Was wondering which way togo if one cn't afford a Powerstroke
Thanks

 

Go with the V-10. The cost increase is only $600 more and gets very close to the same mileage. I have said it on here time and time again. It is always better to have to much power than not have enough when you need it. Even if it is just a few times a year that you really need the power of the 10 you will kick yourself in the butt that you didn't get it.
I get a solid 13.5 MPG and mines a crew cab 4x4 with the long bed. I also enjoy the power of the V-10 everytime I drive it. I first stayed to the "keep it below 2000 RPMS" and you'll get good mileage and I get the same if not better with my foot into it.

 

You don't really give any specifics as to what you need the truck for or what kind of truck you are considering.

4x2 vs. 4x4
Reg Cab vs. SuperCab vs. Crew
Long bed vs. Short Bed
towing/hauling? what kind of loads?

The v8 really is not a bad engine - esp for a reg cab or super-cab.

If you need/want the extra power, go with the V10.

Personally, I would get a Crew Cab, Short Bed, 4x4 with the V10.

 

I'm partial to the 6.8 V10 for it's towing benefits and better performance at highway speeds.

If you do go with a 5.4L go with a 6-speed and the 4.10 rear axle. If you do alot of city/town driving that combo at lower speeds actually feels like it has more torque than a V10 with 3.73s. It will still get winded on the highway after about 65mph whereas the V10 will keep accelerating until the limiter cuts you off.

 

I dont think they should even offer the V8 in the Super Duty.

Definately get the V10

 

If you think you need the V8 get the V10. You'll probably want it after you start using the V8.

 

V10, its worth the $600...

 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 5.4 V8 in a Super Duty. The comments made like "they shouldn't offer a V8 in a SD" probably came from someone who has never driven one. The 5.4 with the 4.10's feels as strong as the V10 w/ 3.73's. That's the conclusion I came too because I've done it. Go drive some trucks and see for yourself.
I would imagine if you tow heavy all the time maybe a used PSD would be a good bet. If you tow occasionaly and don't haul much and just want a roomier truck, the 5.4 V8 maybe perfect.

 

1. I had the 5.4L in a F150 and It was barely enough.
2. the SD weighs more empty
3. The SD with a 5.4L will have very poor resale value since it's a contradiction of itself.
4. The V10 is only $600 more! Its a no brainer
5. The 5.4L with higher gears will have worse economy and will spin that motor more essentially wearing it out sooner.
6. Dont tell me you never wished you had more power... Especially THAT MUCH more power!
7. +50HP and +75LB. TQ. for $600!!! Did I mention ~ NO BRAINER!


Sorry

 

I have driven both that is why I have the V-10. Yes the 5.4 will do ok in a regular cab BUT the cost for the V-10 is barely more than the floor mat upgrade. Spending the $600 for that kind of motor improvement is the cheapest and best way to go or you can be back in here asking how to get more HP and torque from your new 5.4. Not beating up on any of the 5.4 owners but again a $600 upgrade that gets you this kind of increase, it's a no brainer IMHO.
I got by with my V-6 in the F-150 and I will never go back to getting by with a motor.

 

I have a 2000 F150 5.4 V8 w/ 3.55 LS, my dad has a 2002 F350 4x4 w/ V10 and 3.73.
Go w/ the V10 - his truck has SOOOOOOOOOO much more power! and only gets 1-2 MPG less than my truck.
I often find myself wishing I would've gone the V10 SD route, but I like my truck...

 

Bottom line.......it depends.

1. Regular cab or more? 6' or 8' bed?
2. Doing alot of towing? How much weight?
3. Doing alot of hauling? How much weight?
4. Resale value. How long are you going to keep the truck?
5. How much is chest-thumping important to you (to be able to post that you have a V-10 or PSD)?

For Me......

1. I just need a regular cab... 1 bucket seat for me and 1 for my 125 truck-dawg named Jake.
2. I never tow.
3. I have an 8' bed. I may haul some mulch or dirt a couple of times a year. My bed gets used mostly for hauling 4x8 sheets or lumber from big boxes for home projects.
4. I don't care much about resale. It's my 3rd vehicle, don't put much mileage on it, and plan on keeping it at least 10 years.
5. For my needs 5.4L is plenty. It could blow the doors off of my 1995 f150 with the straight-6. Of course I'm getting old and I don't have to get anywhere too fast.

 

Go for the 6.8L V-10! It is awesome.

 

Pete-- if your getting old, that's the perfect reason to get some where fast......You don't want to keel over on the way and wreck your truck do ya.

 

So 'bikenut', isn't your truck a 2 wheel drive? Well, to me, a 4x4 is a NO BRAINER!

And with logic like 4.10's will wear out an engine quicker, adding 2 more cylinders will make the V10 wear out quicker as well?!

Contradiction to itself? Huh?

Did you ever think that maybe some people don't like the sound of a V10?

Please do me and the rest of us here a favor and cut the arrogance down a few notches.