Help picking an engine
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 101
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From: GARLAND, TX
Help picking an engine
I'm looking for my next Ford Truck. And I've pretty well narrowed it down to a 92-96 F250. I'd also consider the 87-91 trucks, but I like the rounded front end better.
I know that I want an F250, S-cab, long bed, E4OD Auto. Would like 4x4, but don't need it.
But I'm really having trouble with an engine choice. The truck won't be a daily driver. Mostly weekend warrior.........going to the lumber yard and such. But I will occasionally (4-6 times per year) pull a 4000lb travel trailer.
I've had several gas trucks, but never a diesel. In my area, I can buy a 351 or 460 for about $2K less than a PowerStroke. The PS gets much better mileage, but diesel costs a little more and it would take me a coupl of years to get my money back. Maybe a 7.3 IDI engine? I only drive about 5000 miles per year.
I think I'd be happy driving any of them. Just looking for opinions.
What would you do in my situation, and why?
I know that I want an F250, S-cab, long bed, E4OD Auto. Would like 4x4, but don't need it.
But I'm really having trouble with an engine choice. The truck won't be a daily driver. Mostly weekend warrior.........going to the lumber yard and such. But I will occasionally (4-6 times per year) pull a 4000lb travel trailer.
I've had several gas trucks, but never a diesel. In my area, I can buy a 351 or 460 for about $2K less than a PowerStroke. The PS gets much better mileage, but diesel costs a little more and it would take me a coupl of years to get my money back. Maybe a 7.3 IDI engine? I only drive about 5000 miles per year.
I think I'd be happy driving any of them. Just looking for opinions.
What would you do in my situation, and why?
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: Heber, UT
The diesel will get better mpg towing, but with only 4000 lbs a half ton would pull that pretty easily especially if it is only a few times a year that you tow. Maintenance is also more expensive on a diesel as well. For how much it sounds like you will drive the truck it seems that a gasser would work just fine, especially since it is relatively flat in Texas. I think if it were me I would try and find a good 351 or 460. That $2000 difference will buy alot of fuel in the gasser!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
You don't need an F250 or either of the bigger motors, get a 5.8 powered F150 and save the extra dollars you will spend on purchase and maintenance costs.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 2
From: Asheville, NC
Gotta think about the amount of gas the large V8's drink.
It's really hard to afford to drive a big engine truck anymore with gas being as insane as it is these days.
EDIT: This is post number 1000 for me!!!
It's really hard to afford to drive a big engine truck anymore with gas being as insane as it is these days.
EDIT: This is post number 1000 for me!!!
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 71
From: Roseville, MN
I had an '02 PowerStroke. Fuel costs unloaded weren't significantly better (maybe even worse) than my 460 gasser. Hauling a load was another matter, the PowerStroke didn't lose much mileage with a pretty big load.
But if it were me I'd aim for a 351, and would settle for a 460 when I couldn't find a 351. Of course, about a year and a half ago it was me, and that's what I did. But I think a 351 crew cab (like I was looking for) is more rare
But if it were me I'd aim for a 351, and would settle for a 460 when I couldn't find a 351. Of course, about a year and a half ago it was me, and that's what I did. But I think a 351 crew cab (like I was looking for) is more rare
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trumpet
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Aug 14, 2011 01:31 PM
