Home FAQ

Is the E450 a V10?

Yes. The Ford E-450 cutaway chassis is most commonly equipped with Ford’s 6.8-liter Triton V10 gasoline engine. That said, engine choices have varied by model year, body builder, and market, so some configurations used different V8 options or older setups.

The Ford E-450 is a workhorse chassis used for a wide range of specialized vehicles—from shuttle buses and ambulances to RV conversions. Because the engine is selected by the body builder, there is some variation across different builds and eras. This article outlines the typical engine landscape you’re likely to encounter, along with guidance on how to verify the exact powerplant in a given E-450.

Background on the E-450

The E-450 is part of Ford’s E-Series family and serves as a cutaway chassis designed for aftermarket bodies or specialized equipment. In practice, the “E-450” designation often appears on vehicles used as motorhomes, shuttle vans, and emergency-response units. The engine, however, is not universal across every E-450; it is chosen by the vehicle’s builder, with the 6.8-liter Triton V10 being the most frequently cited gasoline option in many builds.

Typical engine options by era

Over the life of the E-450, Ford’s gasoline engine lineup for this chassis has evolved. The table below highlights the most common configurations seen in practice, noting that exact options depend on year, market, and the body builder.

Late 1990s to mid-2000s: 5.4-liter Triton V8 (gasoline) was used in some early E-Series cutaways.

Mid-2000s onward: 6.8-liter Triton V10 (gasoline) became the standard or most common option for many E-450 builds.

Engine availability can vary by year and by the specific conversion or body builder. Always verify the exact engine by checking the vehicle’s VIN, build sheet, or the body-builder specification for a given E-450.

Are there diesel options for the E-450?

Factory diesel options for the E-450 cutaway are not common. Ford’s E-Series cutaways have historically prioritized gasoline engines, with most diesels appearing in the heavier-duty chassis families or through third-party conversions. If a diesel is required, verify whether a conversion or alternative chassis (such as a Transit-based option in some markets) was used by the builder.

What to check when buying a used E-450

Because the E-450 can be customized by different builders, buyers should take extra steps to confirm the exact configuration. The following checks help ensure you know what you’re getting.

Check the engine code and displacement on the engine itself and cross-check with the VIN/build sheet to confirm the engine type (6.8L V10 vs. older V8 options).

Review maintenance records for the engine and the transmission, including timing components, water pumps, spark plugs, and belts/hoses.

Ask for service records related to the body builder’s installation (fuel system, exhaust routing, and any auxiliary systems).

Confirm the common issues for the specific engine and year range (for example, typical V10 fuel economy and maintenance considerations).

Inspect the cooling system and radiator for signs of wear, which are important on larger V10-powered chassis.

Knowing the exact engine variant and maintenance history helps avoid surprises after purchase and ensures you’re pairing the right vehicle with the intended use.

Summary

The Ford E-450 is most often associated with the 6.8-liter Triton V10 gasoline engine, making it a V-10 in the majority of builds. However, variations exist depending on model year and the body builder, including older V8 options in some configurations. If you’re shopping for an E-450, verify the exact engine using the VIN/build sheet and ask the builder or seller for the specific powerplant installed in that unit.

In short, yes, the E-450 is typically a V-10, but always confirm the exact engine for a given vehicle before purchasing.

Is the Ford E450 a V8 or a V10?

What engine is in the Ford E450? In more recent years Ford has installed the same two engines in both the E350 and E450. These two engines are the 6.2L SFI V8 FFV 331 @ 5,500 rpm 356 @ 4,000 rpm Six-speed automatic & the 6.8L EFI Triton V10 305 @ 4,250 rpm 420 @ 3,250 rpm Six-speed automatic.

Are Ford E450 reliable?

The reliability of the Ford E-450 varies depending on the specific engine and model year, but it is generally considered a durable vehicle for commercial and heavy-duty use, especially when maintained properly. Older models with the 7.3L diesel engine are known for being very reliable, while certain years have specific known issues, such as the 5.4L Triton V8's spark plug ejections or the 6.0L diesel's problems that require "bulletproofing".
Factors affecting reliability

Engine model: Reliability is heavily dependent on the engine. The 7.3L turbo diesel in older models is widely regarded as very reliable.
Specific year and engine issues:
- 5.4L Triton V8 (e.g., 2016): Prone to spark plug ejection due to weak cylinder head threads.
- 6.0L diesel: Has a reputation for several problems that require expensive repairs, often referred to as "bulletproofing," to address issues with the EGR, oil pump, and other components.
Maintenance: Like any vehicle, regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring long-term reliability and can prevent costly future repairs.

What to consider before buying

Avoid problematic engines: Steer clear of the 6.0L diesel unless it has been professionally "bulletproofed" with receipts to prove it.
Consider older models: Older models with engines like the 7.3L are often more reliable and easier to work on than newer ones with emissions controls.
Check for specific problems: If you're looking at a gas model, be aware of potential spark plug ejection issues with the 5.4L engine and check for signs of past repairs.
Look at reviews and history: Research the specific year and engine model you are considering for any common complaints or known weaknesses.

What's the difference between an E350 and an E450?

The E350 and E450 are different vehicles depending on whether they are the Mercedes-Benz or Ford models. The Mercedes-Benz E350 is a luxury sedan with a smaller 4-cylinder engine, while the E450 is a more powerful version with a 6-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. For Ford commercial vans, the E350 is designed for lighter-duty purposes, whereas the E450 is a larger, heavier-duty chassis built for more demanding commercial applications with a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and towing capacity.
Mercedes-Benz E350 vs. E450
This video compares the Mercedes-Benz E350 and E450, highlighting their exterior and interior differences: 58sBenzBloggerYouTube · Feb 9, 2024

Feature	E350	E450
Engine	2.0L inline-4 turbo	3.0L inline-6 turbo with mild hybrid drive
Horsepower	255 hp	375 hp (approximate)
Torque	Up to 273 lb-ft	Over 700 Nm total with electric motor
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)	Optional	Standard
0-60 mph	6.1 seconds	4.9 seconds
Price	Lower starting price	Higher starting price

Feature	E350	E450
Application	Lighter cargo and passenger transport	Heavy-duty commercial purposes
Size	Smaller	Larger and heavier-duty
Maximum Towing Capacity	Up to 10,000 pounds	Up to 14,000 pounds
Payload	Lower payload capacity	Higher payload capacity
Chassis	Lighter frame and components	Stronger steel frame and larger components
Braking	Vacuum-boosted (depending on the year)	Hydraulically-boosted

What engine is in a Ford E450?

7.3L V8 PFI
Highlights

Highlights
Available Engines	7.3L V8 PFI Gas Engine
Horsepower	325 hp @ 3,750 rpm
Torque	450 ft-lbs @ 3,750 rpm
Transmission	TorqShift® 6-speed automatic with overdrive and tow/haul mode

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.