Best Van/Engine/Auto-Trans combo???
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: United States
Best Van/Engine/Auto-Trans combo???
Hi,
What would you consider the best combination of van/engine/auto-transmission for the following purposes:
1. towing a trailer from 2000lbs to 4500lbs (my estimate of a minimum utility trailer with storage stuff, including wood, to a maximum of an older 16’ travel trailer… I might be off on the max weight)
2. best gas mileage (optimum is 18mpg, acceptable is around 15mpg, min is 12mpg)
3. best overall performance (I can work on it myself, but don’t want to if don’t have to)
4. looking at older models in the less than $5K range – and body is not nearly as important as engine, but looking for long-body models
... looking for your opinions on year (obviously older model) and engine size and trans type ... which combo is your favorite and why? If it varies tremendously based on my towing (purchase not made yet for trailer), then can you give me your top two choices (for min and max tow weight)?
Thanks,
What would you consider the best combination of van/engine/auto-transmission for the following purposes:
1. towing a trailer from 2000lbs to 4500lbs (my estimate of a minimum utility trailer with storage stuff, including wood, to a maximum of an older 16’ travel trailer… I might be off on the max weight)
2. best gas mileage (optimum is 18mpg, acceptable is around 15mpg, min is 12mpg)
3. best overall performance (I can work on it myself, but don’t want to if don’t have to)
4. looking at older models in the less than $5K range – and body is not nearly as important as engine, but looking for long-body models
... looking for your opinions on year (obviously older model) and engine size and trans type ... which combo is your favorite and why? If it varies tremendously based on my towing (purchase not made yet for trailer), then can you give me your top two choices (for min and max tow weight)?
Thanks,
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
A good all around vehicle would be an early to mid nineties E250 with either the 351 or the PSD, I have a '92 with a 351 and the E4OD, and get 15 on the highway unloaded (@70mph), and about 12 or 13 loaded. The 7.3Power Stroke will pull better loads, and get better fuel economy, but if you don't need the extra juice I'd say a 351...
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: United States
Thanks, pfogle.
I've just found a 91 Ford Coachmen conversion camper van (can't remember if it's a 350 or 250) with a 351 windsor. The owner says it gets about 18mpg on "flat land" and guesses about 12 elsewhere, so sounds about right on the low end. How can I find out which tranny it's got?
I've just found a 91 Ford Coachmen conversion camper van (can't remember if it's a 350 or 250) with a 351 windsor. The owner says it gets about 18mpg on "flat land" and guesses about 12 elsewhere, so sounds about right on the low end. How can I find out which tranny it's got?
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
I would say it's an E4OD in '91, but it may be a C6 3 speed.... Look at the shifter, if it says 1 2 OD and there is a button on the end of the shifter or on the dash that says O/D off then it's the E4OD, if the it's labeled p r d 2 1 then its a c6.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: United States
Ooohhh, if it's got the C6, I'd be tremendously happy... that's what I've got now in my F250. It's a doll! I'm taking it out for a MPG test and an "all systems go" test tomorrow. I'll check on the tranny at that time.
Thanks for the input!
Thanks for the input!
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 4
From: Sussex County, DE
I think the most bullet proof and easiest to maintain combo is the Straight Six and C6. Supreme overkill, baby! A better driving combo would be the Straight six and the E4OD or AOD. Won't win at the stoplight drags much, but decades from now your van will disintigrate around your driveline untill all you have left is an engine and trans (if you use the C6).
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: United States
Well, found out it's an E4OD... has the button on the dash. I think I remember hearing a few negatives about these transmissions... have you?
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
Yes, they shift very soft, the gas mileage is good with them tho.. It's based (loosely) on the C6. If it's beed updated it's a pretty good tranny....
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic 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
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Toccs18
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
25
Apr 13, 2013 12:33 AM
Chris89lx
All Things Towing
18
Mar 27, 2009 04:12 PM
