I'm sure there are posts on this very topic but this is a little different. I have the opportunity to either get an 08 ccsb currentlyit has a cracked piston. The shop it's at will completely rebuild and do all the goodies to make it "bullet proof". The other truck they have is an 07 6.0 ccsb, they will go through and stud, delete the trucks as well. The 07 I'm in love with the way it looks and all the options it has. I won't have to change much on it. I see tons of potential in the 08. I'm trying to look for longevity and dependably out of the truck. Both are priced close enough that I can't use I as a factor. I have been reading as much as I can on both motors trying to make an informed decision as best I can. I have very little first hand experience with either of these motors but have driven them both in work trucks. Any advice and opinions on what you might do from those that drive and maintain them day in and day out would be helpful and appreciated.

 

I have owned multiple 6.0L 2003, 2004 and 2005 motors, now I have the 2008 6.4L. I've never ran more than +80hp in any of the motors, all have had 4" exhausts except my X.

I prefer the 6.4L because of the following:
- high pressure fuel is far quieter than high pressure oil
- high pressure fuel seems far more dependable than high pressure oil, less dependent upon seals aging poorly
- high pressure fuel is less sensitive to cold temperatures
- external EGR coolers is a mature design, even if the tuner turns them off with DPF delete
- the twin turbo power delivery is very smooth and very responsive
- the air filter is a whole lot easier to deal with
- my Ford Parts counter knows me by name, they said now that I have a 6.4L they will never see me, that is a very significant statement coming from them as they know I do all my own work and I use OEM parts when reasonable and always OEM for sensors or electronics bits
- 2008 was designed for cab removal, it sounds scary but it actually makes good sense
- She likes the 6.4L over the 6.0L, no question on that one
- I spend my weekends enjoying/driving the truck rather than tinkering with truck to keep it running
- I trust the motor, I just get in and go with no consideration to length of trip or workload

Both are great workhorse motors that will last a long time as long as you treat them well. As the 6.4L ages, I suspect it will need less parts replaced as compared to the same age/mileage on a 6.0L.

 

If you trust the shop's workmanship and reputation, than I think the 6.4 is the way to go. If they are going to completely rebuild and bullet proof the 6.4, then that 6.4 should be a very reliable motor. Since you already drive them at work, you already know the vast difference in performance of the 2 trucks.

 

The 6.4 is definitely quieter and more powerful. It's also more complicated and generally gets less mpg and a lot less if the DPF is still on it. If you can get by with less power and more noise, I think it is worth considering an '07 6.0 for the mpg. That is especially true if you will leave the DPF on the 6.4.

That being said, I traded a 6.0 F350 SRW with 45K on it for a 6.4 F450 DRW with 95K on it. I did have DPF sensor issues and got hit with a clogged DPF that wouldn't go into regen. When the 6.4 runs right, it is pretty awesome though and the F450 is a much stronger more capable platform.