How Much Does It Cost To Bulletproof 6.0? ( parts & labor)
Unless you are the Queen or the President of the United States, it is quite unlikely that you need to bulletproof your vehicle. That said, you may have heard that a lot of people have bulletproofed their 6.0 Powerstroke. Bulletproofing here refers to iron out any quirks.
If you own this engine, I am sure you are well-versed in its many issues. That’s why you may be wondering how much does it cost to bulletproof 6.0? The entire process will cost you around $7,600. This is definitely not an exact estimate as the prices vary greatly.
Along with providing a complete cost breakdown, I’ve also noted down why the cost of each bulletproofing varies so much and why you even need to bulletproof this engine. Additionally, I’ve listed down a few cost-saving methods.
6.0 Powerstroke Bulletproofing Cost Chart
When you hear a price tag as large as $7,600, the first thought you have is where all your money is going. To clear up that doubt, I created this thorough 6.0 Powerstroke Bulletproofing cost breakdown.
If you are confused about why each of these components is costing you so much, I’ve explained that as well in the next section.
It is important to note that these costs vary greatly. It can go below $6,000 or even shoot up all the way up to $12,000. Why does it vary so much? Read on to find out.
| Component | Price |
|---|---|
| EGR Delete | $100 |
| Studs | $500 |
| FICM | $1000 |
| Oil Cooler | $3000 |
| Labor | $3000 |
| Total | $7,600 |
How Much Does It Cost To Bulletproof 6.0?
As you’ve seen, the upgrade will cost you a fortune. In order to make sure that you don’t regret any of these investments, I’ll discuss what each upgrade will do for your car.
1. EGR Delete
Exhaust Gas Recirculation or EGR is a component that ensures that your nitrogen oxide emissions are minimized. Unfortunately, this damages your engine. A way to bulletproof your engine is to ‘delete’ this component. Keep in mind that this is illegal in some areas.
The cost of this component is more or less constant for all upgrades. You’ll easily get this part within $100.
2. New Studs
Studs serve an important role in your engine: they keep the torque at a stable point. This is a weak point for the 6.0 and so an upgrade would mean an instant improvement in torque.
This is another component for which the prices don’t vary too much. You will find it within 500 to 700 dollars.
3. FICM Replacement
fuel injection control module or FICM controls how much fuel goes in through the fuel injectors. Again, this is not a strong suit for the engine. Hence, you should see improved fuel efficiency after this process.
In comparison to the previous components, the prices of this one change a fair bit. It could cost anywhere between $800 to $1200.
4. Oil Cooler Upgrade
The oil cooler’s role is self-explanatory. It ensures that the engine oil temperatures don’t get too high. Your engine is less prone to overheating if you go through with this procedure.
This is by far the most expensive part to buy. Unfortunately, it can get even more expensive than the aforementioned $3000. Some models go for over $3500.
5. Labor Expenses
Having the whole process done professionally is the right way to go. However, it will cost you a fair bit. This is a cost that is difficult to estimate. $3000 can be a rough estimate, might go higher depending on your car model and condition.
Factors That Determine The Cost Of Bulletproof 6.0 Parts
As I’ve mentioned, the total cost of the parts tends to vary a bit. These 3 reasons are to blame for this phenomenon.
1. How Many Parts Are You Modding?
You may not be looking to get a complete overhaul of your engine and that is understandable. The cost of the parts will fall greatly if you decide to skip a few of the upgrades I mentioned. For example, the oil cooler takes up almost half your budget.
2. Where Are You Buying The Parts?
Every retailer sells the parts at different costs. You may find the same FICM at one store at around $900 and see another store charge over $1100 for it. You need to find a store that sells it at a price that is right for you.
3. Availability Of Compatible Parts
This is possibly the biggest determinant of the cost of the parts. Even though newer models are better in general and the parts that are rarer cost more. For example, a 2007 oil cooler may cost a lot less than a 2009 one simply because it is harder to find.
How Much Is The Labor For Bulletproofing 6.0 Cost?
A large part of your budget will be dedicated to the mechanic costs. That’s why it is so frustrating that these 3 aspects make the cost vary so much.
- Mechanic’s Reputation
A more experienced mechanic will charge a higher price. However, as a mechanic charges by the hour, it is possible that an inexperienced one costs you more because the process takes longer.
- Wages Rates In Your Area
Your local minimum wage plays a huge role in determining the price in your area. The higher the minimum wage, the more expensive the entire process will be.
- Potential Discounts
Some mechanics tend to give long-term customers special discounts. If you have been with a mechanic for a while, you may be able to benefit from this.
Why You May Need To Bulletproof Your 6.0 Powerstroke?
6.0 Powerstroke has a bad reputation and there’s a good reason for that. Bulletproofing will help you tackle these very common issues:
- Shaky Durability
- Long run maintenance costs
- Poor driving experience
How To Reduce Bulletproofing Costs?
Bulletproofing a 6.0 Powerstroke seems to be an inaccessible process for a lot of people so I found a few ways to cut down these exorbitant amounts.
- Installing The Parts Yourself
- Building A Strong Relationship With Your Mechanic
- Scouting Out The Cheapest Parts
- Using Other Alternatives
How Much Does It Cost To Bulletproof 6.0 – (FAQs)
1. Is The 6.0 Powerstroke A Good Engine?
No. 6.0 Powerstroke is one of the worst-reviewed engines in Ford’s long history. It was plagued with performance issues and durability problems. On top of that, it was followed by another weak engine in the 6.4 Powerstroke.
2. Is It Worth Bulletproofing A 6.0 Powerstroke?
It depends on how much you are willing to invest. The full upgrade will be a good thing but if you can’t completely override the engine’s flaws. I recommend putting up with the issues and buying a better car in the future.
3. Should I Install The Bulletproofed Parts Myself?
Unless you have a lot of knowledge and skill in mechanic handy work, I highly suggest against doing the installation yourself. There is a lot of risk for injury and you may destroy your engine.
4. Will Bulletproofing Be Covered In My Ford Warranty?
No. Modding a vehicle will never be covered by the company that made it. You need to pay for the entire process out of pocket.
Final Words
There you have it. You now know the answer to the question, “how much does it cost to bulletproof 6.0?” Even though this article wasn’t able to give you an exact amount, the rough estimate will help you sort out the finances for getting this upgrade.
Even spending around $6,000 to $12,000 on your vehicle won’t be of much use if you don’t maintain it properly. Ensure that you see the mechanic frequently to keep your engine in good shape.
Related Articles:
- 6.0 Powerstroke Rebuild Cost – (Including Parts, Kits & Labor)
- How Much Does It Cost To Replace 6.4 Powerstroke Engine?
- 7.3 Powerstroke Rebuild Cost – (Including Parts & Labor)
Nasruddin is a passionate car enthusiast with a love for troubleshooting and diagnosing all sorts of vehicle problems. With years of experience in OBD diagnostics, Nasruddin, has become an expert in identifying and solving complex automotive issues.