8.1 vs. f*rd v-10?

irqfdm · October 23, 2003

I have been challenged to a friendly pull-off, before I hook up the tow straps I want to get some input on what might happen. My '01 2500HD 8.1 vs his F250 V-10, both of us in 2-wheel drive, on dry pavement. He is running with factory tires and I have 285x75 perelli's. I just want to see what everyone thinks the outcome might be. I don't want to get embarrassed but I am a believer, I think that I can drag him all over town like a 16 foot john-boat!

Thanks

Hacksaw Hilliard · October 23, 2003

I don't know how they would stack up against each other today but I remember reading about a comparison between the two when the motor first came out. Actually, they also compared the V-10 from Dodge. At that time the V-10 from Dodge was far superior to the Ford in both HP and torque. The same could be said for the 8.1 (being far superior to Ford's V-10). Since you have the higher torque numbers, you should be able to pull the Ford. However, I think all you'll do is spin your tires unless you have plenty of weight in the back to give you traction.

Let us know how it turns out.

BlackSilver · October 23, 2003

Unless you both add some serious weight to your truck beds, this is a test of traction --- not a test of power.

irqfdm · October 23, 2003

I think that you guys are right, the only thing that is going to happen is a loss of traction. We could put them both in 4-wheel drive but I wanted to stay away from that to avoid even MORE strain on the truck. I would like to settle the dispute but it is not worth ruining my truck over. I was thinking that 2 wheel drive would be alot easier on them but it would probably not be a true measure of power. We are very good friends so my day will come. He works as a ranch-hand so I told him that when he hooks on to a trailor that his truck can't handle to call me, and the GMC will come to the rescue. We might still try it in 2-wheel drive just for sh*ts and giggles.

8.1Texan · October 23, 2003

also, whoever sits higher will have an increasingly greater advantage base don how different the two are in height.

what happens is that one truck gets pulled up slightly and the other gets pulled down. obviously the one gettign pulled down will get more traction than the guy being lifted slightly.

Like Blacksilver said- it's a test of traction.

awdvkd · October 23, 2003

If you have a G80 locker you have a big advantage. I don't believe F*rd offers a locker. Plus it sounds like you have more rubber to the ground. You also have more torque available at lower RPM's than the F*rd. I also believe you have a larger rear end than the F*rd. You also have a h*ll of a lot better tranny. Just don't break your tires loose and you will take him! Good Luck!

HillHound · October 23, 2003

Let us know what happens. The 8.1L has more torque and GM's usually get better traction. On the other hand, Superduties weigh more and sit up a little higher.

If you do it in 4wd, I'd say the Ford will gain some advantage because of the extra weight in the Superduties front end.

Mine only has a limited-slip in the rear and most of the new GM pickups I've been in, including my 1500, get better traction offroad than my F250 in 2wd and 4wd. The V10 is no slouch in torque, though. If it can keep traction on the ground it's quite capable of taking you for a ride!

Colorado Kid · October 23, 2003

Just hold your brakes until the Ford breaks traction, then drag him away.

If you try it in 4WD you'll probably break a tie rod and go for a ride backwards with no steering.

irqfdm · October 23, 2003

HILLHOUND, I agree that the V-10 is no slouch. I was with him as he was pulling a cattle trailer filled with 350 lb steers and I was impressed. Actually that is what started this whole thing, I made the mistake of saying, "Wow, this engine has got a lot of torque." I think that I blew up his head! LOL! The books show the 8.1L with more torque but I have also heard that F*ord rates their motors peak HP and torque at one RPM level, whereas GM rates the highest HP and torque at their individual highest readings (2 levels). Does anyone know if this is accurate or not.

Cpl Punishment · October 24, 2003

HILLHOUND, I agree that the V-10 is no slouch. I was with him as he was pulling a cattle trailer filled with 350 lb steers and I was impressed. Actually that is what started this whole thing, I made the mistake of saying, "Wow, this engine has got a lot of torque." I think that I blew up his head! LOL! The books show the 8.1L with more torque but I have also heard that F*ord rates their motors peak HP and torque at one RPM level, whereas GM rates the highest HP and torque at their individual highest readings (2 levels). Does anyone know if this is accurate or not.

All ratings are at their max levels. Look at Ford specs, the HP and torque are rated at different RPMs.

Now, for the contest. You have wider tires than a stock 250, so better traction.

Is this going to be a face-to-face pull, or bumper-to-bumper? If face-to-face, you'll have an advantage in that the Ford sits higher and will try to lift your front end up. thus shifting weight to your drive wheels. If you can, without breaking the tires loose, put your engine at the RPM that gives the highest torque. It's also good advice to try to get him to break his tires loose, then pull. Even better if he doesn't realize what's happening!

3BAV · October 24, 2003

I have basically done this in the past. Had a old Chevy with a 350 and an auto tranny. It was a 2WD half ton. I had a friend that had a old ford with the 300 straight six and it was a 4x4. We hooked up with a chain both in 2WD and we litterly did not move an inch. We both sat in the same spot and just spun the tires. He had a lift with 36" tires on his side and I just had street tires. As soon as he put it in 4WD it was obviously all over with but I did spray some dirt into the cab of his truck as he had the back window open. So it worked out in the end. LOL

Jon

422 SS · October 24, 2003

I did something similar to prove a beer induced point several years ago.My K2500 HD was up against a F-250.We locked the hubs and had a pull-off,I pulled him but my truck hopped on the dry pavement at the end and destroyed the front suspension.It shoved the suspension parts upward into the oilpan.Both tires were facing outwards.The truck would'nt move an inch even in 4 low. $1500.00 later I was back on the road.Some times proving a point can be expensive

HillHound · October 24, 2003

The truck would'nt move an inch even in 4 low. $1500.00 later I was back on the road.Some times proving a point can be expensive

Ouch!

Sure, 3/4 and 1 ton pickups are made for pulling stuff but not always designed to withstand the punishment when the stuff pulls back!

irqfdm · October 24, 2003

Well..... we are going to hook them up today after work. I will be willing to bet that we will both just spin our tires, but I have a plan of attack. I am going to let him jump off of the line and try to get him to scratch his tires, as soon as I here him do that then I am going to try and keep traction and slowly accelerate. I wish that there were an easier way to measure a trucks strength. It is easy with muscle cars or sports cars, you just line 'em up and run 'em. Results will be posted on Monday morning.

A bumper sticker I saw,

"So you are a feminist...Isn't that cute"

Chevyfreek · October 24, 2003

I wish that there were an easier way to measure a trucks strength. It is easy with muscle cars or sports cars, you just line 'em up and run 'em.

You can just line em up and run em as well. That is a test of power. The more power you have the faster you will run. You could always do a tow or payload test. Load up an equal amount of payload and see who can run the fastest 0-60 times or 1/4mi. Same with pulling a trailer. That is how all the popular truck magazines do it. I personally think it is not all that wise of an idea to hook up to trucks with a lot of power to each other trying to go opposite directions. Sounds like a accident waiting to happen.

Good luck though......