Greetings,My 97' F250HD 5.8L V8 has ~125K miles on it and I'm lucky to get 200-250miles out of the stock fuel tanks (16+18gal). I keep thinking larger more power might be just the ticket - however can't decide on which motor I want - only that another 5.8 is out of the question.My TC sits on the PU 97% of the time. It took me 15yrs to put 30K miles on my current PU.I can't decide between:- Modern 6.8L V10's (gas) are rated at nearly 400HP coupled with 6 speeds.- Older 6.8L V10's (gas) might come with 4 or 5 speeds.- Modern 6.4L Turbo V8's have the 6 speed trany, but not sure on mileage (+expensive new)- Older 6.0L Turbo V8's have 4-5 speed tranies, not sure on mileage and not sure if this motor is desireable.- Much older 7.3L Turbo V8's (with 100-200K miles on them) can sometimes be had for a "song", I've heard great things about this motor (and fuel mileage). I think they only offered a 4 speed auto at that point.- Currently I'm leaning used or new V10.(I'll likely only get < 25K miles on this)Comments?

Since this is in the TC forum I assume that's the use of the truck. A gas engine should be fine, I would think any V10 would be a great choice. After my experience with two 6.0 diesels I wouldn't take one if it were given to me.

The V-10 is a great motor. I had a really hard time locating any for sale when I was in the market and ended up with a new 6.7 diesel. A friend pulls 15k with a v10 dually without problems. Strong motor, I'd buy one myself.As KDUPL said, I'd not take a 6.0. Well, maybe for free. The 6.4 turbo diesel (2008-10) is better but as far as repair history I'd personally go v10.Don't rule out the newer 6.2 V8 gas motors from Ford either... you might find they are within reach. Proving to be a solid power plant from what I see.

You bought a 2 year old truck with nearly 100,000 miles on it? Since you only complaint was mpg and not repairs, you are one lucky man. I think you could buy most anything and come out.

I don't think you can get the V10 in a pickup truck (F350) anymore and haven't been able to since 2010 which means any used oickup with the V10 will not have the six speed transmission which was introduced with the 6.7 diesel and the 6.2 gas in 2011.I will say the 6.2 coupled with the six speed has turned out to be an excellent combination and works very well with truck campers.

Ford F350: Which motor? | Good Sam Community

RZAR66
Explorer
Mar 19, 2015
grizzly8 wrote:
I have a 2011 f350 srw crew 4x4 6.2 gas,and I average 16mpg with camper on,and 18 to 21 unloaded.everything is stock.till warr is up cant do any mods.when it is want to do air box,over drive frm camping world,and a pro charger on engine,belt driven external unit not a screw blower .has any 1 heard of these? they will really wake up your gas engines.

There is no way you are getting that kind of MPG's unless everywhere you go is downhill with the wind to your backside. I had the exact same truck but a regular cab and got 10 mpg loaded and 12 to 13 empty.
mbloof
Explorer
Mar 17, 2015
trail-explorer wrote:
mbloof wrote:
.... and I surely don't need to pay the "TD TAX" again. .

???? What is a TD Tax?

I own a VW Golf TDI. Hence the "turbo diesel tax".

(pay extra for motor and fuel and have more range but never realize any real savings)
Bedlam
Moderator
Mar 17, 2015
That 6.2 is sitting in thin air - Forced induction may be the best solution and worth the trouble.
garryk6
Explorer
Mar 17, 2015
grizzly8 wrote:
I have a 2011 f350 srw crew 4x4 6.2 gas,and I average 16mpg with camper on,and 18 to 21 unloaded.everything is stock.till warr is up cant do any mods.when it is want to do air box,over drive frm camping world,and a pro charger on engine,belt driven external unit not a screw blower .has any 1 heard of these? they will really wake up your gas engines.

I would do exhaust headers and exhaust before doing the pro charger. I have talked to a few guys on the FTE Ford forum that have had them, and they do add some power, but require a but more fussing than most wanted.

The other option is to talk to Mike at 5-star tuning. He custom tunes for what you have and want to do. The 5.4 and 6.8 guys love his tunes. Also many of the 5.0 coyote guys have great luck with Mike.

I personally have a 6.8 V10 with a Whipple screw-type supercharger. It is not inter cooled. It also has the Banks headers, monster exhaust, banks air intake with K&N filter. On the highway I have been able to pull 14-15 with 4.30 gears and stock tires. I live on an island now, so no freeway driving. All country lane 34-45 mph and town streets. My fuel milage is 7-10... But I also have a problem with the right foot being to heavy.... With all the low gears and performance goodies...it's just too fun!

Garry
grizzly8
Explorer
Mar 17, 2015
I have a 2011 f350 srw crew 4x4 6.2 gas,and I average 16mpg with camper on,and 18 to 21 unloaded.everything is stock.till warr is up cant do any mods.when it is want to do air box,over drive frm camping world,and a pro charger on engine,belt driven external unit not a screw blower .has any 1 heard of these? they will really wake up your gas engines.
trail-explorer
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
mbloof wrote:
.... and I surely don't need to pay the "TD TAX" again. .

???? What is a TD Tax?
trailgranny50
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
Not entering the discussion to extend suggestions just a side note. We just bought a really old work truck to take the wear and miles off the Duramax dually for camping only. It's a 1994 Ford F350, 460 motor 4x4 SRW. Been a farm truck and one owner but not garaged so it's pink not red anymore. We test drove it and it's a solid beast. Has a bad connection at the rear VSS module we are fixing for about $50 and otherwise runs, shifts and all works great. Surprising. We are Chevy folks but if it's just going to be a brick mason's work truck it'll do fine. We had one years ago and it was still running when we sold it with holes in the floorboards and bed and rattled like a bugger but it ran!
arto_wa
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
countrycampers3 wrote:
Diesel's need to be driven. I think you said 30,000 miles in 15 years. you don't go very far do you.

I would suggest a late model V-10 or the 6.2L V8. Although they have less horespower than the v-10's. The V-10's from my experience of having 2 of them. MPG's will be low 10 or less. But Diesel motors will cost more to buy, and they do need to run.

Good Luck and have fun.

I have owned and driven Diesel car & a pickup truck since 1990 and so far have not noticed any demand to drive them more than I need to!

On the contrary, they are eager to go to work even after sitting unused until I need them.

:?
nycsteve
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A 6.8L with 4.10's or 4.30's (not sure if these were ever offered back then) or the 6.2L with 4.30's or even lower (I'll have to look to see whats offered)."

I have the 6.2 with a 4.1 rear. Its a good match, milage is still good with TC on.
mbloof
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
A 6.8L with 4.10's or 4.30's (not sure if these were ever offered back then) or the 6.2L with 4.30's or even lower (I'll have to look to see whats offered).

I'd steer clear of 3.73's as with 34" tires mounted I doubt that 5th or 6th would get used much (if at all). My 97' has 4.10's or 4.12's.

In "the valley" without a headwind I'll hit 4th until any rolling hill or the wind picks up, then its 3rd. Real hills/passes I'll always end up in 2nd at 40mph - you can almost watch the fuel gauge moving while "humming" along in 2nd. Not very relaxing. (and everyone on earth trying to get around you like the plauge!)

On the 4 speed the drop from 3rd to 2nd is rather harsh.

I may just "cheap out" and invest some time+cash on fixing the handful of "issues" that my 97' is currently suffering from. After all - its paid for. :)

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