6.0 Powerstroke Starter Upgrade: What's the Best Option?

Introduction

I’ve been considering an upgrade to the starter on my 6.0 Powerstroke and would love to get some feedback from fellow enthusiasts. From what I’ve seen, it seems like there are a few routes we can take, like swapping in a 6.4 or 6.7 starter. I’m particularly interested in the practical experiences you’ve all had with these options.

Options for Upgrading

6.4 Starter

  • Benefits: Some users have reported that the 6.4 starters offer better reliability and cranking power.
  • Compatibility: Seems like a relatively straightforward swap for most Powerstroke enthusiasts.
  • Cold Weather Performance: There are claims that they perform better in colder climates, which I definitely need since I live up north.

6.7 Starter

  • Benefits: The 6.7 starters are reported to have improved efficiency.
  • Installation Tips: I’ve gathered that installation may require some additional modifications, so I’d like to hear any tips for making that easier.
  • Performance Reviews: Are there substantial performance improvements by going with the 6.7?

Seeking Your Insights

  • Have you upgraded your starter? What challenges did you face during the swap?
  • Processor Performance: Did you notice any significant improvements after the upgrade?
  • Recommendations: I’m particularly interested in any specific brands or models you’d recommend.

I’d appreciate any advice or personal experiences you could share to help guide my decision. Thanks in advance for your help!

I’m looking to upgrade my 6.0 Powerstroke starter too! I’ve heard great things about the Mean Green starter. Has anyone tried it?

I’ve used the Mean Green, and I can vouch for its performance. It really cranks the engine with ease, even in cold weather!

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I found that the Denso starters are also solid. They tend to have a reputation for longevity. Has anyone compared them with Mean Green?

I agree! While I haven’t tested Denso directly, their build quality is impressive. Definitely worth considering.

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I went with a PowerMaster starter a while back. It has a higher torque rating which is great for starting under stress. Anyone else have similar experiences with PowerMaster?

Nice! Torque is key for handling the cold starts and heavy loads. PowerMaster seems like a reliable option.

I heard some contention about the Bosch starters. Some say they’re the best, while others had issues. What’s everyone’s take on Bosch?

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I’ve had mixed experiences with Bosch—one worked well, but another failed prematurely. Quality control issues?

I’ve been recommending the DB Electrical starters. Super easy to install and they have good reviews. Check them out!

I second that! They were a breeze to put in, and ramped up the performance significantly.

I’m all for saving money, but is it worth going with refurbished starters? I worry about reliability.

That’s a fair point. Refurbished can save cash, but I’d stick to reputable sources to mitigate risks.

So many options… makes my head spin! :joy: Is there a clear winner for best performance under all conditions?

Probably not, haha! Everyone has their preferences based on their experiences.

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It seems performance really varies by individual truck conditions. Maybe I should keep my current starter and save the cash until something fails?

I recently upgraded to a 6.4 starter and it has been fantastic! The installation was pretty straightforward, but make sure you have a good set of Torx sockets ready. Having a buddy helps too, especially with the tight spaces.

That’s awesome to hear! Did you run into any challenges during installation? I’ve read that the wiring can be tricky.

Yes, the wiring can be a pain! I found that labeling each connector as I removed them helped a lot. Also, be prepared for some rust if you haven’t changed it in a while.

I just installed a new starter last weekend. One thing I didn’t realize was how crucial it is to have a good multimeter handy. Voltage drops can sneak up on you if you don’t check the connections before tightening everything down.