I'm looking into getting a mid 90s ram 2500, and i would like to get the v-10 in it. I basically want this truck to be able to plow snow, pull stuff and run well. Also what kind of gas mileage (lol) will this engine get, and what should i look out for when i'm looking at them?

Thanks all.

EDIT: oh, also does this engine run on 87 gas?

 

personally if i was doing any type of towing i would get the cummins desiel but that's me. I know that plenum gaskets and transmissions are problem areas for the 5.2 and 5.9. you'll probably get 11-12 mpg[&:] just test drive them and make sure everything runs properly, transmission shifts right etc.

 

You'd be better off with the cummins. Those V10's were CRAZY fuel suckers and the cummins is better for the environment too

 

i have the 8.0L and i get pretty much 12 all the time...i run 87

 

reason i was going for the v-10 instead was because they are a lot cheaper, also, i'm planning on doing as much work on it as i can myself, and i know very little about cummins.

 

Cummins are more expensive but will outlast your truck. I'd recommend the Cummins.

 

Diesels aren't any more complicated to work on than a gas motor IMO, so I wouldn't let that be your deciding factor. There are some really knowledgeable guys over in the CTD section too if you have questions. The CTD is a good motor and not that the V10 isn't but I think you would be happier with it. Those things will run forever, diesels make alot more power too.

 

CTD will outlast the V10 for sure. More mods available for the CTD and cheaper to increase hp/trq.
Stock for stock not a lot of difference in performance though when it comes to towing.
Expect to pay about 2x as much for the same year, optioned truck when it comes to the CTD. Most are giving away their 10s when it comes time to sell.

I get 10-12mpg in mainly city driving empty with my V10 (85/15 city/highway). Towing my 96 to the track (5800lbs trailer/96) usually get a hair over 12mpg if I dont screw around too much or traffic isnt too bad. (50/50 city/highway)

 

Well, this is my first post here, so take what I've got to say with a grain of salt.

I only recently purchased my 1999 2500 V10 short box quad cab 4x4 a month ago (and signed up here right after), but I couldn't be more pleased. Just like you, I went with the gas engine because I couldn't spend the money for the diesel. Around here (North Idaho) similar year CTD's with 150K+ miles on them sell for over $18K in decent shape and $21K in great shape. Right now, there is a 2002 with only 65 thousand miles and they want $25 grand! Heres a link to the ad. I was able to get my loaded '99 with leather seats, every option imaginable, perfect condition and only 80K miles for right at $12K. It's a compromise, but so far I'm happy.

Like I said, it's only been a month, but in 7 tanks I've gotten EXACTLY 12.6 mpg every time - it doesn't seem to make any difference whether it's all local driving, long trips on logging roads, or entire weeks on the interstate. I have yet to pull a heavy load more than 25 miles, but the V10 handled it exceptionally well. And that's with a lift, 35's, and 4:10 gearing.

I'm still learning about the truck, with alot of the info coming from these forums, but I'm very happy with my decision to go with the V10.



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Let me put my flame suit on::

I currently own a 99 2500 V-10 SB QC 4x4. I have owned it for 3 weeks. I sold my 99 QC Cummins 3500 LB a month ago. With my cummins I got ~16 MPG towing my open car hauler trailer. With the V-10 I got 12 MPG last weekend. With the difference in price on Diesel and Gas ~60-70 cents a gallon (At least here in the suburbs of Chicago), its pretty much a wash. Everybody will pipe in about the longevity of the Cummins blah blah, maybe on the old first gen trucks that was true, but Lift pumps (relatively cheap), and injector pumps ~2000.00(At least on the 98.5-2002 models) fail prematurely, and there are a bunch of "53" blocks in the same era that like to crack (anywhere from 4000 to 6000.00 to repair) on a truck that is worth~12-16,000.00 its not worth it imho. I've heard that early V-10s had some problems with cylinder heads, and detonation (IMHO its easier to re-route plug wires than change an injector pump) Drive one of each. My Cummins had an Edge comp box, 4" exhaust, AFE intake etc... and my V-10 with a K&N FIPK will out run it empty or loaded. The V-10 is actually tricky to drive off the line quickly without roasting the tires. And who knows what the price of Diesel is going to be after the first of the year with the new EPA mandated blend. I'd imagine the oil companies will use that as an excuse to tack on a higher price, if that happens is Diesel going to be a dollar a gallon more than Gas? Who knows? Any mopar engine made since the magnum series came out in 1992 can easily last 200,000 thousand + miles without an overhaul with decent maintenence, and they are MUCH cheaper to rebuild than a Cummins when the time does come. Murf