by Joshua Thomas
A tuner is basically a plug and play device that gives you power over the control of your engine's performance in your hands.
This unit communicates with the car's onboard computer, then displays to you certain variables associated with airflow, transmission, fuel rail pressure, intake temperature and the like, from which you can make optimization adjustments for improved engine output.
If you have a 6.0 Powerstroke engine, it is imperative that you have its tuner because such engines are known for having certain issues that lower the performance levels. For this reason, the article below looks at the best tuners for 6.0 Powerstroke that you can get for your car.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Superchips 1855 (Best Budget) |
|
 | 2. Superchips 1845 (Best with Large Screen) |
|
 | 3. Edge Products 15003 (Best Programmer) |
|
Superchips' 1855 Flashpaq is very affordable, but still the top-rated tuner for 6.0 powerstroke in this review, which shows there is something uniquely special about it.
For starters, the unit has a smooth exterior and a narrowed design around the middle part, making it suitable for one-handed operation. Coupled with simple menus in its dimmable screen with a black & white UI, this makes it very user-friendly.
On the actual tuning, this product can be used to optimize automatic transmission systems as well as recalibrate the speedometer in case you change the axle gear or the tires to any size between 28 and 40 inches.
Apart from this, the 1855 Flashpaq can also be used to tune the engine for torque and horsepower gains, while also reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes that may appear on the dashboard.
Even though it may take some time to reprogram most F-series truck computers, at the end of it all, you should expect improved throttle response, high-end drivability and outstanding power gains.
Pros
Cons
Visibility is key when making performance settings and to help you with this, the 1845 Flashpaq from Superchips is equipped with a large, High-Definition 2.8-inch color screen, which makes it very easy to use.
Coupled with a redesigned GUI, this screen plus a few buttons below can be used to adjust speedometer corrections after changing the tire size or gear ratio, speed & rev limiters as well as active fuel management control.
You also get to tune shift points, shift firmness, torque management, monitor vehicle parameters as it runs and read as well as clear diagnostic trouble codes.
On the downside, this tuner's use is limited to a few F-150, Super Duty and Mustangs, but it performs exceptionally well and has the option of being internet updateable via USB so as to always have the latest software for optimal tuning.
Pros
Cons
This product qualifies as the best programmer for Powerstroke engines because it can be used to increase the engine's output by a whopping 100 horsepower and 200 foot-pounds of torque.
To get to this, the 15003 has 3 power levels, in which the first one increases the horsepower by 15 and torque by 55 for economy use, the second level increases horsepower by 60 and torque by 110 for towing purposes and lastly, 100 HP and 200 ft-lb for extreme performance.
Other features include the ability to read and clear trouble codes, adjust shift points and pressure, and is internet updateable so as to keep its tuning software up to date while a custom-designed mold makes it fit seamlessly in your car.
However, it is quite expensive and has a non-colored screen, but these are minor setbacks compared to the tuning benefits you get.
Pros
Cons
Simply put, tuners are designed to enhance the engine's power output but each one can boost these horsepower and torque values up to a certain level; they are not equal.
With that in mind, you should select the tuner that will give the best output according to your needs. For instance, if you want extreme performance, like for off-roading purposes, then pick the one that can boost your engine to produce the highest levels of torque and HP.
However, the best model would be the one that gives you different power levels so that you can switch to the most efficient power output for the current driving mode.
An example is the Edge 15003, which gives you 3 power levels for economy, towing and extreme performance.
An important factor about tuning is that it should enable you to increase your vehicle's mileage for improved fuel efficiency.
That said, different types of tuners produce different tuning results and you should make sure the one you buy has settings that enable you to get more out of your gas by, for instance, making the combustion process more efficient.
The most important function of tuners is to upgrade your vehicle's performance. For this reason, consider the model that will bring out the best from your engine and keep tabs of the differences before and after tuning so as to see if there is any notable impact or improvement.
Apart from performance improvements, some tuners collect and keep tabs of the data collected from the ECU, enabling you to analyze it better so as to assess your car's performance over a certain period of time.
Some sophisticated models even have cloud-based restoration capability, which is good for recovery and resetting of the performance variables to previously saved settings.
Considering that the device is electronic, it should be quite easy to read and understand the various performance factors on display.
However, in considering the ease of use factor, the best tuners should have features like large colored displays and easy to use GUIs.
On installation, most tuners are plug and play and therefore, are easy to install. You just have to plug it into the ECU using the universal OBD II port and that's it.
Important note : make sure to read the manual before use so that you don't make a costly mistake.
Read More: 12 Best OBD2 Bluetooth Adapters
Bully Dog 40417 GT Platinum Tuner for Gas Applications - Walmart Link
RA003 Active Fuel Management AFM Disable Device, Compatible with GM V8 V6 Engine - Walmart Link
Force Performance Chip/Programmer for Ford F-250, F-350, F-450 & F-550 Super Duty 6.0L - Walmart Link
Innovative Performance Chip/Power Programmer compatible with Ford F-250, F-350, F-450 & - Walmart Link
Force Performance Chip/Programmer for Ford Excursion 6.0L PowerStroke Turbo Diesel - - Walmart Link
Bully Dog 40417 GT Platinum Tuner for Gas Applications - eBay Link
RA003 Active Fuel Management AFM Disable Device, Compatible with GM V8 V6 Engine - eBay Link
Force Performance Chip/Programmer for Ford F-250, F-350, F-450 & F-550 Super Duty 6.0L - eBay Link
Innovative Performance Chip/Power Programmer compatible with Ford F-250, F-350, F-450 & - eBay Link
Force Performance Chip/Programmer for Ford Excursion 6.0L PowerStroke Turbo Diesel - - eBay Link
In a nutshell, the best tuner should provide substantial power and torque boosting capabilities, fuel efficiency settings, and different performance levels, while a user-friendly interface should cap this off for easy use.
However, selecting the best tuner for 6.0 Powerstroke engines is also down to personal preference as different car owners have different needs that they want their engines to produce.
Therefore, after going through our review above, you should be able to pick the most suitable tuner to use in boosting your Ford diesel engine.
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About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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