Hey, can this thread be a simultaneous learning experience to (briefly) discuss the realities of the 6.0 diesel? In particular...how much more $$ needs to be spent in modifications to a "bare bones, stock OEM 6.0" to ensure long-term reliability?
Or....are most of these 6.0's actually "good to go," entirely as-is?
Not having owned one, the generalized understanding that I have absorbed from reading a lot of online forum discussions is that many 6.0's frequently need additional, significant $$$ spent to "bulletproof" them (there's usually the mention of installing higher-quality ARP cylinder head studs, doing an EGR delete (or bypass?) and perhaps some sort of additional oil cooler/filter, I forget all the stuff that gets mentioned. It sounds significant, in any event....and potentially risky in California, at least in the case of an EGR delete, since it won't pass California's strict smog checks if that's missing.
Curious if those "bulletproofing" measures/precautions are only needed/advisable in certain years of the 6.0 (the early years, I'm guessing) and are not an issue in later model years....? (If so....what are the "good years" to have?)
Main reason I ask about all of this: a desire to be able to project/plan accurately for the true likely costs of a build.
Seems like a $20k van could easily turn into a $25k van (or more?), if it immediately was advisable to address said "bulletproofing" items.
So anyway --- hope this doesn't derail any discussion about that sweet van for sale! I really felt that this kind of inquiry would actually lend some more insight into the whole understanding of "homebuild" cost analysis.....a lot of us are still learning the potential nuances/strengths/weaknesses of the various power plants, as well as their likely, immediate-future "necessary additional investments" required with these "blank canvas" rigs to make them into truly dependable adventure-rig platforms.
Thanks for any/all patient expert replies!!