I have a 99 e350. Extended cargo with the v10. Old news van. One owner. Always fleet maintained. Everything works perfect. I know that thes get horrible mpg. No mater what you have for a motor. But i would like ideas for a diesel swap. I love this van. Its my daily driver and work rig. From what ive been reading the v10s dont seem to last long. Why? the motor in this van is original. As is everything else. Always synthetic oil. Dealer maintained.

 

16 years old with 420,000 miles?

Wow.

How long have you had it? How much did you pay for it?

 

Just got it last week. Dealer got it the 22nd. I bought it the next day for 2k. Has onan commercial gen. 6500. Works. Roof top ac works. Main ac works. Everything good. Including car fax. Recall was done at dealer. Only bad thing is it needs shocks. Disk brakes on rear to. I love this van. But i travel alot for work so a v10 is not best. I need diesel for relibilty. Hell this thing dosent even leak. Anywere.

 

While I would never trust a van of that age or mileage, I don't understand why you think the v10 is a problem. Please explain.

Also a diesel conversion is a huge project. Fuel tank, lines, all the computer and electronics, batteries, exhaust system, cooling system, and lots more stuff I can't even think of.

But please get back with me regarding your opposition to the v10.

 

I have looked at several forums and most seem to show that alot of people with v10s arnt getting much over 200k.

The amount of work for the swap is fine. Ive done swaps before. And i would be using either another van or a mini bus as a doner. I was thinking i would have to do engine. Trans. Drive line. Wire harness from fire wall forward. Computer. And misc items aswell.

The main thing is that with the job i have i cant afford to be broke down half way across the country. Or in mexico.

 

Are there anyways to increase mpg? i drive at 55-60 with cruise on. Mostly freeway. I drive 60miles a day. But have only a quarter tank left after 4 days

 

Also what can these vans tow weight wise

 

You will never recoup the cost of the swap by the fuel savings , maybe after another 420k .

If you plan on towing mpg will only get worse.

If milage is what you are after no van no matter the engine is a top choice.

I would just enjoy your van as is and call it a day . Just my 2 cents

 

thats fine. But what can they tow.

Im not really woried about getting back the cost of the swap. I enjoy the work. And its a ideal van for my work

 

I am in the middle of doing a Cummins diesel swap into my 1996 E-Super Duty bus. It is a lot of work, but I think it will be worth it to me. No way will it ever pay for itself but its what I want.

 

It might be easier to find a diesel van that is wrecked and do a body swap or sell that one and get a diesel. It would take quite a bit of time to do and engine swap and since it's your daily driver and work van, that's something you have to take into consideration. Also, you'll have to get a diesel generator or install another tank for the gas generator.

 

Wow. A cummins. Great idea. I would love to have that. Lol. Amazing motors. What can i expect from the v10? as fare as life expectency. Any ways to increase mpg

 

There's basically no way to improve fuel economy except the usual: remove weight, improve driving style, and repair any issues with the engine.

Mine is about the same as yours: about 240 miles at 1/4 tank. I do lots of highway driving and I get 11 to 13 mpg. Sometimes close to 14 if I keep it at/under 60mph.

As far as life expectancy; Youve exceeded it already. 420,000 miles is retirement age for any vehicle, except maybe some highway babies (like Delgriffith on this forum).

 

Okay you've bought a heavy duty van that is not only heavy but not really configured to get maximum MPG's---this you already know.

DelGriffith here runs a fleet of E-Series vans some of which are still running very well after nearly one million miles---read a few of his posts regarding longevity of the Ford modular motors. Reliability of the drive train really isn't an issue when properly maintained.

If the current V10's higher mileage is concern and the budget would support installing a reman'd Ford V10 that could be done for about $5K out the door on a DIY basis. The huge upside there is simplicity and no need to reconfigure your entire van's drive train and controlling gear to accommodate a diesel. From your description this chassis and body might very well be worth that sort of renewing.

In the FTE Modular Motor V10 forums you can read about a tuner named Mike, his company 5 Star Tunings is very widely regarded as the best around for improving many parameters of your van's PCM. He too is worth a read along with those who share their experiences with his service and products too. Here's a link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ky-thread.html

Why does the diesel interest you over the existing V10? Do you have a particular diesel brand or displacement in mind?

 

I just love diesel. The sound. The smell. The reliability. Life span. Everything about them. As far as a preference for a dieael motor.....anything but a 6.0. Hell i wish i could stuff an old 6.9 idi in it. Great motors. My favorite. Beside a cummins of course. And even better if it could be done with a 5spd. That would be a good package. But kinda a pipe dream on that one.

Does the v10 have a rear timing chain like the 5.4? that is what truly scates me