v-10 question

[mattg]

I've noticed that there seem to be an awful lot of dodge v-10 trucks on the used market for pretty reasonable prices, and was wondering why. Is there some problem with them, is it the high (and getting higher) price of gas, or just chance? Let me know what you know as I have been considering buying one. I'd love to go diesel for the towing capacity, but the prices are just too steep for my wallet.
Thanks for the help.

[Honest Mike]

I cant answer your original question, but I can tell you that one of my good friends has a Dodge 2500 with the V10 and he absolutely loves it. He did some performance modifications to it and believe it or not, the truck is pretty darn fast, much faster than it was bone stock. It is also a stick shift, which helps with the torquey feel it has. He is very happy with his and I dont hear him ever complain about it being a pig on gas. Mike

[Matthew Bowman]

mattg-
The V-10 is an awsome motor, however they are horrible on gas. My uncle had one and loved it, but finally got rid of it because of the milage. You will be lucky if you get close to 10highway.
Matt

[Lawngodfather]

Yeah I got one that will pass everything but a gas station..

Wish I never got it.

Plus all the parts cost almost double the 360 V8

[Roger Dodger]

10 mpg highway? Hmmm. Let's see now, I get around 14 highway (65-70mph) and 8 when towing 3-tons behind it in rolling hills areas (50-60mph). 3.55 axle ratio

So that's prolly a better representation of real world numbers IMHO. Perhaps many owners traded for the hemi, thinking it would perform similar while having throttle response and a throaty exhaust sound. Too bad it doesn't push a snow filled blade like the V10 does let alone tow a heavy load.

[Lawngodfather]

Originally posted by Roger Dodger
Too bad it doesn't push a snow filled blade like the V10 does let alone tow a heavy load. Not toatally true, but wait till you get a Cummins.

[Roger Dodger]

Only the new Cummins HO out does the V10. The former diesel only had 10 ft/lbs more over the 8L gasser. Main diffs were better fuel economy, a slightly higher developed torque at somewhat lower rpms than the V10, edging it out when starting from a dead stop. That in itself made the driver feel a difference in power. Drivetrain was often the same, except for the manual sticks that often used a Dana 80 rear over the 70.

BTW, we have 2500 hemi w/ Blizzards on them at work & the guys comment that the motors just don't power the truck "while plowing" like the tired 2500 Chevy 6.0 Vortecs still do! Just reporting their concensus.

[mattg]

Thanks for the responses. The help is always appreciated. I haven't fully decided as to whether or not to take the plunge, but I am definately leaning that way. One final question on this. How well have the trannys handled all of that power? Around here we are always hearing about tranny problems on the dodges, but everywhere else I dont seem to hear it. Needless to say I haven't put too much stock into hearsay and rumors, but that doesn't mean that I won't check to see if there is any truth. By the way, I am referring to the automatic transmission, not the manual. I have a bad left knee that really doesn't like clutches too much, so I tend to avoid manuals.
Thanks again for the help.

[John DiMartino]

On the transmissions I havent had any bad luck,personally.If you take care of the trans with regular service it wil take care of you.

[mattg]

Thanks John. If it can handle your psycho diesel from hell it should certainly handle a stock 10. By the way, I love the set up on your truck. That alone shows that you must take great pride in what you do. How much did all those engine modifications cost if you don't mind me asking? A very good friend of mine is looking at some similar work on his, he just hasn't figured out yet what the final cost would roughly be. thanks.

[John DiMartino]

Matt while the transmissions behind the v10 and cummins are the same, ive done a few mods to mine to help it cope with the power.Stock v10 shouldnt hurt a stock trans unless your beatin the daylights out of it.