Making The Switch

[Pappy19]

I hate to tell you, but power difference between any new diesel Ford or whatever and the 6.8 V-10 is NOT day and night. I have whipped new Ford diesels, Dodges and Chevy's, up hills and straight drags. I will admit that maybe uphill towing, in the high altitude mountains, that diesels have an advantage(only because of their turbos), but not by much. These newer V-10's with the Torqueshift tranny, have a major advantage with their high rev engines and quick shift holds rpms and speed while the turbo diesels have to get their turbo's cranked up before making hp. By the time they do, I am gone and they don't catch up to me for a LONG time, if ever. I ate a new Chevy diesel up a long hill in Idaho and he never caught me. That was a 3 mile hill. I am just saying that there is very little difference in performance between a new stock diesel and a new V-10 Ford, except for some very extreme situations. Mileage used to be the biggest difference and that has shrunk alot in the past 2-3 years. Diesels get 14-15 on a good day and my gasser gets 10-12. Add all of the extra costs for a diesel and it's plain to see that my gasser is a pretty good deal...with plenty of power.

[08V10Gal]

For all the V10 fans out there............... Howdy !!!!

Just a couple of things. We bought our truck on 7/1/08. We currently have 1400 miles on it, and it is bone stock. It is also my daily driver (don't drive much). I will back up what pappy says about the power of the V10. For such a heavy truck, this thing will really get up and scoot. I have rarely had to give it much throttle, since there is so much torque on tap.............. and the trans does such a good job of keeping the engine in the wide powerband............... but when you do get on it. Wow.

We have been intrigued with the V10 since they first came out. We thought we would end up buying a '05-'07............ but once we drove an '08, there was no going back. The interior is fantastic, and the truck just drives so much smaller than it actually is. Do understand, that I have frequently had trucks as my drivers, but they were of the '94 Lightning, and '01 Lightning variety (scsb 1/2ton). I was also very impressed with the ride, and turning radius. Especially when you consider the capabilities.

Currently, my non broken in '08 is averaging around 10mpg in the city, and 13-14mpg on the highway. I fully expect that to improve once I hit the 20K mile plus happy spot (I know Ford engines all too well). I am certainly pleased with the fuel economy, especially when you consider the weight of this truck.

Pappy, I have a few questions for you, concerning your mods. I usually put K&N filters in everything I own, but have not done so for this truck yet. Was there any improvement with the K&N (mileage/power)??? Also, I see you have a predator. Might I ask why, and what improvement you saw. Also, have their been any disadvantages??? Do understand that we live at 5500ft, and will be buying a travel trailer next year (we have to take the 6-year-old camping, and I am personally going through camping withdrawl). Anyway, any info would be great.

To those considering the V10, you really cannot go wrong. This engine is very proven, and is incredibly reliable. Power is great, and everyone who has towed with one, on the other forums, has been very impressed. The $5000 less than the diesel is great too (when auto equipped, $6500 with the stick).

Anyway, good luck to all !!!!

[perker]

Just traded my 2005 F250 6.0L on Friday for a 2008 F350 V10. It took a search to get the truck I wanted but dealer located one 200 miles away.

Have about 11 months left on 6.0L engine warranty, truck was definitely going before warranty expiration in Sept 2009. Although the 6.0L was perfect I never had confidence in it's reliability. With warranty expiration, deep discounts on Super Duty's, and not wanting to put a new plow on my 05 only to have to pay to have it swapped to a new 2009 next year it was time to move on the v10.

I know I will miss the torque of the 6.0L but I'm glad to be rid of all the diesel baggage. Pick the truck up on Friday. Really looking forward to the gas motor again.

[B-rad]

Pappy, I was referring to the V10 having day and night more power than an old 6.9 diesel. I personally like the V10s, when I worked at Ford, it was probably THE most reliable motor out there. Never had them coming in for any kind of motor work.

[bayou man]

I have had both engines and the diesel is not as fast, but it pulls up a hill better than a and does not slow down. It is fast for a diesel though, but I had nothing but problems with the diesel since the day I bought it, and traded it in on a gasser. Do not let the warranty expire on your 6.0!

