Hi again, after reading your reviews for the 5.2 and 5.9 motors for hauling, I'm now looking beyond. I am considering a Ram 2500 with either the V10 or gulp, Cummins if I could find one. My first question is about reliability of each. How long will the v10or cummins go without potential problems. As well, economically speaking fuel mileage. Let's hear what you have to say.

 

well both are great motors they are however two diffrent beasts, both make great power so towing with either wont be a problem at all.

specs for the v10.




Horsepower
310 hp @ 4100 rpm

Torque
450 ft. lbs. (617 N.m) @ 2400 rpm

specs for the 2nd gen diesel
Power (SAE net)
[ul][*]215 bhp @ 2600 rpm - 49 state manual[*]180 bhp @ 2500 rpm - all auto. trans[*]180 bhp @ 2500 rpm - CA man. trans [/ul]
Torque (SAE net)
[ul][*]440 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm - 49 state manual [*]420 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm - all auto. trans[*]420 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm - CA man. trans [/ul]
So the v10 mkaes alittle more power then the diesel, althoe the diesel makes it at a lower rpm..

As for fuel mileage the v10 is decient does as well as my 5.9 litre so around 10-12 prolly, the diesel is going to get better then that but you must remember diesel fuel costs alot more then reg gasoline now a days.

reliability well they are both great engines, the diesel is going to last longer statistically but its more expensive to fix a diesel, so really in the end its all up to you, lol

 

Nice to know, your right I never considered the differences with the cost of fuel. So, if I'm shopping for a v10 how many miles would you feel comfortablein purchasing.? As far as the diesel same question.

 

i belive there is a lot more preformance wise for the cummins than the V10 thow, if you ever wanted to go down that road, also the cummins would probley outlast the V10 however a truck with the V10 would prob br cheper than one with the cummins, another thing if its for towing you might want to find one with a 5 speed

 

You'l get probably double the mpg with the Cummins. The 12v Cummins is one of the most reliable diesels ever mad, and with some simple inexpensive upgrades you can be making huge power. If your towing diesels are the only way to go.

 

+1 that pretty much sum's up my .02 on this topic as well.

 

well i agree the diesel is a great engine but...... think of this, (and believe me i know i shopped for trucks for about a year before i bought my v10) you will end up spending roughly 8-10k for a decient v10 i paid $8800 for mine with 80k on it. they go for cheap because lets face it with the price of fuel now a days no one is beating down the door for an 8.0 litre v10 truck. while the same year same condition cummins is going to go for 12-15k if not more.

So you are going to pay alot more for the cummins as well as paying more for diesel fuel, if you plan to just tow, and not mod the truck as in keep it stock. then you mine as well go for the v10 it mkaes more power stock for stock,gas is cheaper,price of the truck is cheaper, and price of repairs is cheaper in mosr cases. also note that most mechanics are not trained in diesels and dont work on em, i know mine didnt, and thats a bog reason i went with the v10.

 

My .02$ I feel I have a pretty good amount of knowledge on this subject.

My company supplied me a 99 Ram 2wd 2500 Quad cab short bed witha 5.9, I drove it for 190,000 miles. The only problem I had with it was the intake gasket. It averaged 12 MPG the entire time I drove it. High of 16, low of 10, (I use a company fuel card and get a spred sheet every year) I borrowed the truck to pick up a Jeep In NC and towing a trailer@ 5500 Lbs Returned 9MPG

In 2003 I purchased a 1999 Ram 2wd 3500 QC with a Cummins and 105,000 one owner miles. I had it for about 1 year and the block cracked(The dreaded "53" block) The local Cummins dealer worked with me on price because it was a "Known" problem. Still a replacement long block ran me 4500.00 and I did the R & R Myself. Fast forward to2005 the lift pump failed, taking along with it the Injector pump. Another 2500.00 repair.At this time I added an Edge Comp box, 4" exhaust, and AFE intake. This woke the truck up, before these additions i could not figure out why everybody gushesthe engine. I'd definately reccomend these add ons to the truck. Milage empty was 17 empty, and 13 towing (6000 Lbs)

I sold The Diesel last summer as I wanted a 4x4 SB. I picked up a 99 Ram Sport 4x4 with the V-10 and 92,000 miles (for 5500.00 I was looking for a cummins, but could not pass up the price) So far I had to rebuild the trans, (2nd gear band was worn through to the steel) (900.00 with a HP converter and a Cast deep pan and shift kit) I added a K&N FIPK and GIBSON Cat Back at this time. Towing performance is easily equal to the Cummins (@6000 lbs anyway) Un loaded driving has returned 16 MPG on the Highway, and towing 6000 Lbs has returned 11 MPG. The V-10 is always labeled a GAS HOG, but in my experience it has better milage than a 5.9, and with the cost of Diesel today, Mile per mile cost is not far from the Cummins. The ony engine problem I've had to date wa a leaking oil pan gasket that I fixed while the trans was out.

Of all 3, I have had the best experience with the V-10, your results may vary

All 3 trucks have 3.55 gears, and the V-10 can do a wicked "Smoke Show" by stabbing the accelerator from anything less than 10 MPH. With the cost difference in purchase, and fuel, not to mention repairs (The cummins is a durable motor, but when something does go wrong, it costs a pretty penny to fix)

 

my v10 has the 4:10 gears and its a towing machine, i have put 10k behind it and it doesnt even flinch. im a landscaper so i tow daily, and for me the v10 was the right choice.

I have also heard that with an intake,exhause and a pcm flash maybe?? you will upwards of 500tq

 

I'm thinking about going to 4.56 gears and 35" tires with a leveling kit. With 3.55s on the stock tires, it pulls like a freight train, I cant even imagine it with 4.10s. BTW Do you know who does the PCM reflash?