Simple question guys: bought a Salvaged 2004 f350. 74k original miles, 3.73 gears, v10 motor. I've got a brand spanking new 2003 crate v10 from Ford. Just curious what the experts would recommend I do to the motor prior to install?? I don't do a lot of heavy towing and truck won't be a daily driver. Not looking to completely mod the motor, just want to know if things like head studs or new headers is worth the coin on a brand new motor? It's got brand new oem plugs in it right now, is it worth replacing them? Thanks in advance.

 

I'd leave it stock. The 6.8L V10's haven't benefited from bolt-on doo-dads like other engines have. Certainly not enough to justify the cost.

 

Don't need head studs. If you plan on keeping the truck long term I would put on a set of Banks or Doug Thorley headers. This will not only help with performance and get rid of poor factory ypipe but it also eliminates the exhaust manifold stud breakage problems. I am glad I went with Thorley headers years ago. A 5 star performance tune and tow tune is also good to get. The V10 responds fine to mods, especially with the proper tuning. I'd also clean and put a couple coats of a good engine paint on the engine block before installing it. The motorcraft single platinum plugs are fine, just change them every 50k miles.

 

If it was mine I would make sure the plugs are torqued at least 20 ft lbs. Change plugs and check torque early and often. DO not let them go for the recommended maintenance interval of 100,000 miles.

Headers will be much easier to deal with at this stage.

What does Ford charge for a V10 crate engine?

 

I highly recommend the banks headers and Y-pipe

 

X2. I have always changed mine at 50k. A few dollars and a little time just to make sure they are in there right.