February 24, 2022

5 Things to Look For When Buying a Powerstroke

Written By: TRACKTECH FASTENERS

The Powerstroke series of engines came out in ‘94 and was reintroduced by Ford in 2011. With the right model, you’re set for the haul and can go for years with a truck straight out of a showroom. However, with a few tweaks and considerations, such as replacement head fasteners for your Powerstroke, you can take that reliability to the next level. New trucks benefit from upgrades too, but when it comes to buying a used truck, the right upgrades become a compelling investment into your rig’s long-term performance and reliability.

Although Ford has achieved benchmark standards and reliability, trucking still carries its own challenges. Prevention is better than the cure, and you could take a few small measures to ensure that you get the best experience out of your new Ford Powerstroke engine.

1. Switching from gas

When switching from an original gas engine to a Powerstroke diesel one, you can expect more power for the same rpm, which means a lower biting point, i.e., the clutch lets the engine and the wheels engage when you engage the clutch. The Powerstroke 6.7 diesel, for example, gives better torque than a 7.3 gas engine. When you switch from gas to diesel you can expect more torque, and lower RPMs. The experience is very different to the rev-happy ways of a conventional gas engine.

2. How much is too much?

Buyers should keep in mind that higher power does not necessarily mean a better experience. More powerful diesel engines are sometimes overkill. Pick a variant that best suits your needs. A 6.7 Powerstroke should give you enough grunt for towing operations.

3. Drive it wide open

The Powerstroke is vulnerable to soot getting accumulated in the vanes. The turbocharger means moving vanes, which means soot could be troublesome. You might think of taking it apart and cleaning it, but a better solution is just to drive the car wide open. Full-throttle runs help clear out the soot and deposits and keep your Powerstroke running cleanly.

4. Proper maintenance, understated advise

Maintenance means more than getting an oil change. Know the proper maintenance schedule for your particular engine and the kind of service it needs. You should adhere to the “severe service” intervals dictated in your manual if you drive in Northern winter weather, frequently tow or haul larger loads, drive in stop-go traffic often, or spent a lot of time idling.

5. Replacing parts

If you’re looking for a performance upgrade, you might want to consider replacing some company-fitted parts–especially the head bolts with head studs. The diesel engine has high cylinder pressure, and it is a common tip to replace the bolts with aftermarket head studs so that you don’t blow your gasket.

Preparing for best driving experience

Diesel engines are preferable for many of us, who need more power and performance. The Powerstroke family of diesel engines has a stellar reputation and loyal fan base. While there are many pieces of age-old wisdom, this list should get you started. Small steps in improving longevity and performance can go a long way.

At TrackTech, we understand that fasteners are one of the most critical components of any engine. That’s why we’ve developed a wide range of heavy-duty racing fasteners, including the strongest head studs in class for a wide range of diesel trucks, including the Ford Powerstroke. TrackTech fasteners are manufactured with the highest tensile strength in the industry at 240,000 PSI and go through UTM testing and validation on a track.

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