6 cylinder or 8 cylinder van? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

VTECK999 · 12-19-2006, 12:17 PM

I posted this in the "Van/truck" section, but I think this area gets more traffic. Anyhow, I'm planning on buying a van (I started a interior/exterior painting company). Which should I go with..obviously I'll save money with the 6, but i'm worried i'll need more power to lug all of the equipment (ladders, sanders, guy, etc.)...what does everyone suggest?

Thanks!

DPainting · 12-19-2006, 02:13 PM

Unless your worried about the 1320ft the 6 is your best bet. IMO I have no complaints and 19 gallon regular gas tank is better than a 30 plus premium fill.

painterofeveryt · 12-19-2006, 03:14 PM

I have a 1998 e-150 bought it new with a v-6,it has 210,000 on it and no signs of slowing down...and I occasionally haul my 6x12 trailer.no problems to date

**slickshift** · 12-19-2006, 04:18 PM

I have a six in my van, and often drive eights working for others
Comparing them back to back I'd have to say the eights are probably more power than you need
Don't get me wrong, I love the quick highway entry and all
But the fuel consumption makes my six look like a hybrid gas sipper
I've never felt my six is under powered

Richard · 12-19-2006, 05:13 PM

yeah, I have the 4.3 L V6 in my chevy astro--quick with a full load, quicker with an empty one

A V8 is quick, but not necessary unless you pull something heavy behind or load thousands of pounds of materials...hmmm, this would eliminate a lot of V8 owners, now wouldn't it

Danahy · 12-19-2006, 06:41 PM

v8 is overkill.

zico · 12-19-2006, 10:41 PM

Despite all the ads where large engined trucks are shown "working hard", I have found that a V6 covers the vast majority of my needs and works just as hard. The money saved at the gas pump and in speeding tickets are greatly appreciated.

AAPaint · 12-19-2006, 10:47 PM

I have a 97 Astro with the same 4.3 liter. It's 190hp, and mine has limited slip rear end. Anyway...it has enough power to really surprise some of those little kids with hooked up cars mommy bought! There is a whole forum dedicated to astro owners www.astrosafari.com You should see some of the vans over there. Didn't chevy halt production on the astro line against much debate?