5.4L EFI FFV V8 worth converting to 4x4 "sportsmobile" adventure vehicle?

[CactusJackSlade]

This is a cross post - hope you do't mind I was not getting any responses on the "Sportsmobile" section...

I've been looking and lurking for a while now. I am swayed in the direction of converting an E-350.

The low mileage diesels seem so hard to find I'm wondering if the 5.4L EFI FFV V8 model would be worth while converting.... 4x4, poptop at a minimum, probably more interior work as well (sink, microwave, fridge, additional couch/bed, storage etc)

I've been looking at the (gas) extended E-350 XLT's. Passenger vans in this configurationl with the V-8 gas motor are plentiful... Diesels are almost non-existent.

Not planning on any big amount of towing, but I don't want to be totally under powered when I'm loaded up either. I also hear that the mileage on the diesels are better in comparison to gas, especially as you start to add a load. Looks like diesels hold their value a lot better too?

Anybody out there with a full blown GAS sportsmobile?.. or have had both and can give a comparison?

Thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks all - excellent forum

 

[derjack]

I think this topic has never been discussed before.

 

[ujoint]

I've converted several 5.4 SMBs, not scared of them as long as you understand it won't be a speed demon. We're finishing up one right now. Gear it accordingly and enjoy the reliability and easy maintenance of the 5.4!

 

[brianjwilson]

Low gears are your friend. On big mountain passes the engine will scream in second gear. It will do it, but it won't be fast.

Personally I'd look for a later v10 IF you can find one. More power, much better transmission (also cheaper to convert to 4x4 with the 5 speed auto), and gas mileage difference such be pretty minimal compared to the v8. Hint: gas mileage will suck either way. I'd rather sacrifice a small mileage difference for improved drivability.

 

[rockdude]

The 5.4l engine is a very reliable and workhorse engine and when taken care will last a very long time? 300K + On the highway, it will comfortably cruse along but on the mountain passes you will be taking your time, but not as slow as a Westfalia.

 

[CactusJackSlade]

Thank you for the replies - Kinda what I surmised, but good to have some first hand knowledge... The 5.4 F350's are so plentiful it will be so much easier finding one... although brianJwilson, I will indeed keep my eye out for a v10

 

[FDM2012]

With about 1000lbs of "stuff", in my 2WD E350 5.4, I have done some decent climbs, and like these guys say,
you just have to slow down and let it do its thing. Not uncommon for it to scream for a little bit in 2nd....

Meanwhile, at just under 11k, my 7.3 Ambo isn't even phased on the same climbs. Albeit, I do keep a wary eye on my EGT's.
With no room for an intercooler, I will probably add Meth later this year...

Both rigs are fun to drive, and I wouldn't be afraid to drive coast to coast in either one of them right now. :smiley_drive:

All vehicles require maintenance, but like Chris said, the 5.4 is easier and it is much cheaper, too!

 

[Ranchero]

I also responded on the Sportmobile thread, but having daily driven a 5.4 4x4 SMB at 7000-10000 ft for 10k miles, I can say the power is adequate. I have 4.30s and 33s (just switched to 35s today!). It's no rocket, but who really gives a crap. It should run forever and parts are cheap. It can do any pass I've encountered in Colorado at the speed limit and still get 13-14mpg. And the best part for me - it is super quiet.

 

[CactusJackSlade]

I also responded on the Sportmobile thread, but having daily driven a 5.4 4x4 SMB at 7000-10000 ft for 10k miles, I can say the power is adequate. I have 4.30s and 33s (just switched to 35s today!). It's no rocket, but who really gives a crap. It should run forever and parts are cheap. It can do any pass I've encountered in Colorado at the speed limit and still get 13-14mpg. And the best part for me - it is super quiet.

Awesome, thank you Rancho - have you done any performance enhancements on your 5.4?