Why a Diesel?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: EAST STROUDSBURG,PA
the less fuel a engine uses the longer it usually lasts.the less fuel a engine uses= less money to big oil companies and less money for foreign countries to buy weapons. not trying to flame but there are other reasons to purchase a diesel.
Elder User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 616
Likes: 0
From: Tax Happy Hanover Pa
Originally Posted by claw302
the less fuel a engine uses the longer it usually lasts.the less fuel a engine uses= less money to big oil companies and less money for foreign countries to buy weapons. not trying to flame but there are other reasons to purchase a diesel.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
I just traded my 1995 F-150 (SC 4x4 w/5L) for a 2007 F-250 SC 4x4 XLT Sport.
I am in about the same situation, occasional towing of a car and have to use the truck as a daily driver. After a lot of research I decided to go with the 5.4 Liter V-8. One factor that influenced me was the price vs. towing capacity. The V-8 will tow over 9000 #, which is good enough. Spenindg $6000 to tow an additional 3000# didn't seem like a good tradeoff.
Also, we are in the process of moving to Wisconsin. I wasn't too thrilled with the prospect of starting a Powerstroke in 10 degree weather, (Yes, I know about block heaters, but power is not always available).
I am in about the same situation, occasional towing of a car and have to use the truck as a daily driver. After a lot of research I decided to go with the 5.4 Liter V-8. One factor that influenced me was the price vs. towing capacity. The V-8 will tow over 9000 #, which is good enough. Spenindg $6000 to tow an additional 3000# didn't seem like a good tradeoff.
Also, we are in the process of moving to Wisconsin. I wasn't too thrilled with the prospect of starting a Powerstroke in 10 degree weather, (Yes, I know about block heaters, but power is not always available).
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 424
From: Too close to Houston
Originally Posted by claw302
my point is that you can probably list a lot of reasons as to why to buy a diesel from all different points of view.
1. Have a "real truck" engine.
2. Grows thicker hair on your chest.
3. Can fill up at the big rig pumps.
4. Can hold your head up with pride while loading the milk, bread, and box of tampons your wife asked you to pick up on the way home.
5. Know you can top the tallest hill in the county 10mph over the speed limit with said load of milk, bread, and tampons.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
that's funny I bought my V10 because I plan on keeping 8-10 years . 3 years past the 5 year - 100K warranty of the PSD. I was nervous about the turbo, head gaskets and injectors.
Last edited by Bagger; Dec 14, 2006 at 02:41 PM.
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
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Glanced through this real quick, apologize in advance if it's been covered.
I would not by a gasser V10, V20, whatever, and tow at altitude. Somewhere around 4-5K feet our 1996 460EFI would hit a brick wall power-wise, and that is with intake and exhuast mods that helped it significantly (I tested each mod with a horse trailer at 7K', so I know what worked and what didn't). We went to a turbo-diesel to negate the effects of the altitude - towing I-70 West of Denver was awful with the 460, but sweet with the PowerStroke (a 2000 7.3).
However, in the Northeast corner of South Dakota at 1000' elevation, where we find ourselves with family several times a year, that 460 was a blast to drive. I suspect at the lower elevations of the Southeast, where I believe the author of this thread is from, that V10 will rip around pretty nice, and tow well too.
jon.
I would not by a gasser V10, V20, whatever, and tow at altitude. Somewhere around 4-5K feet our 1996 460EFI would hit a brick wall power-wise, and that is with intake and exhuast mods that helped it significantly (I tested each mod with a horse trailer at 7K', so I know what worked and what didn't). We went to a turbo-diesel to negate the effects of the altitude - towing I-70 West of Denver was awful with the 460, but sweet with the PowerStroke (a 2000 7.3).
However, in the Northeast corner of South Dakota at 1000' elevation, where we find ourselves with family several times a year, that 460 was a blast to drive. I suspect at the lower elevations of the Southeast, where I believe the author of this thread is from, that V10 will rip around pretty nice, and tow well too.
jon.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 1
From: PA
Originally Posted by jnordby
Glanced through this real quick, apologize in advance if it's been covered.
I would not by a gasser V10, V20, whatever, and tow at altitude. Somewhere around 4-5K feet our 1996 460EFI would hit a brick wall power-wise, and that is with intake and exhuast mods that helped it significantly (I tested each mod with a horse trailer at 7K', so I know what worked and what didn't). We went to a turbo-diesel to negate the effects of the altitude - towing I-70 West of Denver was awful with the 460, but sweet with the PowerStroke (a 2000 7.3).
jon.