[Pappy19]

Sorry for the delay in answering some of these questions. I was on an assignment in Los Lunas New Mexico and got re-assigned to a project in eastern Oregon, close to home in Idaho. I just got here tonight after towing heavy (again) for 1300 miles. Again, this V-10 worked like a horse and never showed any signs of less power needed for this trip. The Predator programmer has worked great as I am using the middle, 91 octane setting. I have the dropin K&N filter and it gave me 1 mpg from the beginning. I averaged 9.8 mpg while setting the cruise on 75 even going up some real steep grades. I had to slow down to 60-65, but only because of curves. RPM's went to 5200 on some steep hills where the tranny/speed was over 70 and I wanted to keep it there to see if the engine/tranny combo would maintain that speed. It did, and the tranny/engine temps never moved.

I now have nearly 25k and the truck is exactly 1 year old. It's probably one of the best trucks I have owned. I wouldn't change one thing on the way I ordered it.

Pappy

[1997stroker]

Pappy how does your V10 tow compared to your old 7.3 I currently have a 600HP 06 cummins but reliability issues are scaring me. I have already had to rebuild my engine once due to faulty injectors. I know the V10 wouldnt hang with my truck in a drag race but I feel as if i am growing out of this phase since a rebuild in only 3 years of ownership cost my around 10K.... Also does anyone know if there is a supercharger available for the new v10s?

[Smokewagun]

Great words of encouragement, but now that the V-10 is discontinued, what the heck will we do? I was set on a V-10 in March, but couldn't find one anywhere. I got a 6.4L and have absolutely no regrets. Pulling 7k this weekend, I confirmed my thoughts. I still think my next truck will be a gasser, but if the V-10 is gone, I'll have an unbelievably hard time downgrading to the 8-cylinder 6.2.

[Pappy19]

From what I hear, the V-10 isn't dead yet. Since it has been around for over 10 years without but a few minor issues the first 2 years, it has survived some of the most arduous assignments. Do you all realize how many C and A class motor homes this poor little gasser has been asked to haul?? And most of that with a piss-poor tranny to boot!! Now that the V-10 is matched with a decent tranny, the TorqueShift, it is a real winner all the way around. I can't say enough good about this setup. Listen, I may be an old duffer, but I don't back away from a good run once in a while. So far, I have not been embarrassed, and have blown away some rigs that didn't think my "stock" looking exhaust pipe, had any chance at all. I've beaten new Chevy diesels, new Dodge diesels, and even staid with new 6.4 Fords up to 75 mph until their turbo's finally kicked in. Unless the new diesel trucks are hopped, I can give them my rear until they hit 80 mph, after that, I don't care anyway. Most of the time, my V-10 is so far ahead by the time their turbo does kick in, that I'm done playing with them. Probably the only down thing is the "hiss" from my exhaust compaired to a nice rumble. Oh well, can't have everything.

[HighwayPrisoner]

Like, I said before, Atta boy Pappy! Maybe a trip to the muffler shop for a couple of nice deep toned muflers, and stainless tips, yea thats the ticket

[Pappy19]

