2000 F250 w/V10. Low cost power mods?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
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From: Kansas
2000 F250 w/V10. Low cost power mods?
Brief situation here: A local doctor has a 2000 F250 with the V10/automatic that has 80K miles. He's been put into long term care and can no longer drive. This truck has been parked for 2-3 years and the doctor's son might be wanting to sell it.
I've been in the hunt for an F250/F350 diesel to do some towing, doing so just a couple of times a year. The diesel trucks resale value has kept me away. The trailer being towed would be about 8K-9K total weight or less. This truck already has a ball hitch installed.
I really wanted a manual transmission truck, but I have no problem with the automatic and the seller of this truck says the transmission has recently been rebuilt. (Although I have not pressed him for the receipt on the work that was done)
I know the earlier V10 engines didn't have the HP or the torque that some of the later ones had. More than curiosity than anything else, is there a low cost mod that can be done to pick up the ratings just a bit?
Again, I really (at this time) have no desire to do any of these mods, I'm just looking for some answers. TIA.
I've been in the hunt for an F250/F350 diesel to do some towing, doing so just a couple of times a year. The diesel trucks resale value has kept me away. The trailer being towed would be about 8K-9K total weight or less. This truck already has a ball hitch installed.
I really wanted a manual transmission truck, but I have no problem with the automatic and the seller of this truck says the transmission has recently been rebuilt. (Although I have not pressed him for the receipt on the work that was done)
I know the earlier V10 engines didn't have the HP or the torque that some of the later ones had. More than curiosity than anything else, is there a low cost mod that can be done to pick up the ratings just a bit?
Again, I really (at this time) have no desire to do any of these mods, I'm just looking for some answers. TIA.
FTE Community Team
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 10,725
Likes: 1,496
Personally, I'd leave it be. 310HP and 425lbft is plenty for 9,000 pounds, and cheap mods usually cause more trouble than they're worth. I have a 1999 F-53, so only 275HP and 410lbft, but it does fine at 17,000 pounds empty.
In 2005, the V-10 got an extra 52HP and 32lbft, but that was mostly from upgrading to 3-valve heads.
In 2005, the V-10 got an extra 52HP and 32lbft, but that was mostly from upgrading to 3-valve heads.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 546
Likes: 30
From: VA- Shenandoah Valley
No, nothing cheap to increase power. Even if you wanted to spend a significant amount, there isn't much improvement out there. The 6.8 is very reliable and stout, but it wasn't market supported for power improvements. Basically, headers and free flowing exhaust is the extent.
Drive it and see what you think. You may be surprised, and as mentioned, it will tow 8 or 9 thousand just like it is. Mine is stock, and I've towed close to 20,000 with it. It may not be a diesel, but it does fine. The only difference is how quickly I can get up to speed, or pulling grades in higher gears. In it's own right, the V10 is a workhorse.
Drive it and see what you think. You may be surprised, and as mentioned, it will tow 8 or 9 thousand just like it is. Mine is stock, and I've towed close to 20,000 with it. It may not be a diesel, but it does fine. The only difference is how quickly I can get up to speed, or pulling grades in higher gears. In it's own right, the V10 is a workhorse.
Last edited by hodge5; May 10, 2026 at 07:12 AM.
FTE Community Team
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 10,725
Likes: 1,496
Umpteen bazillion Class-A, Class-B, and Class-C motorhomes and two-umpteen bazillion UHaul Econolines, F-650s, and a year of F-350s are testament to this!
5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 25
Likes: 27
I'm going to give you a different reply from the rest...
Yes, there are plenty of aftermarket upgrades that are doable and cost effective without losing reliability.
1. I did a PI swap, found an OEM aluminum PI intake. (This was done at the time of an engine swap I couldn't see leaving 35HP by just ordering a PI engine)
2. Ebay LT headers with crossover and SS hardware. (I added a full length MBRP4.5" exhaust at the same time)
3.Custom Tune. (I cannot stress how much this helps! Tow mode on mine will move anything you put behind it)
4. Get a good TIG welded aluminum radiator to keep the cooling system where it needs to be. I did a cooling mod to my V10 just for added insurance.
Yes, there are plenty of aftermarket upgrades that are doable and cost effective without losing reliability.
1. I did a PI swap, found an OEM aluminum PI intake. (This was done at the time of an engine swap I couldn't see leaving 35HP by just ordering a PI engine)
2. Ebay LT headers with crossover and SS hardware. (I added a full length MBRP4.5" exhaust at the same time)
3.Custom Tune. (I cannot stress how much this helps! Tow mode on mine will move anything you put behind it)
4. Get a good TIG welded aluminum radiator to keep the cooling system where it needs to be. I did a cooling mod to my V10 just for added insurance.
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kevinmach1
Modular V10 (6.8l)
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Sep 4, 2005 04:58 PM