I would not by a gasser V10, V20, whatever, and tow at altitude. Somewhere around 4-5K feet our 1996 460EFI would hit a brick wall power-wise, and that is with intake and exhuast mods that helped it significantly (I tested each mod with a horse trailer at 7K', so I know what worked and what didn't). We went to a turbo-diesel to negate the effects of the altitude - towing I-70 West of Denver was awful with the 460, but sweet with the PowerStroke (a 2000 7.3).
jon.
I find it funny that someone said that they bought a diesel because they are keeping it for 7+ years. Is that supposed to be a long time or something? I must be missing something cause 20+ years would be a long time for me. i have one that is 30 years old, and another that is 16, and the engines have never been opened, both gasoline.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 20,589
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
Leasing?.....Not buying for the long haul?......
Towing only once/month?......
.47-cents/gallon difference between gas/diesel?.....
$4,700.00 difference in initial startup cost?......
Assuming you're just commuting the rest of the time.......
Just get the V-10.....
I'm a diesel man myself (7.3psd).....but there you go. If you're doing frequent towing...particularly long-range.....the diesel wins, hands-down....despite what the V-10ers might say......But for your purposes.........Plus, if you're doing the long-tow with the race car only once/month, the mileage will prob. not mess with your lease agreement......And if the lease agreement is fairly short, the cost of the diesel will not be made up prior to the agreement maturing......Just get the V-10.
Towing only once/month?......
.47-cents/gallon difference between gas/diesel?.....
$4,700.00 difference in initial startup cost?......
Assuming you're just commuting the rest of the time.......
Just get the V-10.....
I'm a diesel man myself (7.3psd).....but there you go. If you're doing frequent towing...particularly long-range.....the diesel wins, hands-down....despite what the V-10ers might say......But for your purposes.........Plus, if you're doing the long-tow with the race car only once/month, the mileage will prob. not mess with your lease agreement......And if the lease agreement is fairly short, the cost of the diesel will not be made up prior to the agreement maturing......Just get the V-10.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 178
Likes: 1
From: Pompano Beach, Fl
Originally Posted by Lonewolftx
I don't think you find many folks agreeing w/ 20+ MPG. JMO but most talk in the 17 to 18 hwy and 12 to 14 around town.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
A few back - yep - absolutely - turbo at altitude (or other forced induction) just an assumption since none of the big trucks offer a turbo/supercharged gas motor. I did drive a supercharged 460 with a 5spd in the early 1990's - didn't get to tow with it, but it sure was a ripper!
I've heard it said the superchargers are affected by altitude much more than turbochargers - due to the belt drive limiting rpms in the "compression" side of the equation.
jon
I've heard it said the superchargers are affected by altitude much more than turbochargers - due to the belt drive limiting rpms in the "compression" side of the equation.
jon
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Bagger
I understand where you are coming from but that was my actual results with the two trucks that I have owned. The biggest difference was the gas engine had 4.10 gears and the diesel has 3.73 gears. I wished the diesel had 4.10 gears but they are not available for the f250 with a diesel engine.
As to the cost of fuel in the long run it will be interesting to see what the price per gallon will be. I looked at my records and I have paid $2.89 per gallon for gas which I have yet to pay for my diesel so price per gallon is very unstable item. I pay between $2.46 and $2.56 for my diesel and I get 14 miles per gallon now it is colder and if I had my gasser I would be paying $2.20 gallon for gas and getting 10 miles per gallon at best. I only ran the gasser for four years and 60,000 miles so I am sure I have not idea of what my truck would get for mileage and my diesel is still to new to have a really good idea as I only have 4700 miles on it and over the total miles have a 15 miles per gallon over all.
I understand where you are coming from but that was my actual results with the two trucks that I have owned. The biggest difference was the gas engine had 4.10 gears and the diesel has 3.73 gears. I wished the diesel had 4.10 gears but they are not available for the f250 with a diesel engine.
As to the cost of fuel in the long run it will be interesting to see what the price per gallon will be. I looked at my records and I have paid $2.89 per gallon for gas which I have yet to pay for my diesel so price per gallon is very unstable item. I pay between $2.46 and $2.56 for my diesel and I get 14 miles per gallon now it is colder and if I had my gasser I would be paying $2.20 gallon for gas and getting 10 miles per gallon at best. I only ran the gasser for four years and 60,000 miles so I am sure I have not idea of what my truck would get for mileage and my diesel is still to new to have a really good idea as I only have 4700 miles on it and over the total miles have a 15 miles per gallon over all.