Chevy Vortec vs Ford V10
I'm looking at a 2001 Coachman Mirada which came with both the Vortec 8.1 and the Ford V10. Which one is better for gas mileage, power, and reliability?
Forum Discussion
The chassis with the 8.1 should be a Workhorse. Not all are the same, especially in low end motorhomes like the Mirada.
In 2001, depending on the size, the optional Workhorse chassis for Mirada might be a P-series with independent front suspension and GM 4L80E transmission, P-series with Allison 1000MH, or W-series with straight axle and the Allison.
The straight axle Workhorse chassis rides and handles much like the Ford if ratings and weight distribution are the same, while the smaller P-series chassis with IFS might ride better up front.
The 8.1 with Allison might give slightly better acceleration and MPG. The 8.1 has its torque and power peaks at lower rpm and a less flat torque curve, full torque over a shorter RPM range, so that the extra gearing in the Allison is needed more than for the Ford (which got 5 gears a few years later). The lower speed V8 might be quieter at cruise, but that depends more on how welll the coach is insulated for sound control.
You'll hear both atfull trhottle, accelerating or hill climbing. The lower speed V8 rumbles at low RPM, roars as you get up to HP peak RPM. The faster running V10 with extra cylinders filing growls more than rumbles full throttle low rpm, and most listeners characterize exhaust note at full throttle, 5500-5800 RPM as something like a scream. If you are used to V8 sounds, you may not be comfortable with the noises made by a 90-degree V10 putting out maximum horsepower. It has taken me a while to get used to the sounds being normal for the engine.
You won't find the Workhorse option in late model years of the Mirada, as Coachmen eventually reserved the chassis upgrade option to more upscale model lines like Santara.
In 2001, depending on the size, the optional Workhorse chassis for Mirada might be a P-series with independent front suspension and GM 4L80E transmission, P-series with Allison 1000MH, or W-series with straight axle and the Allison.
The straight axle Workhorse chassis rides and handles much like the Ford if ratings and weight distribution are the same, while the smaller P-series chassis with IFS might ride better up front.
The 8.1 with Allison might give slightly better acceleration and MPG. The 8.1 has its torque and power peaks at lower rpm and a less flat torque curve, full torque over a shorter RPM range, so that the extra gearing in the Allison is needed more than for the Ford (which got 5 gears a few years later). The lower speed V8 might be quieter at cruise, but that depends more on how welll the coach is insulated for sound control.
You'll hear both atfull trhottle, accelerating or hill climbing. The lower speed V8 rumbles at low RPM, roars as you get up to HP peak RPM. The faster running V10 with extra cylinders filing growls more than rumbles full throttle low rpm, and most listeners characterize exhaust note at full throttle, 5500-5800 RPM as something like a scream. If you are used to V8 sounds, you may not be comfortable with the noises made by a 90-degree V10 putting out maximum horsepower. It has taken me a while to get used to the sounds being normal for the engine.
You won't find the Workhorse option in late model years of the Mirada, as Coachmen eventually reserved the chassis upgrade option to more upscale model lines like Santara.
