What are your thoughts on full size (1/2 ton- F150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, etc) with 6 cylinder engines? If one will never be towing, off roading, or hauling anything more than 500lbs in the bed would this be a practical choice? I know they get similar gas mileage to the 8 cylinder, but 6 cylinders can be gotten cheaper. Will they last just as long as the 8 cylinders or will the smaller engine have to work a lot harder to move the truck, thus cutting its lifespan short?
Full Size Trucks With 6 Cylinder Engines
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I went through this dilema when looking for a dedicated work truck. After realizing the small V8s get the same gas mileage, don't have to work as hard, and obviously have more power, it was an easy choice. The dealer offered the V8 for $500 extra. I figured $500 was a small price to pay for something I wouldn't regret down the line.
Originally Posted By: lancerplayer
What are your thoughts on full size (1/2 ton- F150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, etc) with 6 cylinder engines? If one will never be towing, off roading, or hauling anything more than 500lbs in the bed would this be a practical choice? I know they get similar gas mileage to the 8 cylinder, but 6 cylinders can be gotten cheaper. Will they last just as long as the 8 cylinders or will the smaller engine have to work a lot harder to move the truck, thus cutting its lifespan short?
If the V6 is taken care of it will last. If the deal is great than a V6 can be a bargain. You will have problems with resale as most that buy these trucks want a V8. The V6 will probably also get the same real world gas mileage as the V8 but lack the power.
If you don't care about having a slower truck that is low on power and one that you will keep for a long time, a V6 for the right price may be you.
What are your thoughts on full size (1/2 ton- F150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, etc) with 6 cylinder engines? If one will never be towing, off roading, or hauling anything more than 500lbs in the bed would this be a practical choice? I know they get similar gas mileage to the 8 cylinder, but 6 cylinders can be gotten cheaper. Will they last just as long as the 8 cylinders or will the smaller engine have to work a lot harder to move the truck, thus cutting its lifespan short?
If the V6 is taken care of it will last. If the deal is great than a V6 can be a bargain. You will have problems with resale as most that buy these trucks want a V8. The V6 will probably also get the same real world gas mileage as the V8 but lack the power.
If you don't care about having a slower truck that is low on power and one that you will keep for a long time, a V6 for the right price may be you.
The 6 cyl. will obviously have less HP and will get marginally better MPG, but the engine will still outlast the rest of the truck, if maintained properly. If a 6 cyl. truck meets your needs, buy it.
Personally, if I were buying a truck (which I'm not anytime soon), I'd get a 4x4 with a V8. I like the sound of a V8 much better than a V6, and you never know when those extra few horsies and 4WD might come in handy.
Personally, if I were buying a truck (which I'm not anytime soon), I'd get a 4x4 with a V8. I like the sound of a V8 much better than a V6, and you never know when those extra few horsies and 4WD might come in handy.
My father in law has a F150 with a 6 cyl engine. He tows a fairly large boat on a regular basis. He bought it used with 25k miles on it, and now it has just under 200k miles.
It will work, you just have to be mindful about you OCI and your brakes.
On another note. A friend of mine in college grew up in a family of truckers, and his father owned a trucking business. He told me once that the majority of their fleet of Big Rigs were Volvo 4-cylinder diesel engines (HUGE 4). I took his word at it but always wondered about it.
I think alot has to do on how the drive train is set up. Not how many cylinders the vehicle has. Yes, there is no replacement for displacement. But at the same time, how many people use their 8cyl engine just to pal around town?
I just think that the vast majority of ppl who have and drive 8cyl cars dont use them like they think they do. And would be better off with something else
Take my Brother in Law. He was driving a Chevy Tahoe on a lifter kit with huge steel diamond plate bumpers and the 8cyl engine that came with it. It was his "cool ride" that he had purchased from someone in highschool. He never towed anything, went off roading, or anything like that. Gas goes up to $4+ a gallon and it costs him over $100 to fill. It takes him almost $50 to go see his fiance' at the time. He goes and sells it for $500 and purchases a '07 Nissan Altima.
How many mommy mobiles out there have 8 cylinders and carry nothing but diapers? Black Humvee with lots of Chrome....anyone?
Alas, the answer to your question is Yes and No. Yes you can go for less. But no, it dosent look cool and give the auto companies the money they so desperately need.
Ford's F-150 is still their best selling vehicle. Even though all the meanie greenies tell them that a hybrid will sell like hotcakes.
