Product Description
Overview
The POWERSTROKE PRODUCTS PP-18MMLHDVSO 18MM 6.0L LOADED O-RING CYLINDER HEAD W/ HD SPRINGS is built from a brand-new casting and assembled with all-new valves, heavy duty springs, and seals. Machined O-rings around the combustion chambers help keep combustion pressure sealed inside the cylinders and out of the cooling system, making this one of the best upgrades for a performance-built 2003–2005 6.0L Powerstroke that you only want to tear down once.
This loaded 18mm head is ideal for trucks running upgraded turbos, larger injectors, aggressive tuning, towing-heavy duty cycles, or competition use. The heavy duty valve springs provide better valve control at higher RPM and under elevated cylinder pressures, while the O-ringed fire ring design works with a quality multi-layer steel (MLS) gasket and head studs to significantly improve sealing compared to stock-style heads.
Pair this head with the correct POWERSTROKE PRODUCTS PP-CAMPKG6.0 CAM PACKAGE, head gasket set, and head studs and you’ll have a top-end package that is ready for serious power while maintaining long-term reliability.
Key Features
- Brand-new cylinder head casting – no re-man core
- Loaded assembly: new valves, heavy duty valve springs, and seals installed
- Machined O-rings around combustion chambers for superior sealing
- Designed specifically for 18mm head dowel 6.0L Powerstroke blocks
- Perfect match for tuned, towing, or performance-built 6.0L applications
- Sold individually (order two for a complete engine)
- Backed by a 1-year unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty
Fitment
This head fits early 6.0L Powerstroke engines equipped with 18mm head dowels. Model years below are typical guidelines – always verify dowel size on your specific engine before ordering.
- 2003–2005 Ford F-250 / F-350 / F-450 / F-550 Super Duty – 6.0L Powerstroke (18mm dowel block)
- 2003–2005 Ford Excursion – 6.0L Powerstroke (18mm dowel block)
Not for 20mm-dowel 2005.5–2007 engines. For those trucks, see the 20mm Powerstroke Products heads.
Recommended Supporting Parts (Sold Separately)
- POWERSTROKE PRODUCTS PP-18MMLOEM 18MM 6.0L HEAD LOADED OEM – ideal for near-stock builds.
- POWERSTROKE PRODUCTS PP-18MMLHDVS 18MM 6.0L HEAD LOADED HD VALVE SPRINGS – non O-ringed HD-spring head option.
- POWERSTROKE PRODUCTS PP-CAMPKG6.0 6.0 CAM PACKAGE (INCLUDES CAM, SPRINGS, PUSHRODS, LIFTERS) – complete cam-swap hard-parts kit to complement this head.
Installation Notes
- Confirm 18mm head dowel size before ordering or installing.
- Use with a quality MLS head gasket designed for O-ringed heads (Powerstroke Products 18mm gasket set recommended).
- Do not use Fel-Pro head gaskets with O-ringed heads; this can cause sealing issues and may void warranty.
- Head studs are strongly recommended on any tuned, towing, or performance application.
- Professional installation and proper torque/sequence procedures are strongly recommended.
Cross-Reference / Alternatives (POWERSTROKE PRODUCTS Only)
- PP-18MMLOEM – 18MM 6.0L Head Loaded OEM
- PP-18MMLHDVS – 18MM 6.0L Head Loaded HD Valve Springs
- PP-CAMPKG6.0 – 6.0 Cam Package (Includes Cam, Springs, Pushrods, Lifters)
California & Prop 65
This product may be subject to shipping restrictions in certain states and carries a Prop 65 warning. Always review local regulations before ordering for emissions-controlled vehicles.
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Specifications
Specifications for POWERSTROKE PRODUCTS PP-18MMLHDVSO
| Brand | POWERSTROKE PRODUCTS |
| Part Number | PP-18MMLHDVSO (MPN PP-18mmLHDVSO) |
| Engine | Ford 6.0L Powerstroke (18mm head dowels) |
| Configuration | Loaded cylinder head with O-rings, new valves, heavy duty springs & seals |
| UPC | Not specified by manufacturer |
| GTIN (EAN/UPC-A) | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Shipping Weight | Approx. 75 lb (single head) |
| Shipping Dimensions | Approx. 24" L x 12" W x 9" H |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Intended Use | Replacement/upgrade cylinder head for performance or towing 6.0L builds |
| Cross Reference | POWERSTROKE PRODUCTS PP-18MMLOEM, PP-18MMLHDVS, PP-HGS-6.0/18 (gasket set), plus appropriate head stud kits (sold separately). |
| E-Codes | N/A (cylinder head – not a standalone emissions control device) |
| Warranty | 1-year / unlimited mileage (manufacturer) |
| Prop 65 | WARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov |
FAQ
What trucks does the POWERSTROKE PRODUCTS PP-18MMLHDVSO head fit?This loaded O-ring cylinder head is intended for 2003–2005 6.0L Powerstroke trucks with 18mm head dowels, including most F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 Super Duty and Excursion models. Always verify dowel size on your specific engine before ordering.
How do I know if my 6.0L has 18mm or 20mm head dowels?
Early 6.0L engines typically use 18mm dowels and later engines use 20mm dowels, but model year alone is not a guarantee. The dowel size can be measured once the head is removed or verified using trusted build-date and VIN information. If you are unsure, consult a trusted diesel shop before ordering.
What head gaskets should I use with this O-ringed head?
Use a high-quality MLS head gasket designed for 18mm 6.0L applications and compatible with O-ringed heads. Powerstroke Products’ 18mm head gasket set (PP-HGS-6.0/18) is recommended. Do not use Fel-Pro head gaskets with O-ringed heads, as they are not compatible and may cause sealing issues or void warranty.
Do I need head studs when installing this cylinder head?
While technically possible to install with factory head bolts, head studs are strongly recommended for any tuned, towing, or performance use. A quality head stud kit helps keep the head clamped under high cylinder pressure and maximizes the benefit of the O-ringed sealing surface.
Is this head a remanufactured casting or brand new?
This POWERSTROKE PRODUCTS head is built from a brand-new casting that is inspected and machined before being assembled with new valves, heavy duty springs, and seals. It is not a reman core head.