Best full size current gas engine

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jarmstrong

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i know this isn't exactly about oil. according to oil analysis who's makeing the best full size truck engines (ha now it's about oil)? i'm a diesel guy and unless its a toyota i won't even look at it. however, who's engine is tops in the one ton / 3/4 ton trucks? i'm looking for opinions so any input is appreciated. how's the hemi holding up or the gm motors.
thanks
 
This is only a 1/2 ton but since you said best gasser, imo its nissans 5.6 liter v8 used in the titan. That engine is awsome.
 
The nissan does include chain driven cams. The next gernaration toyota v8 should be awsome! But as of now nissans engine and 5 speed tranny combo seem to be the best.
 
The 5.4L modular Fords are pretty good on the bottom. They have forged cranks & sinter-forged connecting rods, everything is the same as a Lighning except for the pistons, which are hypereutectic and are the weakest link.

I'm running 10.5 psi of boost thru my 5.4L Expedition to no ill effect, but I don't think it would be safe to go much higher with the factory pistons/compression ratio.

The 4.6 isn't quite as stout materials-wise, but they are stil decently built.
 
I would go with just about any Chevy or Dodge. Fords I have seen too many problems with. The municpal garage that I took my dumptruck to for occasional maintenance had Fords, Chevys, and Dodge Trucks in and out for preventative maintenance. One day the mechanics were all in the shop for lunch. I decided to ask them some questions since I was in the market for a pick up. I said, overall what trucks give you the most maintenance problems? All three said, without a doubt the Fords gave them the most headaches. One guy even went to say that in his opinion all Fords that they had were junk! I'm pretty opened minded and I'm not a Ford hater but, that convinced me fairly quick. If you look around, how many old trucks do you see about nowadays still running either customized or otherwise in abundance that are 30, 40, 0r 50 years old? I mainly see Chevys. Fords and Dodges are a rare sight. Just look around.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Anthony:
This is only a 1/2 ton but since you said best gasser, imo its nissans 5.6 liter v8 used in the titan. That engine is awsome.
Click to expand...
That would be my choice as well. Puts the "Hemi" to shame IMHO.
 
quote:
Originally posted by TomH:

quote:
Originally posted by Anthony:
This is only a 1/2 ton but since you said best gasser, imo its nissans 5.6 liter v8 used in the titan. That engine is awsome.
Click to expand...
That would be my choice as well. Puts the "Hemi" to shame IMHO.
Click to expand...
Ill third that opinion. Hardly a day goes by when I dont think "what if I could go get a titan right now..."
 
I think Toyota is coming out with a 5.6 L version of its excellent 4.5L v-8. This will be in the new redesigned '06 Tundra. So wait a year and be the first on your block.

Other than that I prefer roller cam followers (can tolerate extended idling) and chain driven (versus belts that have to be replaced or can break) camshaft(s).

Both GM and Ford have piston slap issues, although this has been exaggerated as a problem. Its just annoying noises generally speaking. Ford's engine is long stroke (a lot of piston travel) and is rumored to be not as strong on the bottom end as the GM and Dodge engines. I'd go GM.

The Dodge 4.7 v-8 is a nice design, if not as powerful, but still plenty IMHO. The main bearings are held in a sort of tray (versus individual bearing caps) that is very rigid and should keep them well aligned over the life of the engine. The old 2 bolt caps (Ford still?) can wander around a bit under load.
 
Since we are talking 3/4 ton or 1 ton - the Toyota and Nissan everyone raved about in the beginning of the thread are out.

I'm with skunky - A 6.8l V10 with the Torqueshift sounds like a nice package.

The county I used to work for had a mixed fleet also - for a time. After one batch of Dodge trucks, they never ordered another one. Otherwise, it was low bid from Ford or Chevy. The maintenance guys could rattle off like clockwork when certain parts were going to fail on the GM's. Alternators every 65k, fuel pumps every 70k, etc... They tended to eat a lot more parts over time. The Fords went longer between maintenance, but tended to be more problematic to diagnose and repair when something did go wrong.

I also look at what the contractors I work with prefer. Its a mixed bag of GM's and Fords, but when it comes to 3/4 ton and up, the Superduty is the favorite of most...

All that being said, I wouldn't have a problem with the offerings of Dodge, Chevy and Ford. They all are light years ahead of rigs of the past!
 
fords hold up the best, chevy is allright if you cant have a ford. had a dodge once, never buy one again.
 
Gosh it's hard to pick just one.

Dodge Hemi, mostly cause I have one, super strong. Top end power like no tomorrow.

Nissan 5.6L, Titan engine, test drove, fantastic power, super low end pulling, would have bought the Titan, but I just had to have the Hemi.
 
The new Gen IVs coming out soon.
wink.gif
 
quote:
Originally posted by Jelly:

quote:
Originally posted by jarmstrong:
Best full size current gas engine
Click to expand...
Define "best"?

Fuel economy
Power
Torque
Longevity
NVH
etc, etc, etc...
Click to expand...
Exactly my first thought. The "correct" answer to this one depends in large part upon what you're looking for. The current Toyota V-8 (2UZ-FE), which is a 4.7L, BTW, not a 4.5L, is a favorite of mine. We have a relatively early one in our 2001 Sequoia. This is the pre-VVT-i version. It is incredibly smooth running (not suprising since the design from which it was derived, the 1UZ, was the engine in the original Lexus LS-400), wears beautifully (see all the UOAs), and produces decent V-8 fuel economy (yeah, I know, an oxymoron...). On the other hand, if your primary need is for heavy torque, this engine is smacked by the Nissan V-8, as well as the larger GM V-8s. So, for example, if you want refinement and your loads "cube out" before they "gross out," the Toyota is a top choice. If you have a big, big boat, you should probably look elsewhere.
 
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