Ford V10 Cylinder Head Replacement and Engine History

on
Categories: Cylinder Head Tips

Ford V10 Cylinder Head Replacement

The V10 engine was originally used in primarily Ford trucks as an alternative to diesel. Ford V10 engines were most popular for use in commercial trucks that included motor homes, shuttles and panel vans. It was also found in some 3/4 and 1 ton pickups, medium duty vans and chassis cabs. Because so many trucks and vans in the United States (and around the world) have a V10 engine, replacing and / or rebuilding these cylinder heads is often required as these trucks and engines age.

Ford V10 Between 1997 and 2005

Between 1997 and 2004 the 6.8 liter V10 came exclusively with a 2-valve head layout. During 2003 – 2005 Ford released several V10 variants. The Ford 427 Concept had a 7-liter v-10 engine that was rated at 590 horsepower. The 2004 Shelby and 2005 Shelby GR-1 both were equipped with the 6.4 liter V-10 engine that produced 605 horsepower. The F-250 was rated at 310 horsepower and a solid 425 pound feet of torque.

The 2000-2005 Ford Excursion V10

In 2005 a new 3 valve variant was made available for the V10 that raised the horsepower to 362 and the torque to 460lb-ft in pickups. Two valve versions of the V10 were produced after 2004 but were used only in medium-duty van applications. The V10 is still used today but mostly in medium-duty chassis cabs. A popular vehicle that used the V10 was the 2000-2005 Ford Excursion. Where it was offered as an alternative to the 7.3 liter diesel. It was a step up from the standard 5.4 liter V8. The V10 originally added around 55 horsepower and 75 pound-feet of torque to the Excursion.

Common Ford V10 Failures and Repairs

The Ford V10 is an iron-block, overhead-cam aluminum head with mounted spark plugs. Most of the accessory components are shared with the 5.4L which makes the head easy to repair. But many of the 1997 – 2008 models have a major design flaw in the spark plug threads. The aluminum design expands at a different rate than the steel spark plugs. The spark plugins are also in a 5 inch deep well which only allows 4 threads worth of spark plugin engagement. Another problem with the spark plugs is the will weld to the threads after repeated heat cycling. The design flaw causes the hard steel of the spark plugs to stick to the soft aluminum and the spark plug threads strip clean out with no way to re-install the spark plug.

Why Clearwater Cylinder Head

Clearwater Cylinder Head Inc. (CCH) is a reputable, experienced (over 25 years) dealer. We specialize in providing quality and warranty-backed rebuilt cylinder heads for a variety of vehicles. With a massive online catalog of heads, you can view CCH’s inventory of Ford V10 cylinder heads. The knowledgeable staff at CCH would also be happy to help you choose the cylinder head that is right for your Ford. Contact Clearwater Cylinder Head Inc. toll-free at 1-800-572-1963.

Awesome Ford V10 Engine YouTube Videos

Putting the Ford V10 Engine Back Together

Testing Ford V10 Engine Cylinder Head Intake Leak