What year did GM quit making the 8.1L in 2500 series pickups? I have not seen any of them for sale.
Hows is a Ford V10 for pulling?
- Thread starter Squeal
- Start date
Its all about the gearing.I got a diesel now too but I dont pass any gas stations.My old 02 supercrew chipped with dual exhaust and air bags would pull my 27' enclosed pretty darn good.I always thought it might explode but it never did.
We have 2 Triton V10s, one a 2 valve and one a newer three valve... like any other engine they have good points and bad. The good: they are VERY smooth; hardly tell they are running, start in almost any weather and seem to be durable. So far. On the other hand, they are absolute pigs on fuel and I hate how they constantly downshift on hills, especially when towing. And the coil pack failures are worthy of a thread of their own 
I've got an '02 F350 Crew Cab with the V10 and an auto, 3.73 gears.
I pulled a 28' 4 place with mine, a 25' 5th wheel/1900 Lund Pro V train combo too. It'll pull just about anything with no problems. You won't win any races, and it's hard on fuel when pulling, but it'll get the job done. The newer ones have more HP than mine too, so they should be even better.
I don't want any part of the "gas vs. diesel" debate, but here's my thoughts -
For straight pulling day in and day out, the diesel is a better option, no doubt about it.
For an "all around" truck that's cheap to maintain (and repair), worry free starting, and more than capable of handling anything, the Ford V10 is a pretty good engine. They're "key -> gas" engines. Just get in any time, start it up, and drive away - long trip, short trip, city, highway, empty, fully loaded, it doesn't matter, just go.
I'd look into the gearing of the truck before you buy, I really wish mine had the 4.10 or 4.30s, I'd gladly give up the fuel economy empty for the extra grunt and mileage when pulling.
Waxy
I pulled a 28' 4 place with mine, a 25' 5th wheel/1900 Lund Pro V train combo too. It'll pull just about anything with no problems. You won't win any races, and it's hard on fuel when pulling, but it'll get the job done. The newer ones have more HP than mine too, so they should be even better.
I don't want any part of the "gas vs. diesel" debate, but here's my thoughts -
For straight pulling day in and day out, the diesel is a better option, no doubt about it.
For an "all around" truck that's cheap to maintain (and repair), worry free starting, and more than capable of handling anything, the Ford V10 is a pretty good engine. They're "key -> gas" engines. Just get in any time, start it up, and drive away - long trip, short trip, city, highway, empty, fully loaded, it doesn't matter, just go.
I'd look into the gearing of the truck before you buy, I really wish mine had the 4.10 or 4.30s, I'd gladly give up the fuel economy empty for the extra grunt and mileage when pulling.
Waxy
I coud not agree more...
And if you can, get the big gears, I have the 4.10s in one and they make a HUGE difference when pulling and I really haven't noticed much difference in normal driving fuel mileage...
Ummm... it gets cold here in the winter and my diesels don't start so good below -20C if they are not plugged in. And electrical isn't always available.
I know there are alternatives like a remote starter or a Proheat type engine heaters, but the V10's will start in -40. Not saying its good for them, but they will.
I know there are alternatives like a remote starter or a Proheat type engine heaters, but the V10's will start in -40. Not saying its good for them, but they will.
At our cabin at home, I'm forced to leave the truck outside and away from any electrical source. I have no problems starting my diesel at -30c to -35c. It doesn't make nice sounds, but it starts every time.
If you're having problem starting at -20c, you have other issues going on with the vehicle that should be addressed. Just my opinion.
If you're having problem starting at -20c, you have other issues going on with the vehicle that should be addressed. Just my opinion.
the new diesels will start just about at any temp...the older ones wouldnt though. My dad spent an extra day at togwotee when the 7.3 PSD he had wouldnt start. It never hurts to plug in, but it is not a requirement, it is just easier on the engines. The thing that becomes an issue is the fuel gelling up. You need to keep anti-gel in the tank in cold weather...especially with ULSD.
06/07 classic. They dropped it when they went to the new bodystyle.
They have quit putting the 8.1 in all trucks as of 06 maybe 07. I think it was a dumb move but then again I'm not the company that has money to lose from offering that motor.even though there are still a ton of them running around
gettin' off topic...
I've had three different trucks now for towing my sleds and two different trailers. First i had 2500 chevy w/ a 350 - it was older but super cheap and got the job done. Then i stepped up and bought a 2005 Hemi 1500 Ram - awesome truck, and it towed my three place open trialer with three sleds fine - though it liked to shift a LOT in the mountains. Then i bought me a diesel. I will NEVER go with out a diesel again. EVER. i don't care if i'm only getting groceries in this thing - it's just damn nice truck (2005 Duramax). it allowed me to get the trailer i wanted too (a nice 21ft enclosed) that i would have never towed with my gasser. I'm not trying to make this one vs. the other here. But if you are going to two a 26ft enclosed trailer I'd think you'll need more than a v10. If you are DEAD set on a gas truck - look for the 8.1 chevy. Good motor and you get the Allison - best tranny out there for the common man.
not really...pointing out a downside to a diesel vs. gas.
you could get the 8.1 up to 07 but only in the "classic" body style(the old one) with either a ZF6 standard or the allison in the 2500hd and 3500 models. it is plenty of truck and has every bit as much torque as the diesels of a couple years back but a bit more horse power. they are rated for 340+hp and 455+ torque. as for the shifting up and down like mentioned earlier, in 03 on the allison equipped trucks gm went in and changed the setup around to where they will hold the gear much better and longer. i know my brothers 03 will hold overdrive in some of the hills that my 01 has to downshift. personally i prefer a standard trans but when i found my truck i really liked it even though it had the alli and i can say its not to bad, probably the only auto i would own.
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Sako7STW
Well-known member
Yep they were so great.....GM decided to make a collectors item out of them. Maybe one day They will come out with a very special truck with it in it. Kinda like the ubber cool Camaro poser cars!
One week old 08 V-10 F350 Crew, auto, 4.10"s sittin in the driveway. Went from a 7.3 PSD. It doesnt have the power my chipped 7.3 had by any means but I only got 14 MPG with the 7.3L and with the V-10 so far I am seeing 12. It will pull anything i need to put behind it. Love how quiet it is and the 08 is a big step up from the other years IMHO. No regrets so far.
By the way, the new V10 is 362 HP and 457 ftlbs. A bit more than the 8.1 GM
its way off topic.
the original poster is asking about the v10 gas.
he even says he's not interested in a diesel. learn to read
My buddy has a 99 with 55,000 on it and never had a problem, he tows a 21' toyhauler 9000+lbs, he can out pull me, i have a 454 and a lighter trailer. Here in Colorado Springs you start at 6500' and the altitude just goes up from there and he still pulls just fine. He loves it and will keep it as long as he can. They sure run smooth and quiet.
just out of curiosity what rpms are those numbers at, i cant find it on the web, just that the new 3-v v-10s are 362 hp. oh, and the 340hp and 455torque i mentioned on the 8.1 was what gm claimed in 01 when they came out, so newer ones could be a bit more.
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