It will work, you just have to be mindful about you OCI and your brakes.
On another note. A friend of mine in college grew up in a family of truckers, and his father owned a trucking business. He told me once that the majority of their fleet of Big Rigs were Volvo 4-cylinder diesel engines (HUGE 4). I took his word at it but always wondered about it.
I think alot has to do on how the drive train is set up. Not how many cylinders the vehicle has. Yes, there is no replacement for displacement. But at the same time, how many people use their 8cyl engine just to pal around town?
I just think that the vast majority of ppl who have and drive 8cyl cars dont use them like they think they do. And would be better off with something else
Take my Brother in Law. He was driving a Chevy Tahoe on a lifter kit with huge steel diamond plate bumpers and the 8cyl engine that came with it. It was his "cool ride" that he had purchased from someone in highschool. He never towed anything, went off roading, or anything like that. Gas goes up to $4+ a gallon and it costs him over $100 to fill. It takes him almost $50 to go see his fiance' at the time. He goes and sells it for $500 and purchases a '07 Nissan Altima.
How many mommy mobiles out there have 8 cylinders and carry nothing but diapers? Black Humvee with lots of Chrome....anyone?
Alas, the answer to your question is Yes and No. Yes you can go for less. But no, it dosent look cool and give the auto companies the money they so desperately need.
Ford's F-150 is still their best selling vehicle. Even though all the meanie greenies tell them that a hybrid will sell like hotcakes.
I have one.
I think you guys are assuming these trucks are inherently designed around V8 power. Honestly, most trucks light loads when you consider 1) engine displacement and 2) empty bed most of the time. It's not like with a V6 engine in a truck, you'll be revving to 3500 rpm just to leave a stoplight.
I have hauled 1500lb of old fence to the dump without any difficulty, plowed through muddy fields (good tires help), and I still get 22mpg with 75k miles on the odo.
I don't ever think of racing, unless I'm up against an old Festiva or a early 90's Kia.
This all being said, if I purchase another truck, it will have the largest V8 and 4WD. The main reason is not out of necessity, but because V8s now are well tuned to get the same mpg as my older V6. The 4WD thing is just because I'd like to do more offroading.
I think you guys are assuming these trucks are inherently designed around V8 power. Honestly, most trucks light loads when you consider 1) engine displacement and 2) empty bed most of the time. It's not like with a V6 engine in a truck, you'll be revving to 3500 rpm just to leave a stoplight.
I have hauled 1500lb of old fence to the dump without any difficulty, plowed through muddy fields (good tires help), and I still get 22mpg with 75k miles on the odo.
I don't ever think of racing, unless I'm up against an old Festiva or a early 90's Kia.
This all being said, if I purchase another truck, it will have the largest V8 and 4WD. The main reason is not out of necessity, but because V8s now are well tuned to get the same mpg as my older V6. The 4WD thing is just because I'd like to do more offroading.
Last time I was at Chevrolet's website, they priced the V6 the same as the 4.8 liter V8. If that is still the case I don't see how they could sell any V6s, especially considering that the mpg difference between the two will probably not be perceptible.
Clark
Clark
they offer a 6 cyl to meet a price point for stripper, basic work trucks. the mpg argument doesn't work; IRC, the GM 5.3 V8 gets better mpg than the 4.8, and real close to the V6.
if I was getting a short bed 2WD truck, I'd be ok w/ the V6, but you might find it lacking at passing speeds.
I had my fatherinlaws old '83 F100 w/ the 300 I-6, 3 onthetree. fine for 'truck' stuff, but not good on the hwy. he replaced it w/ another ford, a '95 (I think) F150, again w/ the I-6, but auto trans. he said he should have gotten the V8 (it was a bit heavier than the '83, and the auto sapped some power also).
if I was getting a short bed 2WD truck, I'd be ok w/ the V6, but you might find it lacking at passing speeds.
I had my fatherinlaws old '83 F100 w/ the 300 I-6, 3 onthetree. fine for 'truck' stuff, but not good on the hwy. he replaced it w/ another ford, a '95 (I think) F150, again w/ the I-6, but auto trans. he said he should have gotten the V8 (it was a bit heavier than the '83, and the auto sapped some power also).
I used to have an old F-150 with the inline 6, and that old truck had plenty of power and a ton of torque. The gas mileage, however, was terrible. That old truck would pull a house behind it in granny gear. I miss it. Given the choice today, I would pick a V-8.
