6.0L Powerstroke

  1. Universally Guarded - Universal High-Flow Catch Can R&D, Part 2: Universal No More

    Universally Guarded - Universal High-Flow Catch Can R&D, Part 2: Universal No More

    Even if you're good at it, science often takes a long time. It seems like every year we hear about a new scientific discovery that's going to change our lives forever. Within a few months' time, the wonder has faded, and the world has moved on to the next amazing discovery. But science marches on behind the scenes and those wonders live in the shadows until the spotlight is shined on them once again.

    Mishimoto isn't immune to the often-sluggish pace of science, but we stick to the age-old adage that if you're going to do something, it's best to take your time and do it right. Better to toil in the shadows than be lazy in the light. After over a year of testing, adjusting, and going back to the drawing board a few times, we finally have a product that we're proud to sell.

    IMGL9551

    Back in June of last year, we showed you our initial design for a universal, high-flow, baffled oil catch can to suit diesel engines. Since then, we really haven't changed much in the external features of that catch can.

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  2. Treat Your Transmission. Ford 6.0L Powerstroke Transmission Cooler R&D, Part 3: Testing Data

    Treat Your Transmission. Ford 6.0L Powerstroke Transmission Cooler R&D, Part 3: Testing Data

    It's now time to install our prototype and put some data behind the efficiency differences we expect to see between our cooler and the factory heat exchanger. We did add a substantial amount of core surface area, so we anticipate that heat transfer will improve during a load test. Check out this shot of the Mishimoto 6.0L transmission cooler installed!

    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler installed
    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler installed

    Testing Process

    We have numerous tools at our disposal to test heat exchangers. For this one, we will be using our Dynapack™ dynamometer. With a transmission cooler test, we want to apply some load on the vehicle to ensure that stress is created within the drivetrain. We can set the Dynapack to apply a specific load to achieve this.

    Mishimoto 6.0 transmission cooler testing
    Mishimoto 6.0 transmission cooler testing

    We then set up our truck for some runs on the Dynapack!

    Mishimoto 6.0 transmission cooler testing
    Mishimoto 6.0 transmission cooler testing

    We installed pressure and temperature sensors within the transmission inlet and outlet lines. This will allow our team

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  3. Treat Your Transmission. Ford 6.0L Powerstroke Transmission Cooler R&D, Part 2: Mishimoto Prototype

    Treat Your Transmission. Ford 6.0L Powerstroke Transmission Cooler R&D, Part 2: Mishimoto Prototype

    Now that we have designed our 6.0L transmission cooler prototype in SolidWorks®, our team has begun work on constructing our first prototype. We will be using this prototype to verify fitment on our truck and perform heat-soak testing to determine any cooling benefits provided by the larger core size.

    Mishimoto 6.0L Transmission Cooler Prototype

    Check out a couple shots of our first prototype unit!

    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler
    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler

    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler
    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler

    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler
    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler

    Size Comparison

    We are increasing the size of this cooler for greater fluid capacity and improved heat transfer. Although the core height remains the same, we've increased the width to provide greater surface area for airflow. Check out a couple shots showing a size comparison of our cooler against the factory 31-row unit.

    Ford 6.0 transmission cooler size comparison
    Ford 6.0 transmission cooler size comparison

    The next two images will give you a better idea of the additional width we've added with our

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  4. A More Durable Degas. Mishimoto's Ford Powerstroke 6.0L Aluminum Degas Bottle R&D, Part 3: 3D-Printed Prototypes

    A More Durable Degas. Mishimoto's Ford Powerstroke 6.0L Aluminum Degas Bottle R&D, Part 3: 3D-Printed Prototypes

    With a rough 3D model in place, we started constructing our 3D-printed prototypes to finalize our 6.0L degas bottle design and to refine any areas where adjustments are needed.

    Due to the large size of this degas unit, we printed the bottle in multiple sections and then attached each portion together.

    Below is a look at our first 3D print fitted into place on our 6.0L.

