5.4 vs 6.8 (comparing reliability only)
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: Chino, Calif.
I think that they would be near the same. I had a 99' 250 w/ the 5.4 it had 56,000 miles when I purchased it, and got rid of it at 85,000. I had not one problem with it, but the 4R100 was replaced before I got it. Currently I have an 04' CC SB w/ the V10 and it runs a smoothly as the 99', but with WAAAAYYYYY more power. Hoping to get well over 100,000 out of it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,733
Likes: 38
The 5.4L has a MUCH larger installed base over the V10 but both motors have reliability (when properly broken in and serviced) figures well above average.
Most of the failures can be traced to abuse, misuse, or lack of preventative maintenance. There are always going to be defective parts, miss matched tolerances (under size piston in over size hole but with in specification) and the occasional poor assembly by distracted, disgruntled, or inept assembler.
But a properly assembled, broken in, normal use, and frequent air filter and oil / lube service makes the Ford Modular series v6 v8 and V10 some of the most reliable engines ever put in an American vehicle.
Most of the failures can be traced to abuse, misuse, or lack of preventative maintenance. There are always going to be defective parts, miss matched tolerances (under size piston in over size hole but with in specification) and the occasional poor assembly by distracted, disgruntled, or inept assembler.
But a properly assembled, broken in, normal use, and frequent air filter and oil / lube service makes the Ford Modular series v6 v8 and V10 some of the most reliable engines ever put in an American vehicle.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,147
Likes: 1
From: Joppa, Maryland
I would think just because the v10 has that many more moving parts it would be SLIGHTLY less reliable than the 5.4, but thats not to take anything away from the v10, they are both very reliable engines.
This may be wrong, but i remember reading somewhere that the v10 uses a two piece crank or something ot that effect, that could also impact reliablity. (i recall reading this causing problems in supercharged situations, but i could be wrong.)
Fredvon which v6 is part of the mods?
This may be wrong, but i remember reading somewhere that the v10 uses a two piece crank or something ot that effect, that could also impact reliablity. (i recall reading this causing problems in supercharged situations, but i could be wrong.)
Fredvon which v6 is part of the mods?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Lets put it this way:
Given the same exact gearing, loads, total weight, driving habits, etc, here's my opinion:
The V10 has an extra main bearing and two more rod bearings, pistons and cylinders.
Given exactly the same truck and work load, the 5.4 is going to be putting more load on each of those 5 main bearings than the V10 will. If it takes 100ft/lbs of torque to move a load, that 100ft/lbs is going to be distributed across a larger number of main bearings.
Likewise, each cylinder will be required to supply 1/8th of the total load in the V8, but only 1/10 the total with the V10.
Result? The load will be distributed over a greater number of internal working parts, lengthening the life of said part.
So, again, in the exact same situations, the V10 should last 25% longer. Or is that 20%? Or something like that.
The question is, can you possibly keep your foot out of it and NOT use the extra power of the V10?
As to more internal parts, caption p4, the 3-valve V10 does not have VVT while the 5.4 goes. Which probably means even MORE internal parts in the V8
Given the same exact gearing, loads, total weight, driving habits, etc, here's my opinion:
The V10 has an extra main bearing and two more rod bearings, pistons and cylinders.
Given exactly the same truck and work load, the 5.4 is going to be putting more load on each of those 5 main bearings than the V10 will. If it takes 100ft/lbs of torque to move a load, that 100ft/lbs is going to be distributed across a larger number of main bearings.
Likewise, each cylinder will be required to supply 1/8th of the total load in the V8, but only 1/10 the total with the V10.
Result? The load will be distributed over a greater number of internal working parts, lengthening the life of said part.
So, again, in the exact same situations, the V10 should last 25% longer. Or is that 20%? Or something like that.
The question is, can you possibly keep your foot out of it and NOT use the extra power of the V10?
As to more internal parts, caption p4, the 3-valve V10 does not have VVT while the 5.4 goes. Which probably means even MORE internal parts in the V8
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,147
Likes: 1
From: Joppa, Maryland
Interesting way to look at it, never herad it that way before.
Diesel guys are always talking about the I6 because of less moving parts, I can throw this at them the next time it comes up, haha.
Do you know if what i said about the crank is true or if i'm remembering incorrectly?
Diesel guys are always talking about the I6 because of less moving parts, I can throw this at them the next time it comes up, haha.
Do you know if what i said about the crank is true or if i'm remembering incorrectly?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by captain p4
Interesting way to look at it, never herad it that way before.
Diesel guys are always talking about the I6 because of less moving parts, I can throw this at them the next time it comes up, haha.
Do you know if what i said about the crank is true or if i'm remembering incorrectly?
Diesel guys are always talking about the I6 because of less moving parts, I can throw this at them the next time it comes up, haha.
Do you know if what i said about the crank is true or if i'm remembering incorrectly?
The crank is a "split pin". Instead of a continuous rod journal for both #1 and #5, the V10 has to incorporate an 18 degree difference between the two. This makes the crank a slight bit weaker, but they make up for that with a forged steel crankshaft. Not sure that the 5.4 V8's "steel" crank is forged or not.
Looky here:
http://fords.kilonet.org/10strokin/100_9265.jpg
For the complete index of a whole bunch of pix taken by 10strokin, go here:
http://fords.kilonet.org/10strokin/v10.html
The problem with a blower is when getting into some SERIOUS boost, the front of the crank flexes. Someone engineered a crank snout support, but have no idea who.
art k.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by captain p4
Cool stuff. thanks for info. and pics
I was just joking about the never ending psd/cummins battle
I was just joking about the never ending psd/cummins battle
ps: Thank 10strokin for the pix!