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2003-2006 Ford 6.0L Powerstroke 18mm Premium Head Gasket Master Bundle Kit with Studs

FDP-0306-HSMASTER-18
The 18mm Norcal Diesel Performance (NCDP) Premium Head Gasket Master Bundle Kit is the ultimate top-end overhaul solution for early-build 2003-2006 Ford 6.0L Powerstroke engines. Built specifically for engine blocks using 18mm alignment dowels, this kit replaces your factory torque-to-yield head bolts and prone-to-leak factory seals with premium, high-strength options designed to handle extreme cylinder pressures.
Our base configuration features a Premium Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) Head Gasket and Top-End Gasket Set (comparable to the Mahle HS54450 set) paired with your choice of heavy-duty TrackTech or ARP 2000 Head Studs.
Key Product Features
  • Engineered for 18mm Dowels: Exact fitment for factory engine blocks manufactured from 2003 through January 11, 2006.
  • Premium Gasket Infrastructure: Includes an MLS Head Gasket and top-end seal kit built to rigid OE specifications for an exact, lasting fit.
  • Heavy-Duty Fastener Choices: Upgrade from factory head bolts to high-tensile TrackTech or ARP 2000 head studs to permanently prevent head gasket stretching.
  • All-in-One Top-End Kit: Outfitted with every essential gasket, valve stem seal, and O-ring needed to properly reassemble the top half of your engine.
 
Not Available
Availability: This item is not in stock in our warehouse but may be available to drop ship. Call us for availability and lead time at 888-290-3820.
Was: $1,599.00
Sale: $899.00
Save: 44%
Save: $700.00

Description

When a 6.0L Powerstroke suffers from head gasket failure, it is rarely an isolated issue. Factory torque-to-yield (TTY) head bolts stretch over time under heavy load, towing, or increased tuning parameters, breaking the combustion seal. The NCDP Premium Master Bundle Kit solves this vulnerability permanently by combining high-stress Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) gaskets with premium mechanical studs that pull the cylinder head down with extreme, uniform clamping force.
This kit acts as the core blueprint for a completely "bulletproofed" 6.0L engine. Rather than spending thousands on future labor costs when surrounding components inevitably fail, our master kit allows you to lay the groundwork for total reliability. By taking care of your head gaskets now, you open up seamless, easy access to address the oil system, fuel injectors, cooling components, and turbocharger setup during a single teardown.
Kit Includes:
  • (1) NorCal Diesel Performance Head Gasket Install Kit
  • (2) OE Quality Head Gaskets (18MM Dowels)
  • (1) Head Stud Set (Default Price is Tracktech, ARP 2000 and ARP 625+ Also Available)

6.0L Ford Top End Gasket Kit Includes:

  • (2) Multi Layer Steel Head Gaskets
  • (2) Intake Rail Gaskets
  • (2) MLS Exhaust Manifold Gaskets
  • (2) Valve Cover Gaskets w/PCV seals
  • (2) Rocker Box Gaskets
  • (1) Oil Cooler Reseal Kit
  • (1) EGR Cooler Gasket Kit
  • (32) Valve Seals
  • and More!

****If You Have Reman Cylinder Heads****: Always physically measure your alignment dowels if you are using aftermarket or remanufactured cylinder heads. Most Ford OE remanufactured cylinder heads are drilled for 20mm dowels. If you are installing 20mm heads onto your original 18mm engine block, you cannot use this 18mm kit. You must order our 20mm Master Bundle Kit instead, paired with a set of custom 18mm-to-20mm Step Dowels to bridge the block-to-head transition.


Recommended Upgrades

To save thousands in future labor and ensure the absolute reliability of your rebuild, we highly recommend inspecting and replacing these related components during installation. Follow the links below to view pricing and availability for our verified matching parts:

NorCal Lower Engine Gasket Kit: (Optional upgrade) Complete your full-engine build.

  • Features OEM quality front and rear main seals
  • Upper and lower oil pan o-rings
  • Bedplate seals
  • Front and rear cover gasket
  • Low pressure oil pump seals
  • Water pump o-ring
  • Oil pickup o-ring

Intake & Turbochargers

Garrett Turbocharger: Restore factory-fresh throttle response and stock reliability. New, no core charge.

Fleece Cheetah Performance Turbocharger: Drop-in variable geometry turbo (VGT) upgrade for lower exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) and maximum power.

BD Diesel Screamer Performance Turbocharger: Enhanced compressor design for crisp spooling and heavy towing capabilities.

6.0L Ford Cooling System Upgrades

6.0L Ford Fuel & High-Pressure Oil System Parts

Alliant Power Precision Injectors: Restore factory fuel mileage and crisp idle performance with brand-new, premium mechanical injectors.

High-Pressure Oil Pump (HPOP): Replace a weak or failing pump while the engine top-end is already open. Available for both early and late build years.

High Pressure Oil Standpipe Upgrade: Features the updated Ford internal Teflon seal design to eliminate hot-start failures.


Helpful Hints & Tech Tips

  • The 18mm Build Window: 18mm alignment dowels were factory-produced from 2003 until January 11, 2006. If your engine block was built during this timeframe and has never been swapped, this is your kit.
  • The Reman Cylinder Head Catch: CRITICAL NOTE: The Reman Cylinder Head Catch: CRITICAL NOTE: If you are running 20mm aftermarket or remanufactured cylinder heads on an 18mm engine block, please read our Cylinder Head Guide above regarding required 20mm gaskets and step dowels before ordering.
  • Cleanliness is Key: The 6.0L high-pressure oil system is hyper-sensitive to debris. Before installing your new standpipes, dummy plugs, or oil cooler, ensure the oil valley is completely spotless and lint-free.
  • Check Your Delta Temps: Before tearing your truck down, monitor your Engine Oil Temperature (EOT) vs. Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT). If they differ by more than 15°F at highway cruising speeds, your oil cooler is restricted and must be replaced using our recommended upgrade link above.

Fitment & Vehicle Applications

This kit fits 2003–2006 Super Duty, 2003–2005 Excursion, and 2004–2006 E-Series vehicles equipped with an 18mm 6.0L Powerstroke engine. 

Details

  • FDP-0306-HSMASTER-18
  • FDP-0306-HSMASTER-18
  • Norcal Diesel Performance Parts
  • This item is not in stock in our warehouse but may be available to drop ship. Call us for availability and lead time at 888-290-3820.
  • New

Shipping Information

  • Item Requires Shipping
  • 20.0 lbs.
  • W24.0000” x H10.0000” x L4.0000”
  • Free Ground Shipping

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