I went through the same troubles - looking at online dealer inventory in eight states for my truck before I found the one I ended up getting. For some reason, the inventory folks at these dealerships don't tend to order much with the V10 for stock.

As far as modding a 5.4 and makeing do - I guess it depends on your occasional towing duties. Yes, you can certainly get by with it - despite what some have said, the 5.4 does fine in an unloaded SD. Sure, it isn't going to win many races, but you won't have to get out and push it either. However, if the towing is substantial (say 4,000lbs+ - even if it is only occasional) and anything other than flat, your brother might find himself disappointed. My '00 F250 (5.4, SC) did fine pulling my camper at the time (max load probably 3,000lbs) through the Ozarks, but when I stepped up to a larger cab configuration (and subsequently a larger camper), I also stepped up to the V10.

Personally, with the money that you are talking about, I wouldn't "settle" for the 5.4 when I am confident that there is a V10 out there for him.

[A semi-unrelated interesting note (at least it was true in '02 - haven't checked '03 specs): when comparing identically equipped F150 S'Crews and F250 Crew Cabs (4x4, auto, 5.4, etc), the S'Crew actually had a higher tow rating.]

 

Good advice, dont forget to get some good performance out of the programmer, you would have to use the premium fuel...

 

 

Mike, I think the wait and the search will be worth it...I know you want it now..But you will own it for awhile, so get want you want and dont substitude..You will be happy over the life of the vehicle...

You dont want to settle for something and not be happy with it..and then you will be saying, why didn't I wait and get the V10???


You dont want that...

You will enjoy the V10...You will love the SD...