Assuming you have four identically packaged trucks, all are going to get 7-9mpg loaded, and selecting on advertised power output alone which would you choose and why?

210hp @ 3600RPM / 325 Ftlb @ 2800
245hp @ 4000RPM / 395 Ftlb @ 2400
300hp @ 5000RPM / 365 Ftlb @ 3750
362hp @ 4750RPM / 457 Ftlb @ 3250

40 million things go into comparing similar trucks, and HP/Torque is pretty low on my list. A mercadies can have huge HP/torque numbers and it's still going to tow like shit. If you are looking for a tow truck, how about looking at the tow rating/GVWR, and options that actually tell you how much the truck can pull. Look a the trucks reliability and see how long it's going to last you. Just basing off the HP/Torque I'd go with the highest numbers to make the engine work less and last longer, but like I said, dumb thing to judge your purchase off of....

Based on your criteria, most torque at the lowest RPM wins every time. I'll take door number 2 please. #4 has a bucket of torque, but being up high like that says V10 to me. I'd much rather see dyno charts so you could base it on "area under the curve", as that's even more useful.

I agree that there are many other factors that go into selecting a tow rig than just the advertised numbers. Just curious where the numbers might fit into your thoughts. I run #3 currently and the next step is either to #2 or #4.

If I guess your motors, do I get a cookie?

#1 351 W
#2 460
#3 5.4 mod motor
#4 whatever the ford V10 is


Why not just give in and get the 8.1/allison if you want a gasser? :laughing:

I would say #2 or #4 just based on the numbers. Biggest torque at lowest revs. I'd have to test drive them in matching trucks to get a real world feel though.
Travis..

To hell with that....I've got 325 @ 2900 and 610 @ 1700 :flipoff2:

To hell with that....I've got 325 @ 2900 and 610 @ 1700 :flipoff2:

350/650! :D

Actually... I agree with the highest torque and lowest RPM... Can I drive them each with a trailer before I pick? But in reality, I'd like to see the torque/horsepower curves for those.

Assuming you have four identically packaged trucks, all are going to get 7-9mpg loaded, and selecting on advertised power output alone which would you choose and why?

210hp @ 3600RPM / 325 Ftlb @ 2800
245hp @ 4000RPM / 395 Ftlb @ 2400
300hp @ 5000RPM / 365 Ftlb @ 3750
362hp @ 4750RPM / 457 Ftlb @ 3250



Id pick #2 i agree those look like 460 numbers throw a set of Doug Thorley headers on and that thing will do anything you ask it too for a long time.


My 460 5 speed had no issues for a long time and the headers REALLY woke the motor up I wouldnt do any other mods other than heaers and maybe an air filter

The 4th option its would be nice to see the torque curve and see how long it sits above the 400 mark. so it would be my second choice. automatic or stick? i'd be leaning towards a stick but thats just because i have zero issues with my mt powered trucks and my auto trucks are slushbox money pits. My old 6.0 5speed was nice with up to about 8k lbs behind it at the 8k lbs mark things Really slowed down. hence why i lean towards big blocks

Only V10 dyno chart I could find

If I guess your motors, do I get a cookie?

#1 351 W
#2 460
#3 5.4 mod motor
#4 whatever the ford V10 is


Why not just give in and get the 8.1/allison if you want a gasser? :laughing:

http://gustavus.edu/groups/unitedway/images/cookie.jpg

350/650! :D

Doh! :homer:


I had my 460 punched to 466 with mild performance down low in mind a while back. Should be somewhere around 375 & 500...

It's getting dropped into my F150 so we'll see how she performs...

The 460 is a great motor and has the power where you need it. Very easy to upgrade and make large gains.

From experience I will rip past my buddy up a grade in his 460 5 speed with my Hemi Ram pulling the same weight. But that is due to gearing and him not having the power up high to get into the next gear.

But you simply cannot beat a old F350 with a 460 and a 5 speed. Find one for a couple grand and you have a great low budget tow rig that will last just about forever. Just get some aftermarket seats and you are set.