I was told having the 4.6L V-8 engine in my truck that these engines a long with the 5.7L V-8 engine will last longer then the V-6 engines or 4L engines de to the V-8 not having to work as hard to pull ur car or truck? Is this a myth or a fact? If You compare a v-6 to a V-8 will the v-8 last longer since it doesn't have to work as hard as the v-6 over time??

I know this is a dumb question but I wasn't sure myself..

 

The number of cylinders does not dictate how long an engine will last.

The design, materials and maintenance of the engine will.

There is no proof that your V8 will out last a V6.

 

Monsta stated it all. In fact, I have seen the venerable Ford 300-I6 last way more miles than standard v8s.

 

Maintenance is Key. I had a 88 f150 300 six with 225,000 miles when I sold it still runnung strong. I also had a 89 Bronco 5.8 with 275,000 miles when I sold it still running great. Oil & filters are cheap insurance. I allways change my oil every 3,000 miles.

 

My previous truck was an '87 Ranger, 2.3 liter 4 cylinder. I drove that baby with no problems for 17 years, and gave it away with 227,000 miles on it. Never had any engine work done--just changed the oil religiously.

 

I Agree With You, Oil Is The Life Blood Of Any Engine. My Idea Has Always Been, Keep It Clean, Keep It Long. Also I Had An Old Ford Truck With The Inline Six And Basically The Wheels And Everything Feel Off But The Engine Still Purred Like A Kitty Cat.

 

A stock V8 will produce more torque due to increased cubic inches. Torque will allow the engine to run at lower rpm during cruise etc. Less rpm means less wear and tear to the cylinders and valve train. So in theory it should last longer. With that said, seals and other parts will break down the same as in a 4 or 6 cylinder. So the difference may not be noticeable if both were well maintained and driven the same.

 

I have to believe in Kevin's theory above. Less work, less wear and tear!

 

Torque output does not dictate RPMs. Gearing does. My V6 van runs the same RPM as my V8 truck at 65 mph.

Although, what you guys say bears truth.

The engine with the slowest piston speed & lowest torque output should last longest, given that every thing else is equal. Slow piston speed cuts down on ring & valve train wear wear, low output reduces stress on bearings et al. Hence, diesel engines lasting so long. (Those are just part of the reason why stock diesels can go so long between rebuilds.)

A V8 with a shorter stroke than a V6, V4, I6... etc... etc... will have a higher piston speed. So, in theroy, would wear quicker.

Again, the number of cylinders does not necessarily dictate the longevity of an engine. Just ask the Cummins (I6) vs. PSD (V8) crowd!

 

Think you missed my point, An engine with higher torque will be given a steeper overdrive. Don't know any V6 that will cruise at 70 mph at less than 2,000 rpm as does the F150 with standard 3:55 gears.
The V6 will develop it's torque at a higer rpm. Therefore the OD gearing will not be as steep.
If the stroke on a V8 is smaller then the I4 and V6 yes the V8 will have to rev higher to achieve it's torque value. But to compare apples to apples we are talking common everyday "gas" V6's and I4's used today in similar vehicles. Most "gas" V6's and I4's used today develop their torque at higher rpms then do today's V8's. We can get into exceptions, but as a general rule, think the above is true.

Now with that said, does your van cruise at 70mph at less than 2,000 rpm?

 

At 70MPH, both my F-150 5.4 w/ 3.73 and my old 93 Buick Park Avenue turn 1,800 RPMs. The old Buick has 169,000 miles on it and the oil doesn't get off of full between 5,000 mile oil changes. Who would have thought a truck would ride better and be quieter than a Park Avenue?