Hi, I am considering in getting a new truck in about 1 or 2 years. However, I have already started to research, and most likely will buy one before the end of the year. I have been having trouble deciding between ford and chevy. Now, I know Ford is best selling, better built, blah blah, but here is the problem. Chevy offers a lot of power, and I like it. But Ford engines don't even come close. The only way for me to get a decent amount of power through a Ford is by getting a customized engine, which is way too expensive because I will basically be dumping the one I got in the car, and not getting enough money for it. I'm thinking of getting a Ford Diesel F250, or Chevy 2500HD Diesel. Help persuade me into buying the Ford. Thanks!

 

The ford does have more room in the regular cab.
And it does sit higher before any lift kits are installed.
Ford's diesel is produced by international. Which was my main reason for the Ford.
These diesel engines are known for 300,000miles and up up up......with proper maintenance.

I had thought about it myself for 6 months. Considered a ford gas, chevy gas, ford diesel and I chose the ford diesel cause I felt I would be happiest with it. And the chevy was more expensive for the options I got.
And NO I wouldn't even look at the DODGE.

 

Since we're on a diesel website, I'll assume you want to discuss diesels.
I spent my day last Saturday standing next to a dyno, watching truck after truck get up there, run hard, read their numbers, and back down. Probably close to 100 trucks were up there at one time or another. Fords, Dodges, and Chevies. Here's what I learned about rear wheel horse power: they've all got it, in pretty much equal amounts when we're talking stock trucks. Older rigs (pre '99 Fords, and 12v Dodges get around 190-200 rwhp when stock.) Newer rigs ('99 and newer Fords, 24v Dodges, and new Duramaxes all get around 225-235 rwhp when stock.) You get what you like the looks of, and what will work for you. If you want a true Crew Cab, Ford and Chevy are the only way to go, since Dodge doesn't make one yet. If you want the ability to build it to 500 rwhp easily, you might want the Dodge.
If someone tells you that one has appreciably more power than another make in stock form, it's not true.
I personally think Ford builds the best truck, period. Others feel the same way about their Chevies. I think it's healthy that people have their own opinion. If everyone thought the same, we'd all be driving the exact same truck, and there would be nothing to talk about.

 

You said, "If someone tells you that one has appreciably more power than another make in stock form, it's not true." So what you are basically saying is that the base engine powers that are available, aren't true? Example: The Ford offers the 7.3 Liter Diesel V8 with 250HP and 505 lbs of torque. On the other hand, Chevy offers a 6.6 Liter Diesel V8 that cranks out 300hp and 525lbs of torque. How do I manage on getting a Ford with more power? Going to get an engine customized is expensive. Because then I will just be throwing away my old one, and buying a new one...

 

The numbers the manufacturers state are flywheel horsepower ratings, before the driveline is connected to the engine. Through every connection there is parasitic loss, so by the time you get to the rear wheels, the amount of power actually on the ground is substantially less than advertised horsepower. There is no "Horsepower Police" forcing the manufacturers to advertise an accurate number. Regardless of make, on the dyno, they measure the same. Some of the old-timers that have been comparing Fords to Dodges for the past few years really perked up when the first of the Chevies had their turn come up to get on the dyno. It, and the other Chevies that followed, measured the same at the rear wheels as the Fords and Dodges.
The cost of "customizing" your engine isn't all that expensive, when you consider the purchase price of the rig in the first place. Without too much money or trouble, you can increase the horsepower noticeably.
I hope this helps.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Apr-02 AT 03:10 PM (EST)]Would be be easier and cheaper to get a customed Ford engine, rather than a Chevy? Also, what type of things can I do to customize it. Remember, it can't be anything too complicated or expensive. Maybe give me some links/suggestions? I really do like the way the Fords look, I just want the power. And also, you said they have the same power at rear wheels...but what about the 4x4? Also, if I customize my engine, will it effect the amount I can tow, or screw up the gauges? Thanks! :-X11

 

If you can wait until November of this year Ford will begin using the new 6.0L Power Stroke engine which will be rated at 325 HP at 3600 RPM and 550 lbs. of torque at 2000 RPM.