Have also heard of bread trucks etc with 4 cyl turbo diesels... less cylinder wall to piston friction with fewer larger pistons, and the turbo took care of the displacement challenge.
An inline 6 will be naturally balanced and smooth, the ford 300 was a great motor because of this.
Brother in law had a work truck special ordered with a V6 and short/low rear end ratio. It scooted just fine. The problem you'll run into is most V6s will be tuned for economy/commuting with taller rear end ratios.
IIRC chevy is offering a V6 1/2 ton work truck for $12999 now...
An inline 6 will be naturally balanced and smooth, the ford 300 was a great motor because of this.
Brother in law had a work truck special ordered with a V6 and short/low rear end ratio. It scooted just fine. The problem you'll run into is most V6s will be tuned for economy/commuting with taller rear end ratios.
IIRC chevy is offering a V6 1/2 ton work truck for $12999 now...
I for one wouldn't mind a V6 4x4 truck, IF, it had a manual trans and a low final drive ratio, like 2.73 instead of 4.11.
It should still be able to get better mileage than a V8 truck when not pulling or hauling, and still be able to tow as much as an auto V8 by being able to run in 4th gear (or even 3rd) on the highway when needed without worrying about burning up your transmission. Up a long grade or into a big headwind for example.
I tow my snowmobiles or hay with my 4 banger tracker and sometimes wish I bought the V6 but I get 25% better mileage 95% of the time I'm not towing and 3rd gear is good for 65 mph if needed. The 4 cylinder has got fewer parts to fail and there is space to actually work in the engine bay without taking half of the front end apart.
Really, my dream truck would be a 4x4 Chevy Colorado with a 5 cyl turbo diesel and 6 spd manual with low ratio axles. 30mpg and 250lb.ft of torque would be perfect for me.
Ian
It should still be able to get better mileage than a V8 truck when not pulling or hauling, and still be able to tow as much as an auto V8 by being able to run in 4th gear (or even 3rd) on the highway when needed without worrying about burning up your transmission. Up a long grade or into a big headwind for example.
I tow my snowmobiles or hay with my 4 banger tracker and sometimes wish I bought the V6 but I get 25% better mileage 95% of the time I'm not towing and 3rd gear is good for 65 mph if needed. The 4 cylinder has got fewer parts to fail and there is space to actually work in the engine bay without taking half of the front end apart.
Really, my dream truck would be a 4x4 Chevy Colorado with a 5 cyl turbo diesel and 6 spd manual with low ratio axles. 30mpg and 250lb.ft of torque would be perfect for me.
Ian
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
...a low final drive ratio, like 2.73 instead of 4.11.
...Really, my dream truck would be a 4x4 Chevy Colorado with a 5 cyl turbo diesel and 6 spd manual with low ratio axles. 30mpg and 250lb.ft of torque would be perfect for me.
Ian
you mean high ratio gears. low number gears are 'high', and higher numbers are 'low'.
...a low final drive ratio, like 2.73 instead of 4.11.
...Really, my dream truck would be a 4x4 Chevy Colorado with a 5 cyl turbo diesel and 6 spd manual with low ratio axles. 30mpg and 250lb.ft of torque would be perfect for me.
Ian
you mean high ratio gears. low number gears are 'high', and higher numbers are 'low'.
My cousin had two 1998 F-150 XLTs with the 4.2L V6. Both were great trucks and never had any issues. They were work trucks, and were often loaded down with tools and cleaning supplies. One was totalled early in its life, but the other one racked up around 200K miles before it was traded in.
V6s really are not that bad in 1/2 tons. A V8 is only needed on 4WD extended cab/crew cab trucks, and trucks that will tow a lot.
A lot of the loaded crew cab 4WD 1/2 tons have low payload capacities because of their high unloaded weights. Some are as low as 900-1000 lbs.
V6s really are not that bad in 1/2 tons. A V8 is only needed on 4WD extended cab/crew cab trucks, and trucks that will tow a lot.
A lot of the loaded crew cab 4WD 1/2 tons have low payload capacities because of their high unloaded weights. Some are as low as 900-1000 lbs.
Today's full size truck is not like yesterday's full size truck. They need more torque to move around the ever increasing weight and size of the truck, nevermind the added payload.
Today's V6 engines aren't the low-revving torque monsters they used to be. Current V6 engine design is tight tolerance, high revving OHC or DOHC. This doesn't work well in a truck application as it does in a sedan or minivan.
