What motor was in the 2008 F-450?
The 2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty offered two engine options: a gasoline 6.8-liter V10 Triton and a turbocharged 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel.
In 2008, Ford positioned the F-450 as the top end of its Super Duty line, capable of heavy-duty work from construction fleets to serious towing. Buyers could choose between a high-revving gasoline V10 for robust daily performance and a diesel that delivered exceptional low-end torque for pulling large loads. The engine choice influenced payload, towing capability, and operating costs, and it often determined configuration details such as drivetrain and wheel setup.
Engine options
Two engines powered the 2008 F-450 across its range. The gasoline option provided strong power for everyday heavy-duty tasks, while the diesel option delivered superior low-end torque for towing and big loads. The choice depended on how the vehicle would be used—whether as a daily driver, a tow rig, or a commercial hauler.
- 6.8-liter V10 Triton gasoline engine
- 6.4-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine
The two engines offered notably different performance profiles: the V10 delivered broad, high-revving power for dynamic use, while the diesel offered exceptional low-end torque and sustained pulling power under load. Transmission and axle configurations were typically matched to the engine choice and the vehicle’s intended duty cycle.
Gasoline option: 6.8-liter V10 Triton
The 6.8L V10 Triton is a naturally aspirated gasoline engine that was carried over into Ford's Super Duty lineup. In the 2008 F-450, it typically produced around 362 horsepower and about 457 pound-feet of torque, depending on exact configuration and emission controls. It was paired with Ford's heavy-duty automatic transmission and could be selected with various drivetrain configurations, including four-wheel drive and dual rear wheels for heavier loads.
Diesel option: 6.4-liter Power Stroke
The 6.4L Power Stroke was Ford's turbocharged diesel option for the 2008 F-450. It offered significantly higher torque, around 650 pound-feet, with horsepower around 350, enabling strong towing performance and sustained pulling power under load. It used common-rail direct injection and a variable-geometry turbo, reflecting the diesel-focused design of Ford's Super Duty trucks at the time. Like the gasoline option, it was paired with heavy-duty transmissions appropriate for the vehicle’s payload and towing specifications.
These engines were paired with heavy-duty transmissions suitable for the weight classes and configurations available in the F-450, including dual rear wheels on many models.
Summary
For the 2008 Ford F-450, buyers could choose between a gas-powered 6.8-liter V10 Triton engine or a turbocharged 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel, each with its own strengths depending on usage—gas for general heavy-duty tasks and diesel for maximum torque and towing capability.
