Time to upgrade?
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New User
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Ft. Knox
Time to upgrade?
I have a paid off 2001 f150 with the 5.4L engine with a 3.73 rear end. I am looking into the possibility of purchasing a project car that will eventually end up on the track. My question is should I buy an f250 or should I build up my current f150?
I currently have a valve stem leak and I burn about two quarts of oil between oil changes so I eventually will have to tear the engine apart. I was thinking about having my heads port and polished, installing headers with an aftermarket exhuast system, and of course get a cold air intake. I figured I could pick up some more torque and hp after the engine work which would make towing a 3,000 pound car w/ trailer alot easier. My truck currently has about 125,000 miles on it and it's my daily driver which I only drive about 15k per year. Not sure if I should invest in a heavier duty truck or try to build my own engine and risk tearing up my transmission.
I currently have a valve stem leak and I burn about two quarts of oil between oil changes so I eventually will have to tear the engine apart. I was thinking about having my heads port and polished, installing headers with an aftermarket exhuast system, and of course get a cold air intake. I figured I could pick up some more torque and hp after the engine work which would make towing a 3,000 pound car w/ trailer alot easier. My truck currently has about 125,000 miles on it and it's my daily driver which I only drive about 15k per year. Not sure if I should invest in a heavier duty truck or try to build my own engine and risk tearing up my transmission.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 727
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From: north shore, minnesota
For the long run and what you're planning to do get a 250. Don't forget along with the car you'll be hauling around over 1000 lbs of tools and parts to the track as well, and 200 lbs of beer for the pit crew, depending on what kind of racing you're into.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 768
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From: Michigan
Stock Air intake would suffice. Maybe a larger throttle body but search the threads here and you will see many people bash aftermarket cold-air intakes.
Although you truck will be able to do it. I don't think it makes sense to put a boat load of money into a truck to pull a car that you also put a lot of money in. Go with the 250 or 350 and if you're into buying a new truck and worry about towing make it a powerstroke.
Although you truck will be able to do it. I don't think it makes sense to put a boat load of money into a truck to pull a car that you also put a lot of money in. Go with the 250 or 350 and if you're into buying a new truck and worry about towing make it a powerstroke.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Ft. Knox
I figured a F250 would be better suited for my needs but I was looking at the figures for a gasoline F250 and it seemed feasable to build a truck that could fit my needs. I appreciate the help and i guess i will keep my eye out for any hot deals on F250's in the future
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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I would say you have to evaluate how much time you are actually going to be towing. Are you towing 15 to 20 miles across town to the local track or are you going to be taking weekend trips over a couple hundred miles at a time? I pulled my Dirt track car to and from the track for 5 years with my F150 and it resulted in no long term issues but it was just 20 miles to the track on saturdays in the summer. I would say if you just need a short distance puller, get a new f150 but if it's going to be long hauling it, get a new 250. I think either will be more reliable than building up your current truck and waiting for something to break. Just my 2 cents.