One more thing or two....when I had my 1997 PSD, I spent about $5,000 on engine, intercooler, tranny and programmer (and more "stuff"), and that truck rocked. It hauled my 5th wheel , 40 foot TANK Carriage trailer all over Ohio, and then to Portland, Oregon, then to Reno. Never missed a beat and it was only a 3/4 ton Supercab. That truck did everything I ever asked of it. I sold that truck and bought a 2002 7.3 PSD. I must also say that I drove 10 trucks off 3 different dealer lots before I picked my 2002. It was decidedly faster and much more responsive than any of the others. With only a Superchip, ATS exhaust, ATS ported turbo housing, Banks Big Head, and Transgo Shift Kit, I ran 324hp on the Colorado PSD Club's Dyno-Day in 2003. After that, I probably added another 70hp (more than $6,000 later) with various other mods, plus a Suncoast tranny and converter upgrade. That truck also hauled that tank of a 5er all over the country without a wisper of pain. I loved both of those trucks and they did me right with very few issues. BUT, I worked at it on those diesel engines if you know what I mean. Seems like every week or two, there was something I needed to do to make my engine run "better" . Now that I have this V-10 gasser, I have spent a total of $600 for a programmer and an intake setup, with amazing results. Ford has taken this engine and done wonders with it. The 369hp rating from Ford isn't too far off and the DiabloSport-Predator programmer with the AirRaid intake made another 25-30hp increase. This V-10 with the Torqueshift tranny can more than hold it's own with my 1997 and give my 2002 a run for it's money until 80+. When you look at the money I spent for the upgrades on the 7.3 PSD, plus the difference in the original diesel engine costs, the maintenance difference, and finally the fuel costs, the V-10 is really the work horse of the Ford engines. I'll bet there are more V-10's in Class A and C motorhomes than any other engine made today....yesterday or the day before. If you haven't driven one, better try one...you'll be impressed.

[KB3MMX]

Originally Posted by Pappy19

From what I hear, the V-10 isn't dead yet. Since it has been around for over 10 years without but a few minor issues the first 2 years, it has survived some of the most arduous assignments. Do you all realize how many C and A class motor homes this poor little gasser has been asked to haul?? And most of that with a piss-poor tranny to boot!! Now that the V-10 is matched with a decent tranny, the TorqueShift, it is a real winner all the way around. I can't say enough good about this setup. Listen, I may be an old duffer, but I don't back away from a good run once in a while. So far, I have not been embarrassed, and have blown away some rigs that didn't think my "stock" looking exhaust pipe, had any chance at all. I've beaten new Chevy diesels, new Dodge diesels, and even staid with new 6.4 Fords up to 75 mph until their turbo's finally kicked in. Unless the new diesel trucks are hopped, I can give them my rear until they hit 80 mph, after that, I don't care anyway. Most of the time, my V-10 is so far ahead by the time their turbo does kick in, that I'm done playing with them. Probably the only down thing is the "hiss" from my exhaust compaired to a nice rumble. Oh well, can't have everything.

Pappy, I'd hardly say that the "turbo kicking in" is the issue with the new diesels and racing stock unladen trucks.
The issue stock is more centered around the V10 having a powerband about 2X as wide as the diesel with the same # of gears.
With a programmer on a diesel, like yours on the V10, with a mild tune the V10 is toast.
Nothing bad against the v10 but the two trucks are generally for different purposes.

[1medic]

Just Info;
V-10's are not dead. They're the gas alternative still available on the F450 and f550's for 2011.

[zanegrey]

Sure Liking my 2010 V10 with Auto T/S trans. and 4.10's. Finally got to haul some cattle back up "the Hill" from the Stock show in Denver to 9K feet in Silverthorne. Yes, it doesn't quite have all the power and torque that my 08' 6.4 diesel had but it got the job done. What, I got home maybe ten minutes later than I typically would? I was impressed with how it did honestly. Averaged right at 10 mpg for the round trip. Hunting Pheasants out at Burlington Colorado last weekend, hauling empty but with three adults, gear and a dog, I averaged almost 13 mpg. I was pleasantly surprised quite honestly! Remember I've also got a pretty heavy Bradford Built flatbed on mine as well...

Plus it starts every time, no glow plugs, no gelled fuel (like my ranch partner's 6.4 the other day) and has PLENTY of power when heavy with the right foot. And It actually sounds pretty good as well, totally stock.

In Summary, if I were hauling cattle or other heavy loads every day, I'd probably want the diesel but for me with limited hauling - I'm totally pleased that I got the V10.
It get's the job done for sure and the T/S trans. is quite honestly pretty awesome!
Like Pap says, Gas is less expensive, typical maint. is WAY less and my Monthly payment is WAY less. So, I'm pretty happy to have made the switch!

Take care friends, cheers from the Colorado Rockies
Leo