 

Wow, that really kicks the Chevy's ***. Hell, I can wait for it. Well, I guess that will help me decide.

 

HD223,

Like you, I am new to Fords and even trucks for that matter. I did alot of research before I decided to purchase a 1999+ F250 PSD. I need a long distance tow vehicle capable of pulling a 4000-7500 lbs trailer while carrying 1500 lbs of gear.

My research on Ford, Chevy, GMC and yes even Dodge, including reading owner comments for each make. Chevy, GMC and Dodge all had many complaints of mechanical problems as well as poor dealership service. The majority of the complaints about Fords were mostly regarding comfort and rarely mechanical. I've yet to find a complaint about bad dealership service. This was a very influential factor for my final decision to go with a Ford PSD. As someone already mentioned the durability of these PSD's built by International, these babies are built to last.

Whatever your reason is for all that power, it seemed that you were stoked by the 525 lbs/ft of torque in the newer engines. If that is the case, there are chip upgrades for the PSD that will boost torque to over 600 lbs/ft! These chips only cost 3-4 C-notes and are a terrific value! Superchips Microtuner has 2 settings, Standard and Offroad performance that reprogram your ECU in minutes! No tools, rebuilds or swaps required to transform an already powerful engine into a Monster!

Hope this helps.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Apr-02 AT 05:47 PM (EST)]Thanks for the input! But do these chips have any negative downside or effects on the truck? Will they make the warrany go bad, put less years on the truck, or anything else harmful/negative? Thanks for all of the info guys! Also, I went to that site and was looking....One of the chips said this, "Offroad Performance Program" which yields a maximum of 80 horsepower and 130 lb/ft of torque (limited to 4000lbs towing)." Ummm what does that limited to 4000lbs of towing mean? Correct me if I am wrong, but shouldn't most Fords be able to tow at least 8000lbs?

 

The manufacturer of the chip recognizes that with increased power comes increased heat, so they recommend that you tow less than 4000 lb with that chip, unless you've done some exhaust modifications, which will help keep the exhaust temps down. A downpipe, 4" exhaust and some guages to help you see what's going on under the hood will allow you to have the power you're looking for, and the peace of mind that you're not overheating anything.

 

You can't haul more than 4000lbs if you get one of these chips? How many people actually buy these then? I'm going be hauling at least 8000, and be going up past 10000 soon....

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 28-Apr-02 AT 11:10 PM (EST)]I'm sorry, I wasn't clear in my answer. If you've done the exhaust modifications, including the larger downpipe, and a 4" exhaust, you will be able to tow up to the truck's rated limit. I didn't state that, but should have. It's also a great idea to add an Exhaust Gas Temperature guage, or pyrometer, to let you see how high the temps are getting. Without the exhaust modifications, you shouldn't tow more than 4000lbs, since the increased power generated by the chipped engine will be accompanied by increased heat in the exhaust.
Sorry for being vague.

 

Ok, it's no problem, I'm very thankful for your help thus far. So, let me get this straight....If I get a Superchip such as the Diablo, all I need to do so that I can get the max towing and hauling weight designed for the truck is modifiy the exhaust and get some new guages, right? And if so, how much would all of this cost in the end?

 

My personal opinion, (and it's only that, an opinion,) would be to get the SuperChips Micro Tuner advertised at the top of this page. It gives you the option of two different programs, and is much easier to install. With two programs, you can switch from one to the other in minutes. That is $339.
A downpipe and exhaust system will cost between $6-800 depending on which system you get, whether or not you add a muffler, whether you do some of the work yourself, etc.
The bare minimum for guages would be an EGT guage, which would cost less than $200. Most people get a turbo boost guage and a transmission temp guage at the same time, and have them all mounted in a neat, tidy pod that goes on the A pillar of the truck. Installed, $500+/-.
I hope this helps.