Chevy 6.0l vs. Ford 6.8l

[VanCamper]

I'm looking at moving up to a used class c motorhome, but have concerns over which is the best engine. Does anyone have any personal experience with the Chevy 6.0l V-8 or the Ford 6.8l V-10? I've heard somewhere, the Ford 6.8l has a spark plug issue. Is this true, and how common is this problem. I want to find something I can drive to Arizona this winter and spend about 4 months. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[29chico]

I'm looking at moving up to a used class c motorhome, but have concerns over which is the best engine. Does anyone have any personal experience with the Chevy 6.0l V-8 or the Ford 6.8l V-10? I've heard somewhere, the Ford 6.8l has a spark plug issue. Is this true, and how common is this problem. I want to find something I can drive to Arizona this winter and spend about 4 months. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

The 6.0L GM V8 is a far better engine.

 

[highdesertranger]

I agree with chico. I don't see the attraction to the v-10's you don't need the extra 2 cylinders but you have all those extra parts which will need replacing sooner or later. the v-10's get poor fuel economy. highdesertranger

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

The 6.8 Ford V10s had the same problems as some of the V8s did.

The early, two valve heads were thin aluminum, and spark plugs sometimes blew right out.  Ford claimed they could be fixed with steel threaded inserts, but some people have had problems with inserts and plugs blowing out as a unit.

Around 04 or so, they came out with the three valve heads, and they were thicker, so blowing plug problem never happened anymore, however, the original two-piece factory plugs were known to snap in two sometimes while trying to change them.  This becomes an expensive problem to fix.   Around 08, they finally scrapped the two-piece plugs and the newer three valve engines no longer have these problems.  If the 04 - 08 engines have had their original plugs replaced with the new one piece plugs, they're probably ok, but I would stay away from the earlier two valve engines.  They're just a problem waiting to happen.

On the subject of Ford vs Chevy I have no personal opinion, but hdr usually knows what he is talking about.

 

[VanCamper]

Thanks for the responses. I think I'm leaning towards the Chevy 6.0l just to avoid the possible spark plug problem. The thing I noticed is there seems to be fewer Chevy chassis units for sale than Ford chassis units. I can't afford new, so will keep looking for something 5-10 years old. Has anyone heard of any inherent problems with the Chevy chassis and 6.0l engine?

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Thanks for the responses. I think I'm leaning towards the Chevy 6.0l just to avoid the possible spark plug problem. The thing I noticed is there seems to be fewer Chevy chassis units for sale than Ford chassis units. I can't afford new, so will keep looking for something 5-10 years old. Has anyone heard of any inherent problems with the Chevy chassis and 6.0l engine?

When I was doing my research, I spent a lot of time reading Ford truck forums.  I think you can find more info on the GM forums.  Try:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/120675-gm-60-liter-gas-engine-durability-power-longevity/

http://chevroletforum.com/forum/silverado-fullsize-pick-ups-21/6-0l-problems-41699/

 

[Milk Hauler]

The 6.0 in vans and trucks is a LS based motor. GM took it and re worked it for more torque. . The 6.0 L is a larger truck version of the LS1 found in vettes.

Just google LS SWAP, and you will find thousands of pages of good reading. Those LS based motors are kick ass. Hot Rodders put them in everything from Jeeps, to kit cars. Simple to work on, and and abundance of replacement parts. Given time the later 5.3 and 6.0 will even more loved than the 5.7.

When I get my 2500 express, It will have the 6.0. 😎

Sent from my LGL82VL using Tapatalk

 

[campfirestu]

The 6.0L GM V8 is a far better engine.

Hello 29chico
Could you perhaps expand on your answer?
Both are good engines. Lots said here about 6.8 spark plugs but nothing about the 6.0 piston slap issue??
Also nothing said about the potential low oil pressure issue on the 6.0??

Again..both are good engines.
btw - I have two v10 vans (171k in an x-uhaul box truck and 131k in a e350 SD) and two 5.4 truck/van (266k and 264k) I do have the spark plugs serviced. 
Also - what sits behind the engine - weighs in on the choice.
Total combined miles on the above trucks/vans with the 4r100 trans is 661k, the x-uhaul with 171k has the torqueshift 5 spd.  

Gotta love the better torque on the 6.0

 

[highdesertranger]

this thread is over 2 years old. highdesertranger

 

[campfirestu]

this thread is over 2 years old.  highdesertranger

Old thread - still current topic.

 

[highdesertranger]

why I stated that is because you asked Chico a questions, I haven't seen him around in a while. I doubt you will get an answer. highdesertranger