If you own a Powerstroke engine, you already know about its dependability, durability, and power. With an abundance of torque and fuel efficiency on top of that, it’s one of the better diesel engines out there. Any truck with a regularly maintained Powerstroke engine promises the driver years of enjoyable rides, hauling, and showing off.

Can you improve on perfection (or the nearest thing to it)? Yes, you can! With a little tooling, retooling, and a few extra parts, you can raise the horsepower of your engine to a more satisfying level.

Why Do It?

Let’s answer that question first. If you already have a decent engine, why monkey around with it? We’ve mentioned some of the obvious reasons, like more power, torque, and fuel efficiency. What else do you get out of the inevitable hours of work? You’ll get to know your engine more intimately by exploring the inner workings and understanding how it all comes together. You will also learn about its quirks and needs and how to coax it toward its best possible version of itself. Get to it with these suggestions on how to increase horsepower on a Powerstroke engine.

Modify the Intake and Exhaust Systems

Generally, automotive manufacturers make trucks and other vehicles relatively quiet without sacrificing performance to satisfy rules and ordinances on engine noise. If you want to boost horsepower and get a little more growl from your Powerstroke, try modifying the intake and exhaust systems. A new intake and exhaust system can add to your engine’s power. It won’t be an overwhelming difference, but every little change helps. Various systems are available for purchase and installation, running to a few hundred dollars. Not cheap, but not too expensive either!

Wheels and Tires

Boosting power doesn’t always happen inside the engine. Consider upgrading your wheels and tires to slightly smaller models. Smaller wheels and tires work as well as larger ones, and their reduced weight places less strain on the engine. Talk to your mechanic about the possibility of switching to smaller and lighter models, but keep in mind that some tires are better suited for towing and other duties. Do you want speed or hauling power? Your answer will help you choose the best tires.

Fuel System Upgrade

More fuel means more power—that seems simple enough. When you upgrade your truck’s fuel system and increase the fuel injectors’ flow rate, the cylinders get more fuel. When the fuel combines with more oxygen through a cold air intake, the combustion process produces more energy. You can’t really go wrong when upgrading your fuel system to deliver the “juice” more efficiently.

Differential and Drivetrain Upgrades

Thinking outside of the box, or rather the engine, altering and upgrading the differential go a long way toward helping it produce more horsepower. Upgrading the differential leads to improved traction, lending the effects of more horsepower directly to the wheels. The drivetrain is the system of parts that move the wheels and other parts of the truck, including the transmission, differential, axles, wheels, and joints. Upgrading the drivetrain relieves strain on the engine, allowing it to run better and deliver more power.

Add an Intercooler

Some trucks come with intercoolers. Air-to-air intercoolers do exactly what the name suggests—they keep the engine cool. A cool engine is under much less stress than an overheating one. Intercoolers usually work with a turbocharged system, forcing in and cooling down the air entering a turbocharger before it reaches the engine. This can increase power as well as prevent knocking.

Most aficionados can perform this job themselves. Many truck drivers have increased their truck’s performance by replacing an intercooler with a newer model. Don’t cheap out on this upgrade! Buy a better model, even if it costs a little more. Otherwise, your Powerstroke will face a slew of issues like leaks and power loss.

Tuning in on Tuners

Another non-engine alteration has to do with replacing or upgrading your truck’s onboard “computer.” All modern trucks have engine tuners, which are devices that “talk” to your engine and provide the data it needs to perform. “Tuning” your Powerstroke involves changing the standard manufacturer-programmed settings for better horsepower, fuel use, and more.

Don’t skimp on quality for this upgrade! A bad tuner won’t just reduce horsepower; it will also affect your engine and vehicle over time, requiring future repairs and costly upgrades. Talk to your mechanic before proceeding with tuning.

Adding Additives

You’ve likely heard of fuel additives before. Some work well, and others are mostly hype. However, high-quality fuel additives can keep your engine’s interior parts clean, stop clogs, keep things cool, deal with winter’s chill, and help you save on fuel and money. Again, speak with your mechanic or read up on the best additives before pouring them into the tank.

Boring the Cylinders

Here is a great way to increase horsepower that will require the removal and alteration of the engine with specific tools. When you bore an engine, you use a cylinder boring machine to smoothen and widen the cylinders. This changes displacement, which can lead to more power and torque. Be sure you really want to go mucking about your engine before doing anything. Also, seek the advice of your all-knowing mechanic on whether this is the best way to boost your Powerstroke.

Regular Maintenance

The surest way to improve and continue high performance, of course, is to conduct regular maintenance, especially when it comes to fluids. Keep to a strict schedule of oil and filter changes, and don’t let your oil run low or get dirty. It can allow gunk to accumulate or cause the engine it to stop completely. Keep the tires at the proper pressure, and make sure you wash your truck often. Clean vehicles just run better!

That’s the gist of how to increase horsepower on a Powerstroke engine. If you have questions about improving your truck’s performance or are in the market for 6.0 Powerstroke performance parts, contact us! We’re your best source!