5.8 adequate power?
 

Hey all,
I'm looking at a 1991 F350 crew cab SRW 4x4 that's got a 5.8 in it. Most of the 350s I've been looking at are either diesel or 460s. I'll be mostly using it to haul a 3 horse trailer with up to 3 horses in it at a time (trailer will be around 7,000# fully loaded). I guess I could figure maybe packing 5 or 6 people in the cab at the time as well. Does the 351 make enough horsepower stock to be able to tow this setup comfortably?

How about that E40D tranny in there (near as I can tell that's what should be in there, there's a button to turn off O/D the guy claims). Beefy enough?

I'm selling an old Chevy 3/4 ton 6.2 diesel with 700R4 tranny at the moment so I can get something that will tow without as many issues. The 351 should be able to out do the diesel I've got on hills and everything, I'm wondering if anybody here has this combination in use and how they like it. Do you wish you had the 460?

I had the guy email me the VIN but it doesn't match up very well at all with the chart I found here.

Thanks for any input,
Mike

The 351 is an OK engine. I think it would be a bit underpowered for what you want it for, though. I have one in my 92 F250 and it's fine, but I mostly just drive it around. I have put 7,000 lbs. behind it, and you definitely know it's there. Don't plan on ever pulling in OD or passing much. If it were me buying a truck, I would think a 460 or a 7.3 would make you much happier.

I think I'd pass on the 351. It's a good motor, but not quite enough to get the job done for you.

i have a 150 with a 351 and a c6 tranny. i wouldn't even consider pulling such a trailer. Not just because of the tow rating, but the engine wouldn't like it much. i've pulled a utility trailer that was loaded down at prob between 2000 and 3000 and i could def tell it was there.

Thanks all. You've confirmed my initial feeling about having that small of an engine. I guess I'll keep looking.

Thanks again,
Mike

for your needs a diesal would be the way to go.

I agree with with Kemicalburns. A 460 will just put you into bankruptcy.

yeah, they get bad enough milage pulling their own weight, let alone some 7,000lbs. The diesel has all the low-end torque that will give you great pulling power and decent milage doing it.

Actually all the 460s we've ever owned got 8 to 10 mpg loaded or unloaded.

Thats funny, our '68 F250 Camper special does the same thing. With the 390 in it in front of a C6, it gets 8.....loaded, unloaded, uphill, or downhill