What motor is in a 1996 Ford E350 motorhome?
The most common engine in a 1996 Ford E-350 motorhome is the Ford 7.5-liter V8 gasoline engine (460 CID). Some configurations used the smaller 5.8-liter V8, and a diesel option was available on a limited basis in certain builds, though gasoline remains the typical choice for most conversions.
Engine options for the 1996 E-350 motorhome
Several powerplants were offered or installed on E-350 chassis-based motorhomes during the mid-1990s. The following options represent the most frequently encountered configurations.
- 7.5 L V8 (460 CID) gasoline — the dominant choice for motorhome conversions on the E-350 in 1996, prized for torque and highway performance.
- 5.8 L V8 (351 Windsor) gasoline — an smaller alternative that appeared in some lighter-duty builds or earlier configurations.
- 7.3 L IDI diesel — a diesel option that existed on some E-Series configurations in the era, though it is less common in typical motorhome conversions.
Exact engine availability varied by the specific conversion, trim level, and whether a diesel option was installed at the factory or by a third-party converter. To confirm the exact powerplant in a given unit, check the engine code on the engine block and review the vehicle’s build sheet or VIN documentation.
How to verify the engine in your particular coach
If you’re shopping for a used 1996 E-350 motorhome or trying to identify what you have, use these steps to confirm the exact motor installed. The engine type is typically indicated by an engine code and by the VIN references for that build.
- Open the hood and locate the engine code stamped on the engine block or on an accompanying tag; note the code.
- Look for a label on the radiator support or firewall that lists the engine option for the vehicle.
- Check the VIN and cross-reference it with Ford’s documentation or the converter’s build sheet to verify the original engine option.
- If needed, contact a Ford dealer or the original motorhome converter with the VIN for a definitive confirmation.
Knowing the exact engine helps with parts compatibility, maintenance scheduling, and fuel economy expectations.
Summary
In most 1996 Ford E-350 motorhomes, the standard engine was the 7.5 L V8 (460 CID) gasoline powerplant. The 5.8 L V8 was a secondary option in some builds, and a diesel option (notably the 7.3 L IDI) existed on certain configurations but was less common. To be certain about a specific unit, verify the engine code on the block and review the vehicle’s build documents or VIN.
