hey guys,

just started looking for new trucks and have been looking at f-250s and a couple f-350s. I'm not sure which direction to go for the engine. Having a diesel would be awesome for the amount of power they have and pulling the trailers but I really don't need it that much. I've driven a couple of V-10s and one with a 5.4L in it. the 5.4L was a little sluggish but I don't need it to race little rice burners around town.

My question is how reliable is the 6.8L V-10? the ones i have been looking at are sitting around 100k-110k miles on them because I don't really want to take out much of a loan since I have enough student loans as it is. I've found quite a few for right around $10,000. Also, whats the gas mileage like? I know it won't be good. I drive with a heavy foot around town and I'm only getting about 11 mpg with my f-150 currently.

thanks guys,

Aaron

 

i got my 01 reg cab 5.4 for 11k. it had 53k and a full fisher plow setup. its the xl package bare bones work truck. the 5.4 2v is a little underpowered.next time im gong for the 5.4 3v as i dont really need a diesel.i havent heard anything bad about the v10.im sure others will chime in.

 

the v-10 is a great motor. if you have a heavy foot you won't be getting 11mpgs. i drive like an old woman and get about 10mpgs.

 

Sounds like you'll be getting single digit MPGs in a Super Duty. The V-10s are just as reliable as the 5.4s.

 

If you are going to buy a superduty buy a Diesel! Otherwise stick with a smaller truck.

 

The V10 with 4:30 gears can pull just as well as the diesel. It's a great match for the Super Duty. If you pull heavy and often then maybe consider the diesel. For off-road (especially up hills) the V10 with it's lighter weight will be more nimble and feel great

 

I don't tow anything heavy. A bobcat or materials like block or bricks. Nothing ever more than 9000 pounds or maybe a little less. Its when I load up my F-150 with crap in the back that the truck just drops and cant move hardly. The V-10 seems to be the most common one I have been finding around here and on the internet. Gas mileage will be horrible with me driving but the extra power will be nice. Is there anyway at all to increase mileage? like a programmer?

 

the v-10 does not have a problem getting the superduty around. if you don't need a diesel, don't get a diesel. i didn't fall for that trap. for my needs the gas power was enough.

 

A tuner for mileage really only works for diesel engines. Youre simply not going to see significant gains on a gas motor.

 

The V-10 is just about bullet proof. My dad has one and does a good job for what he is doing. pulling the camper mostly.It can pull with a diesel but you lose alot when you get to the hills and millage sucks. I do not recommend the 5.4 2 or 3 valve in a 250. I would consider a v10 in a future truck but i love my 05 6.0 it hauls,rides, and gets better millage over my f150's. For what it sounds like you are going to be doing with a truck the V-10 would work great. Just let up on the throttle.

 

True, but the 4:30 geared V10 will NOT have a problem towing with the 6.0L up any hill ~ stock for stock.

As for mileage...yup, the V10 loses for sure..

 

The only reason I was considering a diesel is because I've found a few 7.3L around here and I think it would be awesome to have one....probably overkill but still awesome. I am trying to figure out if the power of the V-10 is worth the gas mileage I will constantly suffer, because I go to school. I just work on the side. Does the 5.4 get better mileage then the V-10? I just want my truck to be able to haul more in the bed for sure, because my f-150 is getting older and it sure does start squating pretty quick. I also would like to put a plow on the front and I have been hesitant to do that with my F-150.

Thanks for all the feedback guys

Aaron

 

In the Super Duty the 5.4 V8 does NOT get better mileage that the V10..

Seriously, if your not towing much and are worried about gas mileage look elsewhere...

 

I would shoot for a diesel honestly. If you consider the mileage between a v10 and a 7.3diesel or 6.0 there isnt much a comparison the diesel is still cheaper per mile. I just got an 03 with a 6.0 and am getting about 16 in town with only exhaust so far. That still ends up being cheaper per mile compared to my f150 with a 4.6 which got 11 in town 90% of the time. With a programmer its easy to see high teens to low 20s with a diesel. Sure the maintainance costs more but they also last alot longer and can obviously take anything you throw at it and it sounds like you have a pretty solid foot. Did i mention that they are a blast to drive? With the economy like this its also a good time to find them marked down quite a bit.

 

get a diesel whether you need it or not. Its a superduty. you can get a PSD for cheap, they last forever, and they are a ton of fun to drive. I got one with the twin turbo 6.4 PSD in it. I dont need the towing power, but i got it anyway. You can run several different types of alternative fuels in it as well. Yes maintenance is more expensive, but find a good low mileage one and that will be one of the last trucks you ever buy. You also wont have to mess with spark plugs. Lastly, one of the big things right now is going "green". The new 250's have an emission system that makes them run remarkably clean. They dont belch black smoke (although i really wish they did ), dont smell, and emit less harmful exhaust then a gas engine does. As much as I want to rip that filter off, run straight exhaust, and open it up, it is kinda nice to know that in the meantime its running clean.