Sorry but I need more opinions.

In our quest for a used truck for my son, I have an opportunity on a 1993 with a V8-5.0 liter.

Your opinions rang loud and clear on the 4.9 liter six cylinder regarding its durability and performance. Curious to see what you think of the V8-5.0, preferably comparing the two in life expectancy and performance. I'm figuring the V8 gets poorer gas mileage, but how much worse? Also, engine accessibility (for maintenance) would be appreciated - and anything else you care to mention.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

 

In a '93 model year truck, I'd rather have a 300 than a 302. I don't have any real scientific or technical reasons to back that up, I just feel better about the 300 than the 302 of those years.

 

I'd have to lean towards the 5.0 simply because the aftermarket is so plentiful making it very cheap to replace any parts and or upgrade in the future.

-Brian

 

I wouldn't be at all surpized if the 300 got less milage than the 302. The 300s have never been noted for being thrifty engines. They are big, stong, very durable engines best suited for manual transmissions. When mated to an automatic they're quite sluggish as far as accelleration goes.

The 302 will be much snappier, get just as good fuel milage and have a much wider range of aftermarket parts that are available. Both engines are very durable and reliable and will give excellent service.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not maligning the 300 I have owned several over the years. All were good engines. The best was in a 66 F-100. The engine had been completely rebuilt. .030 over on the pistons and solid lifters. It was brutily strong and would break the rear end loose at 60 MPH on wet pavement. It also got 9 MPG, loaded, unloaded, uphill, downhill, it simply didn't matter.

 

If you are getting a truck to use as daily transportation, a 302 will be excellent. If you are getting a truck to WORK, then I'd lean towards the 300.

 

'93 is an odd year, but there's nothing wrong with any F150 engine of that era ('92-95). Older ones had flaky ignition (cheap to fix) & later ones have OBD-II (more expensive to get codes), but they're all reliable & driveable. I'm not sure which is the most fuel-efficient of the 3, but mileage depends PRIMARILY on the driver - not the engine or vehicle. The right driver can get single-digits out of an Escort!

Problems to watch for include: cracked exhaust manifolds, leaking vacuum lines, & INfrequent fluid changes on an automatic.

 

Steve why is 93 considered an odd year? Thanks to all for the responses.

 

302 is a great motor too. Love all of mine.

Need more info on the truck of course. Tranny could be the AOD, E4OD, or M5OD-R2. Mileage? 4x4?

Adrianspeeder

 

You can't go wrong with either set up, but all things being equal, I'd lean towards the 5.0, especially for a daily driver.

 

Thanks.

I have questions on the Tranny, and will post in the transmission forum.

 

First year for electronic cruise; last year before airbag; last year before MAF; last year before 4R70W... It's just sort of 'in-between'. I guess it's moreso for Broncos than for F150s.