While its true a modern V6 will propel a modern truck, its not as functional and efficient as a modern small modular V8. As others have said a small V8 will deliver about the same mileage as a modern V6, deliver more needed torque and will retain better resale value.
The only appeal of a V6 in a full size truck is fleet compatibility which helps lower operating costs. Beyond that, skip it.
Today's V6 engines aren't the low-revving torque monsters they used to be. Current V6 engine design is tight tolerance, high revving OHC or DOHC. This doesn't work well in a truck application as it does in a sedan or minivan.
While its true a modern V6 will propel a modern truck, its not as functional and efficient as a modern small modular V8. As others have said a small V8 will deliver about the same mileage as a modern V6, deliver more needed torque and will retain better resale value.
The only appeal of a V6 in a full size truck is fleet compatibility which helps lower operating costs. Beyond that, skip it.
Originally Posted By: bretfraz
Today's full size truck is not like yesterday's full size truck. They need more torque to move around the ever increasing weight and size of the truck, nevermind the added payload.
Today's V6 engines aren't the low-revving torque monsters they used to be. Current V6 engine design is tight tolerance, high revving OHC or DOHC. This doesn't work well in a truck application as it does in a sedan or minivan.
While its true a modern V6 will propel a modern truck, its not as functional and efficient as a modern small modular V8. As others have said a small V8 will deliver about the same mileage as a modern V6, deliver more needed torque and will retain better resale value.
The only appeal of a V6 in a full size truck is fleet compatibility which helps lower operating costs. Beyond that, skip it.
What? High revving? The 4.2 in my F150 redlines at 4750. I rarely get the engine above 4k rpm, even when I tow or haul. Plenty of low end torque for "trucky" applications.
Today's full size truck is not like yesterday's full size truck. They need more torque to move around the ever increasing weight and size of the truck, nevermind the added payload.
Today's V6 engines aren't the low-revving torque monsters they used to be. Current V6 engine design is tight tolerance, high revving OHC or DOHC. This doesn't work well in a truck application as it does in a sedan or minivan.
While its true a modern V6 will propel a modern truck, its not as functional and efficient as a modern small modular V8. As others have said a small V8 will deliver about the same mileage as a modern V6, deliver more needed torque and will retain better resale value.
The only appeal of a V6 in a full size truck is fleet compatibility which helps lower operating costs. Beyond that, skip it.
What? High revving? The 4.2 in my F150 redlines at 4750. I rarely get the engine above 4k rpm, even when I tow or haul. Plenty of low end torque for "trucky" applications.
Originally Posted By: mpvue
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
...a low final drive ratio, like 2.73 instead of 4.11.
...Really, my dream truck would be a 4x4 Chevy Colorado with a 5 cyl turbo diesel and 6 spd manual with low ratio axles. 30mpg and 250lb.ft of torque would be perfect for me.
Ian
you mean high ratio gears. low number gears are 'high', and higher numbers are 'low'.
I should've checked google for the right term...
Yes, like 2.73 or 3.11 or what ever the actual numbers are, there's no good reason I can think of, not have a huge overdrive in 6th for unloaded mileage and have to run in 5th or 4th while towing.
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
...a low final drive ratio, like 2.73 instead of 4.11.
...Really, my dream truck would be a 4x4 Chevy Colorado with a 5 cyl turbo diesel and 6 spd manual with low ratio axles. 30mpg and 250lb.ft of torque would be perfect for me.
Ian
you mean high ratio gears. low number gears are 'high', and higher numbers are 'low'.
I should've checked google for the right term...
Yes, like 2.73 or 3.11 or what ever the actual numbers are, there's no good reason I can think of, not have a huge overdrive in 6th for unloaded mileage and have to run in 5th or 4th while towing.
The 4.3 Chevy is a good engine. I had one in a G-20 1994 van and it got good mileage (21) on a trip and 19 combined. Pretty good for a van. I would prefer it to the 4.8, as I just like 6 cylinders. I also had a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 3.9, and although a little underpowered, got good mileage. It had all the power I needed except for a few times on on ramps I wish I had the V-8. Overall, I prefer sixes.
Ford dropped the V6 option on the '09 F-150.
I can get better gas mileage with my GM 5.3, than my neighbor can with his GM 4.8. The EPA numbers back that up as well.
Both trucks are 2WD extended cabs with 3.42 rear ends.
Dad has a Dodge 1/2 ton 2WD regular cab longbox with the 3.9 V6 at work. It is a real lightweight. I'd never own one.
