which E150 engine is best? 4.9/5.0/5.8?

dooks · 11-03-2009, 12:05 PM

Hello,
I am planning to soon buy a used E150 (possibly an E250 if it has the smaller engine in it), The newer the better, but I don't have a lot to spend so I am generally looking at mid-90's models;
though I wouldn't be too bothered by going for an 80's van as long as it has fuel injection.

Fuel consumption is not really that important, I don't think that the 4.9 gets more than a mile or two better per gallon than the 5.8.

I am more interested in long term reliability.
The 4.9 seems to have a much vaunted reputation for durability, though it seems to be fairly rare in the Ford vans.
Just wondering what people think of these engines and maybe if anybody knows any other areas of concern with these years of vans (like the transmissions?)
thanks

BroncoJoe19 · 11-03-2009, 05:18 PM

Sorry, I don't know much about the econolines, but I assume that they follow along fairly well with the f150/bronco series.
With that being said, I think that you will find lovers of all three engines listed.

I think that pretty much they went to EFI around '87, and by 1990 the E4OD trans was standard. During the next couple of years there were a few upgrades to the E4OD, so I would look for a 94 and up.

Other things you may want to consider is that the 96 and up have OBD2 for diagnostics, which may be more specific than the earlier OBD codes.

I would definitely be interested in seeing what others have to say on this issue, as there are many who know much more than me, and I can learn from them.

theoldwizard · 11-03-2009, 06:52 PM

If fuel economy is your main goal, get the 4.9L. They are pretty indestructable, altough they sometimes leak oil.

IMHO, I would go with what Joe is trying to guide you to. A 1996 or newer 4.6L. OBD-II sure helps a lot when you are trying to diagnosis issues.

Also stuff from late 80s - early 90s is going to be suffering from ROT which can cause weird problems that are difficult to track down.

dooks · 11-04-2009, 08:41 AM

Thanks for the replies, the OBD-II is a very good point, I will look more for 96' or newer if possible; can make diagnosis a much smaller ordeal, I know.