Chevy Vortec vs Ford V10

tatest wrote:
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.

Good post and you might want to further elaborate on the available transmissions in those years and whether or not the OP might like having the Chev/WH autopark system or not. It's not just about the engine unfortunately and would like to make up my own combo, like one might build a street rod. I'd like more than anything with what I already have, if I could easily and cheaply install a six speed Allison with a parking pawl and a manual foot pedal. Yeah right and good luck with that, eh?

My 8.1 has gotten an average of 7.1 mpg over 60,000 miles. That's about what you can expect on average.

I don't know what the Ford gets.

Of course the 8.1 is better....................(Bad question to ask on here, lol)

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.

The 8.1 is an excellent engine. It's quiet, smooth, and powerful. All else being equal I'd take it because of the Alison trans it's likely connected too.
The V10 seems to be a good engine except for the already mentioned spark plug problem.

No appreciable difference IMO

Moved from Forum Technical Support

I have owned both engines in the same Winnebago MH, different years, here is my thoughts. Chevy, Workhorse had many recalls, but I liked it better. More power, less shifting, less noise, and liked the Allison transmission. The 8.1 would be my chose.

Ford V-10 has a big problem in that era, called spitting spark plugs. I will take a 8.1 over a V-10 all day long up to 2007, when Ford finally fixed their spark plug problem. The F-53 chassis does ride harsher and has a tail wag, that the Workhorse does not have. IMO, the Workhorse is the better choice.

Snowman9000 wrote:
Isn't the Mirada a Class A? If so, I'm not sure the foot room or handling comments apply.

I too was not sure about the foot room as some of the Class A's use the engine cover but some raise the floor above the engine. Really never heard of saw a Mirada Class A. But many of my friends say the handling comments seem to stay on the class A's. But in our part of the world 24 foot or less wide 2 lane roads are the norm and where the pavment ends there is often a 10 to 50 foot drop. So hanling is a big deal. Also 30 to 50 mph cross winds are common for us. Most people do not need to deal with these things. Having lived in Fla for many years handling really makes little difference there.

Still say buy what you like best..

Isn't the Mirada a Class A? If so, I'm not sure the foot room or handling comments apply.