    3D-printed 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle
    3D-printed 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle

    3D-Printed 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle
    3D-Printed 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle

    3D-printed 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle
    3D-printed 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle

    Our first prototype needed some work. The rear portion of the bottle had clearance concerns, so we adjusted and tweaked a few of the faces of our design.

    3D-printed 6.0 degas bottle
    3D-printed 6.0 degas bottle

    3D-printed 6.0 degas bottle
    3D-printed 6.0 degas bottle

    The big change we needed to make to this design was the angle of the rear portion of the bottle.

    3D-printed 6.0 degas bottle
    3D-printed 6.0 degas bottle

    Adjustments were made to the design, and we printed a second 3D prototype. I wonder if our printer is beginning to feel used and abused. Do 3D printers have feelings?

    Check out

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  5. Treat Your Transmission. 6.0L Powerstroke Transmission Cooler R&D, Part 1: Factory Cooler Options

    Treat Your Transmission. 6.0L Powerstroke Transmission Cooler R&D, Part 1: Factory Cooler Options

    Yes, that's right, we are not quite done with product development for the 6.0L Powerstroke. Although these trucks are getting older, our team is finding more and more ways to enhance and improve them.

    The factory-equipped 6.0 transmission cooler is relatively stout. In fact, swapping this cooler into the 7.3L is a pretty common upgrade. That said, we think we can provide even greater cooling efficiency and offer an upgrade for 6.0L and 7.3L trucks that tow heavy loads.

    Factory Cooler Options

    From 2003­ to 2007, the 6.0L came from the factory with two different cooler options, a 26-row cooler and a 31-row cooler. Mounting and line connections were similar on both.

    Our shop truck came equipped with the 26-row unit, so we ordered the 31-unit cooler as well for data collection.

    Factory 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler
    Factory 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler

    Although one cooler is taller, they have the same thickness, as shown below.

    Factory 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler
    Factory 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler

    Increasing the surface area and the internal capacity

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  6. A More Durable Degas. Mishimoto's Ford Powerstroke 6.0L Aluminum Degas Bottle R&D, Part 2: Initial 3D Models

    A More Durable Degas. Mishimoto's Ford Powerstroke 6.0L Aluminum Degas Bottle R&D, Part 2: Initial 3D Models

    Quick update for this awesome degas bottle project! Our engineering team has been working to construct an aluminum degas bottle design for the 6.0, using our 3D-modeling software. We've incorporated some neat features, and we've included factory-style hose connection points and bottle mounts.

    Let's take a look!

    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle 3D model
    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle 3D model

    In this model you can see our plans for maintaining an appropriate fluid level. A simple sight tube will do the trick for our bottle design. You can also see the machined cap threads that we designed to function with the factory cap.

    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle 3D model
    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle 3D model

    The opposite side of the bottle reveals mounting points and three hose connections that are modeled after those on the factory bottle. A unique feature here is the pressure sensor port. We had numerous requests for this inclusion, so we worked it into the design.
    We discussed possibly including internal baffling for this bottle. Internal baffling plays a big

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  7. A More Durable Degas. Ford Powerstroke 6.0L Aluminum Degas Bottle R&D, Part 1: Factory Bottle Evaluation

    A More Durable Degas. Ford Powerstroke 6.0L Aluminum Degas Bottle R&D, Part 1: Factory Bottle Evaluation

    We're back for some new 6.0L product development! It has been a few months since the release of our recent intake elbow and thermostat housing, and our team is itching to start a new project on our 6.0L Powerstroke shop truck. This time, we're aiming to create an aluminum degas bottle that would provide additional cooling system reliability. Within the past year, we've increased our focus on development of aluminum expansion tanks, and we've brought to market some unique tanks that provide improved durability and style.

    One of our recent projects was a tank for the 2015+ Ford Mustang, which features some unique internal baffling to emulate the functionality of the stock tank.

    Mishimoto's 2015+ Mustang aluminum expansion tank
    Mishimoto's 2015+ Mustang aluminum expansion tank

    Pretty cool! The key with these projects is to include all the factory features, provide a bolt-in fit, and tack on some neat styling. Let's jump into our 6.0L Powerstroke degas bottle project!

