Have you seen a Ford with a V10 engine and wondered how long they last? Well, we wondered the same thing and researched to find out how long these engines last and how to make them last longer.
The Ford V10 engine can be expected to last 200,000 miles without needing major repairs due to its high-quality construction. With proper maintenance and care, it can even get well over 200,000 miles with only small repairs needed.
A Ford V10 engine is a long-lasting option, so what makes it so durable? Keep reading to find out what makes this engine so great, and why it can last longer than others.
What is a Ford V10 Engine?
Originally known as the Titan V10, which is not used anymore, the Ford V10 engine is a modular engine designed to replace the older V8s. They have a special reduction in manufacturing costs with shared blocks, bore centers, and several other engine parts.
The V10 engines come with cast-iron blocks, two-valve aluminum heads, and single overhead valve actuation. This engine was also praised for its horsepower when compared to other engines of its kind.
It has a max engine speed of up to 5,200 RPM and has a total weight of 625 pounds. This engine was introduced in 1991 and although it is limited in use, it is still used nowadays for certain applications.
The V10 has a reputation for its durability and reliability when it comes to lasting a long time, and with 200,000 miles being common for this engine, it is a great option for many reasons.
Engine Specs
- Modular engine
- 6.8-liter
- Ten cylinders, V configuration
- Longitudinal orientation
- Single overhead cam valve configuration
- Cast-iron block
- Aluminum cylinder head
- 9.2:1 compression ratio
- Chain camshaft drive
What Cars Use Ford V10 Engines?
The Ford V10 engine is not as common as the V6 or V8 engines, but it still comes in several vehicles. Most of these are luxury vehicles that come with a high level of care, so the engine is expected to be well taken care of and durable.
The luxury options are the Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Huracan, and the Audi R8. These supercharged vehicles are some of the most popular luxury vehicles and are not commonly seen.
One of the main cars that came with a Ford V10 engine is the mustang. Though this did not make it to regular production, it was a project that made many manufacturers interested.
V10 engines were also put into several Ford vehicles like the Excursion, Expedition, and F-250s along with some other truck models.
Benefits of Having a Ford V10 Engine
When you have a Ford V10 in your vehicle, you have lots of power at your disposal! And that’s something to consider when thinking about getting a vehicle with this type of engine. The high amount of horsepower that you get with a V10 is between 305 and up to 310.
This will give your vehicle a boost like never before, which is one thing that many people like about this engine. The torque is high as well with up to 425 lb-ft of torque.
However, though these are two of the most common benefits of a V10 engine, there are other things that you should consider when thinking about getting a vehicle that has one.
1. Affordability
One thing that many people don’t know about the V10 engine is how affordable they are compared to diesel engines. This makes vehicles with these engines more affordable than ones with diesel engines.
This can help those who have to stick to a strict budget get something powerful and durable without needing to go well over their budget.
Plus, with the ability to last over 200,000 miles, it is a great investment for the future!
2. Gas Engine
If you want a gas engine that has lots of towing power, then the V10 will be a great fit for you. Though it doesn’t have the same level of torque or towing capabilities as a diesel engine, this is one of the most powerful options for a gas engine.
Also, because you don’t need to buy diesel fuel for your engine, you will be spending a bit less on gas overall.
This can make a big difference when you have the vehicle for a long time, and with the durability of these vehicles, you likely will have it for some time.
3. Rarity
Another factor that makes these engines great is the fact that they are rare. It’s not every day that you see someone driving a vehicle with a V10 engine, and there is the mystery that comes with it.
Also, many of the vehicles that are known for having the Ford V10 engine are luxury options that are not seen on the road often, like the Lamborghini Huracan.
This gives the engine a high-end appeal that makes it cool to have and is a talking point for any car enthusiasts.
4. Durability
V10 engines are one of the best options for longevity, and there is no doubt about that. With the ability to last over 200,000 miles, you can keep this engine running for a long time.
Though there are not a ton of vehicles that have this engine in it, you can find options that are equipped with a V10, it just might take some time to find them.
And, with a little bit more upkeep to make it last, that engine can be a great investment.
Disadvantages of a Ford V10 Engine
Although there are several advantages to owning a vehicle with a V10 engine, there are a few caveats as well.
So, if you were thinking about getting a vehicle with a V10 engine before you do you think about these disadvantages to decide if the pros outweigh the cons.
1. Cost of Gas
Though paying for regular gas can save you some money over time, the issue with the V10 engine is that the gas mileage is very low. With a large truck, no one expects that you will get great gas mileage like a small eco-friendly car.
However, the V10 engines tend to be major gas-guzzlers when it comes to mileage. This means that you will be spending more on filling up often than you would with a regular diesel engine.
This could be an issue if it is enough to offset the lower cost for gas. So, think about how much you will drive the vehicle to decide if it would be worth it.
2. Issues with the Exhaust
Another thing that the V10 is known for is the issues that come with the exhaust. There have been several former customers that have had issues with the manifold studs getting rusted out.
This could cause an exhaust leak that needs to be repaired. There are relatively simple repair kits for this problem, but you might find that you need to do this more than once.
Also, if you don’t have any experience with car repair before, then you might feel like this is an issue that you would rather not deal with. However, this is a smaller issue compared to anything going wrong with the engine.
3. Rough Idling
Though these other issues are things to consider before deciding on purchasing a vehicle with a V10 engine, they are not the main complaint. The main thing that owners notice is the fact that the vehicles have a rough idle.
This is something that is not difficult to fix, but it can be frustrating to deal with all the time. So, if you were to have a vehicle that has this problem, you will want to check the PCV hose first.
This can develop small cracks which lead to the vehicle having a rough idle, so this is the best place to look at first. This is a pretty easy fix, so it is not a major issue, but it is something to think about.
What’s Best For You?
After looking at the negatives and positives of having a V10 engine, you can see that it does last very long, but some cons come with having this type of engine.
So, deciding if a V10 engine is a good idea for you is to look again at the negatives.
If any of these are dealbreakers for you, then you have your choice. However, if you like more things than you dislike, then a V10 engine might be a good choice for you.
Final Words on how long Ford V10 engines last
Seeing a vehicle with a V10 engine is not common, but they are still out there. So, if you have thought about looking for a car for yourself that comes with this type of engine, you know that the 200,000-mile marker is no problem for you.
However, some negatives come with having this kind of engine too. So, don’t overlook things that could make a difference to you down the road.
If you think that you can deal with things like rough idling and small repairs throughout the time that you own the vehicle, then a Ford V10 engine will work for you.
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