460 vs 351
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 558
From: Central Wisconsin
The diesel truck will get a lot better mpg, and the 7.3L will last 300k - 400k, as opposed to the 7.5 lasting 100k-200k. The diesel truck is also good for torque, especially 94.5 and after being powerstrokes. I guess there should be some explanation here.
The 7.5L is pretty much the same through these model years, no huge differences, however there are some Mass Air variations over in california that would be killer to get a hold of.
The 7.3L was offered with no turbo for a while, then was offered with a turbo and then the powerstroke was brought in half way through 1994.
The 5.8L was offered as a non roller speed density motor, and then a roller motor with speed density or mass air.
The powerstroke, the mass air roller 351w, and the mass air 460 would all be the best variations in comparison to themselves. with that said, gearing still makes a difference. but the powerstroke will outpull the 460, which would outpull the 351. If they were all in stock form. If you can get a hold of a powerstroke for cheap, I would jump on it.
The 7.5L is pretty much the same through these model years, no huge differences, however there are some Mass Air variations over in california that would be killer to get a hold of.
The 7.3L was offered with no turbo for a while, then was offered with a turbo and then the powerstroke was brought in half way through 1994.
The 5.8L was offered as a non roller speed density motor, and then a roller motor with speed density or mass air.
The powerstroke, the mass air roller 351w, and the mass air 460 would all be the best variations in comparison to themselves. with that said, gearing still makes a difference. but the powerstroke will outpull the 460, which would outpull the 351. If they were all in stock form. If you can get a hold of a powerstroke for cheap, I would jump on it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 13
From: west plains spokane,wa
Test drive all of the different engines and see what you think. There's a ton of the gas vs diesel threads already, look in here, the psd forums, heavy duty forum etc. Enough reading to keep ya busy for hours. I might think a psd/5spd 4*4 was the greatest truck ever but you might think its an overpriced,stinky, noisy, high maintainence pos. Go drive some and see what ya like.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 464
Likes: 5
From: Redmond, WA USA
As for gas vs. diesel, stay away from the diesel unless you drive 10K+ miles a year. The repairs on a Powerstroke, although not often, can be very expensive. You can easily burn up several years' worth of fuel savings with one repair. Not to mention the 15-quart oil changes! I'm just being realistic here, I've had both gas and diesel vehicles, and each has its purpose.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 1
From: Pueblo, CO
Powerstrokes are also much more expensive than gas truck to purchase in the first place. The older non-turbo diesels are much closer in price and will probably have enough power to suit your needs but they have less power than the 460.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Dane County, WI
I've got a 460. Big Block, need I say more. I use my 460 everyday. Buy what you like. I can tow anything thrown at me, cheap insurance,cheap parts and did I tell you I got big block. Now where 's that Hemi....
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 1
From: On the prairie
Buy a pre-stroke 7.3. Cheaper than dirt, easy to fix, good power (maybe not as much high end as a 460) and easy 15 to 20mpg (4:10 gears and 3:54 respectivley). Hows that for muddy water! 
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 219
Likes: 1
From: Cheshire Massachusetts
But if your going to drive it alot, I would definitely put a lot of consideration into a 6.9/7.3 diesel. I have a newer 3/4 ton diesel that gets great mpg so it was not as important to me to have great fuel economy. I was looking for the most power, towing/hauling ability in stock form and in late 80's and early 90's i believe the 460 is the most capably out of the box until you get to power strokes.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Generally.. there ain't no replacement for displacement though you can cheat that rule with forced induction. It's also pretty easy to message a 351 up to stock 460 power levels and the 5.8 can return better milage than the bigger motor.. though with the larger/heavier trucks that advantage can be reduced to nil or even reversed in favor of the 460. So like everything I think it depends upon what trucks are available.. their vintage and powertrain setup does effect performance and fuel economy, and it also depends how the truck will get used. If the OP isn't ever going to haul anything too big or heavy then a 5.8 truck will be sufficient, though if he were to find a 460 truck with 3.55 gears and an OD trans he wouldn't be sacrificing much if any fuel milage for increased towing power.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 308
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan/W Laffayette, IN
I'd strongly suggest the 351W for a small camper. I pull steel horse trailers with mine and other than just a drop in fuel economy, my F250 hauls without any sweat. The 460 is just for major constant towing, like everyone has said. I'd dread driving my truck (since it's also my daily, unlike your purchase) if it had a bigger V8 in it. Plus you never know when you'll use your truck for lighter loads than a camper but too cumbersome for your Explorer.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BKB
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
5
May 31, 2006 10:57 PM