I can get better gas mileage with my GM 5.3, than my neighbor can with his GM 4.8. The EPA numbers back that up as well.
Both trucks are 2WD extended cabs with 3.42 rear ends.
Dad has a Dodge 1/2 ton 2WD regular cab longbox with the 3.9 V6 at work. It is a real lightweight. I'd never own one.
Originally Posted By: SuperDave456
My father in law has a F150 with a 6 cyl engine. He tows a fairly large boat on a regular basis. He bought it used with 25k miles on it, and now it has just under 200k miles.
It will work, you just have to be mindful about you OCI and your brakes.
On another note. A friend of mine in college grew up in a family of truckers, and his father owned a trucking business. He told me once that the majority of their fleet of Big Rigs were Volvo 4-cylinder diesel engines (HUGE 4). I took his word at it but always wondered about it.
I think alot has to do on how the drive train is set up. Not how many cylinders the vehicle has. Yes, there is no replacement for displacement. But at the same time, how many people use their 8cyl engine just to pal around town?
I just think that the vast majority of ppl who have and drive 8cyl cars dont use them like they think they do. And would be better off with something else
Take my Brother in Law. He was driving a Chevy Tahoe on a lifter kit with huge steel diamond plate bumpers and the 8cyl engine that came with it. It was his "cool ride" that he had purchased from someone in highschool. He never towed anything, went off roading, or anything like that. Gas goes up to $4+ a gallon and it costs him over $100 to fill. It takes him almost $50 to go see his fiance' at the time. He goes and sells it for $500 and purchases a '07 Nissan Altima.
How many mommy mobiles out there have 8 cylinders and carry nothing but diapers? Black Humvee with lots of Chrome....anyone?
Alas, the answer to your question is Yes and No. Yes you can go for less. But no, it dosent look cool and give the auto companies the money they so desperately need.
Ford's F-150 is still their best selling vehicle. Even though all the meanie greenies tell them that a hybrid will sell like hotcakes.
You're getting a bit off topic with the other cars. In the truck world, the V8 and V6 get the same mileage, why wouldn't you take the V8 even if you don't use it to it's potential every day? When it comes time to tow or pass someone at highway speeds you will be glad you have the V8.
The Ford inline 6 that many refer to is much more of a truck engine than the V6s offered today. IMO it shouldn't be compared with the current offerings. It is bigger than Chevy's small V8.
My father in law has a F150 with a 6 cyl engine. He tows a fairly large boat on a regular basis. He bought it used with 25k miles on it, and now it has just under 200k miles.
It will work, you just have to be mindful about you OCI and your brakes.
On another note. A friend of mine in college grew up in a family of truckers, and his father owned a trucking business. He told me once that the majority of their fleet of Big Rigs were Volvo 4-cylinder diesel engines (HUGE 4). I took his word at it but always wondered about it.
I think alot has to do on how the drive train is set up. Not how many cylinders the vehicle has. Yes, there is no replacement for displacement. But at the same time, how many people use their 8cyl engine just to pal around town?
I just think that the vast majority of ppl who have and drive 8cyl cars dont use them like they think they do. And would be better off with something else
Take my Brother in Law. He was driving a Chevy Tahoe on a lifter kit with huge steel diamond plate bumpers and the 8cyl engine that came with it. It was his "cool ride" that he had purchased from someone in highschool. He never towed anything, went off roading, or anything like that. Gas goes up to $4+ a gallon and it costs him over $100 to fill. It takes him almost $50 to go see his fiance' at the time. He goes and sells it for $500 and purchases a '07 Nissan Altima.
How many mommy mobiles out there have 8 cylinders and carry nothing but diapers? Black Humvee with lots of Chrome....anyone?
Alas, the answer to your question is Yes and No. Yes you can go for less. But no, it dosent look cool and give the auto companies the money they so desperately need.
Ford's F-150 is still their best selling vehicle. Even though all the meanie greenies tell them that a hybrid will sell like hotcakes.
You're getting a bit off topic with the other cars. In the truck world, the V8 and V6 get the same mileage, why wouldn't you take the V8 even if you don't use it to it's potential every day? When it comes time to tow or pass someone at highway speeds you will be glad you have the V8.
The Ford inline 6 that many refer to is much more of a truck engine than the V6s offered today. IMO it shouldn't be compared with the current offerings. It is bigger than Chevy's small V8.
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