KC Turbos With Precision Diesel Works: Building A Reliable 6.0-liter Power Stroke Tow Rig

The Ford 6.0-liter Power Stroke has a reputation that scares away a lot of potential buyers. However, Cameron Lewis of KC Turbos believes that these engines can actually be dependable workhorses if you know how to build them. He recently teamed up with Alex and Heath from Precision Diesel Works to prove this point. The goal was to build a bulletproof 6.0-liter tow rig that can handle hauling a 13,000-pound boat across the country without leaving the driver stranded on the side of the road.

Premium Parts Selection

Making a 6.0-liter live forever requires a specific recipe of aftermarket components. Lewis explained the strategy clearly. He said, “A lot of that has to do with upgraded high-quality, heavy-duty parts.” The build list included Warren Diesel Premium 155 cc injectors and Kill Devil Diesel cylinder heads. They also added an ODawg Diesel 5-inch intake manifold to help manage airflow. A crucial find for the team was a new-old-stock International oil cooler. They preferred this older American component over newer versions to ensure the cooling system would hold up under stress.

Building the 6.0-liter Tow Rig

The mechanics chose to lift the cab entirely to access the engine block. Lewis noted that pulling the motor is honestly the most DIY-friendly method for home mechanics, but lifting the cab made sense for a shop with a lift. This access was vital for installing head studs. Lewis emphasized, “Next thing 6.0 guys need to do, non-negotiable, is head studs.” Securing the heads prevents the gasket failures that made this engine infamous.

Tuning And Repairs

The teardown exposed the reality of working on 20-year-old trucks. The wiring harness disintegrated in their hands, and the body mounts were destroyed. The team swapped in S&B silicone mounts to fix the ride quality. Once the hard parts were installed, the focus turned to the computer. They utilized Blessed Performance to dial in the engine. This step ensures that the expensive hardware communicates correctly for smooth power delivery rather than just dumping fuel and creating heat.

Test Driving The Tow Rig

The test drive proved the build was a complete success. The truck hit highway speeds effortlessly and felt solid on the road. This 6.0-liter tow rig is now ready to pull heavy loads without breaking a sweat. It stands as proof that you can have a reliable Power Stroke if you are willing to invest in quality components.