    Factory Degas Bottle External Features

    Before we start on our own degas

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  8. Rubbing Elbows with the 6.0L! Mishmoto Powerstroke Intake Elbow R&D, Part 3: Final Product

    Rubbing Elbows with the 6.0L! Mishmoto Powerstroke Intake Elbow R&D, Part 3: Final Product

    Interested in purchasing our 6.0L intake elbow?

    We have quite a bit going on with this project! Our discounted pre-sale has launched, and we are currently accepting orders. In addition, our final prototype elbows arrived and have been test fitted to ensure appropriate fitment. Without further delay, let's take a look at our finished intake elbows.

    Final Product Images

    First, a lineup of the stock elbow next to our three finish options.

    Stock 6.0 intake elbow (left) and three Mishimoto intake elbows, final prototypes
    Stock 6.0 intake elbow (left) and three Mishimoto intake elbows, final prototypes

    Stock 6.0 intake elbow (left) and Mishimoto intake elbows
    Stock 6.0 intake elbow (left) and Mishimoto intake elbows

    Here's a look at the mounting flange.

    Mishimoto 6.0 intake-elbow mounting flange and seal
    Mishimoto 6.0 intake-elbow mounting flange and seal

    Notice the various inclusions in our kit. We aren't simply throwing the elbow in a box and shipping it out. Our kit includes all the items below.

    • New mounting hardware
    • O-ring seal
    • Intake elbow boot
    • Two constant-tension T-bolt clamps

    Installed Shots

    We needed one more test fit to ensure that our final product slides into place perfectly.

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  9. Billet 6.0L Powerstroke Thermostat Housing R&D!

    Billet 6.0L Powerstroke Thermostat Housing R&D!

    If you follow our Ford Powerstroke 6.0L product line, you are aware of the high- and low-temperature thermostats we released last year. The high-temperature unit quickly became a customer favorite as a reliable way to improve engine operation, in-cabin heat, and fuel mileage. These benefits are particularly useful in the cold-weather months. Our low-temperature thermostat offers a lower recovery temperature compared to the factory unit, which can help keep coolant temperatures regulated during towing or when transporting heavy loads.

    During the release of the thermostats, we had numerous requests for a replacement housing. The factory housing is a casted piece, which isn't aesthetically pleasing, but it is easy to replace.

    Product Development

    Development began in a pretty simple fashion. We acquired an OEM housing and started capturing measurements so that we could reverse-engineer the piece.

    Factory 6.0L Powerstroke thermostat housing
    Factory 6.0L Powerstroke thermostat housing

    After some tedious design work in Solidworks, we soon

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  10. Rubbing Elbows with the 6.0L! Mishmoto Powerstroke Intake Elbow R&D, Part 2: 3D Modeling

    Rubbing Elbows with the 6.0L! Mishmoto Powerstroke Intake Elbow R&D, Part 2: 3D Modeling

    Interested in purchasing our 6.0L intake elbow?

    We're back with another update on our 6.0L Powerstroke intake elbow project! Last time we covered the stock unit and noted the plans we had for our rendition of the intake elbow. After collecting data from the stock piece, we began mapping our prototypes on 3D-modeling software.

    Prototype 1

    Our first prototype comes by way of the almighty 3D printer. We made a quick design in Solidworks to map out the appearance and dimensional constraints for our design.

    Mishimoto 6.0L Powerstroke intake elbow prototype 1
    Mishimoto 6.0L Powerstroke intake elbow prototype 1

    Mishimoto 6.0L Powerstroke intake elbow prototype 1
    Mishimoto 6.0L Powerstroke intake elbow prototype 1

    The primary goal for this prototype was to check fitment of our lower flange and placement of our NPT bungs, and also to ensure that our inlet diameter and lip were correctly designed. The style of our "M" logo on the pipe is likely to be changed in the final design, which is reflected in our modeling images below.

    Here are a few shots of this piece during test fitting!

    Mishimoto Powerstroke intake elbow prototype test fit
    Mishimoto Powerstroke
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