What engine is in a Ford Econoline 350?
There isn’t a single engine for every Econoline 350; Ford offered several powerplants across the E-Series timeline. The most common gasoline options were the 5.4-liter Triton V8 and the 6.8-liter Triton V10, with diesel variants such as the 6.0-liter Power Stroke (and, in some later years, a 6.4-liter Power Stroke) available in certain configurations. The exact engine depends on the model year and whether the van was built as a cargo van or a cutaway/ passenger version—check the VIN or door sticker to confirm.
Engine options across the E-Series era
The Ford Econoline 350 sits within Ford’s long-running E-Series family. Engine availability varied by generation, market, and body type, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The following outlines the main engine families that appeared in typical Econoline 350 configurations.
Gasoline engines
Gasoline powertrains were the workhorse for most E-Series vans, especially in the 1990s and 2000s. The two most common gasoline choices were:
- 5.4-liter Triton V8
- 6.8-liter Triton V10
Gasoline variants offered solid everyday performance with payload-capable torque, suitable for fleets that prioritized reliability and ease of maintenance.
Diesel engines
Diesel power was provided for heavier-haul or long-duty applications in select years and configurations. The diesel options commonly seen in the Econoline 350 included:
- 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel
- 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel (in some later E-Series years)
Diesel variants delivered stronger torque at low RPM, which is advantageous for towing and frequent heavy-loading tasks, albeit often with higher maintenance costs and fuel considerations.
How to identify the engine in your Econoline 350
To confirm the exact engine in a specific Econoline 350, use one or more of these steps:
- Inspect the engine bay stamping or labeling for the engine family (for example, Triton V8 or Power Stroke).
- Check the vehicle’s VIN and build sheet; the VIN’s engine code can be decoded to reveal the original powertrain.
- Look at the owner’s manual, production sticker on the door jamb, or service records for the listed engine specification.
Knowing the exact engine is important for maintenance parts, service intervals, and towing or payload planning.
The end of an era and what followed
Ford shifted away from the traditional Econoline/E-Series lineup in the mid-2010s, with the Ford Transit taking over as the primary global commercial van offering in the U.S. market beginning with the 2015 model year. For buyers and owners navigating used E-Series vans, engine choices remain a key factor in maintenance and resale value, and parts availability can vary by region and year.
Summary
The Ford Econoline 350 did not rely on a single engine across its production run. Common gasoline choices included the 5.4L Triton V8 and the 6.8L Triton V10, while diesel options such as the 6.0L Power Stroke (and in some years the 6.4L Power Stroke) were offered in certain configurations. The exact powertrain depends on the year, model, and configuration, so always verify with the VIN/build sheet or the decals in the engine bay. The E-Series era eventually gave way to the Ford Transit, which now serves as Ford’s primary commercial van offering.
Is the Ford E350 5.4 engine reliable?
The 5.4L Triton is known for its durability. Many owners report that these engines can last well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. However, like any engine, it has its quirks. Some users have mentioned issues with spark plugs and timing chain components in certain model years.
What engine does a Ford E350 have?
7.3L V8 gas
The standard 7.3L V8 gas engine with TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission with the 2026 E-350/E-450 is rated at 325 horsepower and 450 lb. -ft. of torque at 3,750 rpm.
What Ford engine to stay away from?
The 5.4-liter Triton engine is a member of Ford's Modular V8 engine family, introduced in 1997. The three-valve version produced from 2002 to 2008 is the most problematic and one of the most unreliable Ford engines.
Is the Ford E450 a V8 or a V-10?
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.
