View Poll Results: What engine do you recommend?
Voters: 25. You may not vote on this poll
Best Super Duty engine
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New User
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Brazil, Indiana
Best Super Duty engine
Hello everybody. I am currently interested in purchasing a Super Duty pickup in the 1999-2007 range. I'm going to be graduating with an Associate's degree in Automotive Technology soon and was wondering which engine is recommended. I'm wanting to do my first truck build which would include a 4 inch lift and 35s. I also wouldn't mind doing some upgrades in the performance department. Would a 5.4 be a good choice or the V10 or Powerstroke. I've been leaning towards a 7.3 or 6.0, but since I don't do a lot of towing and just want a play truck maybe a gas truck would be better.
Senior User
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Strathalbyn, South Oz.
Watching with interest.
Looking to pick up something myself, and just logged in for the same purpose.
$45k and up for a new light duty truck here (Ranger, etc.) so figured I'd look at a slighty used real truck for almost half the cash.
Looking to pick up something myself, and just logged in for the same purpose.
$45k and up for a new light duty truck here (Ranger, etc.) so figured I'd look at a slighty used real truck for almost half the cash.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
honestly the 5.4 until 2004 in the superduties (the 2v) is a fairly reliable motor other then the spark plug issue keep up on oil changes. a bit gutless in a HD truck , if you're going 35s make sure you get one with the 4.10 gears.
the 6.0 some people love them most hate them. i wouldn't risk it
the 7.3 is a reliable motor they are pretty gutless but they are loved, lots of mod support to make power. you will pay a premium for one that i don't think is worth it.
the v10 is basically a 5.4 with 2 extra cylinders and is a gas hog.
your overall budget would also play into it I feel. a cheaper truck would leave you more for mods. it will probably be an unpopular opinion but if it were me I'd go with a 5.4 with 4.10 gears if you don't need the diesel torque.
the 6.0 some people love them most hate them. i wouldn't risk it
the 7.3 is a reliable motor they are pretty gutless but they are loved, lots of mod support to make power. you will pay a premium for one that i don't think is worth it.
the v10 is basically a 5.4 with 2 extra cylinders and is a gas hog.
your overall budget would also play into it I feel. a cheaper truck would leave you more for mods. it will probably be an unpopular opinion but if it were me I'd go with a 5.4 with 4.10 gears if you don't need the diesel torque.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 269
Likes: 25
I have a 05 F450, with v-10, would have bought a 7.3, but they can not be touched till they have lots of miles. The v10 runs good, pulls trailers easily, down side is 4.88 gears, and a 40 gallon gas tank. My daily driver is a Tacoma 4 cylinder, 25 mpg average.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 295
From: Fresno, CA
I voted 6.0. You can generally pick them up for a good price based on all the bad press they got. In reality they are a very reliable motor once the common items are fixed. With an 05-07 you can also get the coil spring front suspension and higher GVWR ratings (8800 for 99-04 vs 10000 on the 05-07 F250's).
The 7.3s are bomb-proof, but people are asking tons of money for them these days and you're still stuck with the less-than stellar 4R100 tranmissions. 6.0s have the 5R110 which is MUCH better and holds up a lot longer. I've seen people go over 300k with stock trannys.
I would also post in the 6.0 & 7.3 specific forums, although you may get more bias.
The 7.3s are bomb-proof, but people are asking tons of money for them these days and you're still stuck with the less-than stellar 4R100 tranmissions. 6.0s have the 5R110 which is MUCH better and holds up a lot longer. I've seen people go over 300k with stock trannys.
I would also post in the 6.0 & 7.3 specific forums, although you may get more bias.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
I have a 2000 f-250 4x4 with the 7.3, 348,000 miles, engine never been touched and the 4r100 trans has never been touched. This truck is used to pull a dump trailer and a 8,000 lb race car trailer.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 5
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From: Brazil, Indiana
To answer any questions in regards to diesel experience, I don't have any diesel experience. If this is the case, would it be better to choose a gas pickup? In fact, since this will be mostly a truck for occasional mudding and general playing around, would an F150 be a more suitable option?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,776
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From: France
I wouldn't buy a super duty if I didn't need it, running costs are greater - everything is bigger and heavier - and diesels are another step up in cost with big maintenance and complexity. In my opinion they're harder to work on as well, but in the end it's probably down to what you want, not what you need.
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