SO vs HO Power Stroke: Does It Matter If You're Tuning Anyway?
SO vs HO Power Stroke: Does It Matter If You're Tuning Anyway?
If you're shopping for a newer 6.7L Power Stroke, you've probably seen the debate:
Standard Output (SO) or High Output (HO)?
From the factory, the HO comes with more horsepower and torque, but what happens when you're planning to tune the truck anyway?
The truth is, once custom tuning enters the picture, those factory power ratings become much less important.
You're Replacing Ford's Calibration
The factory SO and HO trucks leave the assembly line with different engine calibrations. That's where much of the advertised power difference comes from.
Once custom tuning is installed, you're no longer relying on Ford's factory calibration. Instead, the truck is operating on a completely different strategy designed to optimize performance, towing, drivability, or all three.
A tuned SO truck can easily outperform a stock HO truck.
The Real Difference Is Hardware
When discussing tuned trucks, the biggest advantage of the HO isn't the factory horsepower number—it's the larger turbocharger.
The larger turbo found on the HO truck can provide:
- More airflow at higher horsepower levels
- Lower drive pressure under heavy load
- Better efficiency when pushing for maximum performance
- Additional headroom for future modifications
Meanwhile, the SO turbo often delivers:
- Faster spool-up
- Excellent towing performance
- Strong throttle response
- More than enough airflow for most daily-driven and towing applications
Which One Makes More Sense?
If your goal is a daily driver, tow rig, or street truck with custom tuning, the SO is often the better value. You're not paying extra for factory horsepower figures that will ultimately be replaced by tuning.
If your goal is maximum performance and squeezing every bit of power possible from the factory turbo setup, the HO's larger turbo may be worth considering.
The Bottom Line
When you're planning to tune your truck, you're buying hardware—not horsepower ratings.
The factory numbers look great on paper, but once tuning is involved, the conversation shifts from advertised power to airflow, efficiency, and overall setup.
For most owners, a tuned SO truck delivers everything they're looking for. For those chasing the highest power levels possible, the HO's larger turbo provides additional room to grow.
Either way, custom tuning changes the game.