsepower, not rear wheel horsepower. On a dyno, the actual rear wheel horsepower for these trucks is about 280HP. Please don't get sucked into the trap of adding all of the manufacturer stated horsepower gains for the individual products together to estimate your horsepower. This will only lead to disappointment! There is typically a substantial amount of overlap when combining products, but this is a necessary evil.

Click on any of the below items to be directed to that particular product page or scroll through the assortment of products at the bottom of the page for additional information. As always, feel free to give us a call and we would be happy to assist!

300 Horsepower

• S&B Cold Air Intake
• MBRP 4" Exhaust System
• SCT X4 Programmer (This will get you into the high 300's, but we would recommend running on a lower setting until other upgrades have been made)
• Sinister Coolant Filtration Kit

Recommended Drivetrain Upgrades

• Automatic:Mag-Hytec Deep Sump Transmission Pan, Modified Direct Clutch Solenoid
• Manual: South Bend Kevlar / Ceramic Clutch Kit

400 Horsepower

• S&B Cold Air Intake
• MBRP 4" Exhaust System
• SCT X4 Programmer
• Sinister Coolant Filtration Kit
• Garrett PowerMax Turbo
• FASS Titanium Lift (Fuel) Pump
• BD-Power 58V FICM
• Driven Diesel Regulated Return Fuel System
• Sinister Diesel Oil Cooler
• ARP Head Studs

Recommended Drivetrain Upgrades

• Automatic: Mag-Hytec Deep Sump Transmission Pan, Modified Direct Clutch Solenoid
• Manual: South Bend Kevlar / Ceramic Clutch Kit

500 Horsepower

• S&B Cold Air Intake
• MBRP 4" Exhaust System
• SCT X4 Programmer
• Sinister Coolant Filtration Kit
• FASS Titanium Lift (Fuel) Pump
• BD-Power 58V FICM
• Driven Diesel Regulated Return Fuel System
• Dynomite Diesel 50HP Injector Set
• Sinister Diesel Oil Cooler
• ARP Head Studs
• BD Heavy Duty Ported Exhaust Manifolds

Recommended Drivetrain Upgrades

• Automatic: ATS Stage 2 Transmission Package
• Manual: South Bend Street Dual Disc Clutch Kit

600 Horsepower

• MBRP 5" Exhaust System
• SCT Livewire TS Programmer
• Sinister Coolant Filtration Kit
• 68mm VNT Direct Replacement Turbo
• FASS Titanium Lift (Fuel) Pump
• BD-Power 58V FICM
• Driven Diesel Regulated Return Fuel System
• Dynomite Diesel 90HP Injector Set
• Sinister Diesel Oil Cooler
• DieselSite Billet HPOP (High Pressure Oil Pump)
• ARP Head Studs
• BD Heavy Duty Ported Exhaust Manifolds
• Banks Techni-Cooler Intercooler

Recommended Drivetrain Upgrades

• Automatic: ATS Stage 3 Transmission Package
• Manual: South Bend Street Dual Disc Clutch Kit