Introducing the SVTPerformance F-350 Super Duty
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Well guys, it’s been in the works a long time but the day is finally here. SVTP now has a heavy duty tow vehicle which will be used to tow the forth coming SVTP Trailer (wait till you see what we have in store) to events across the US. Some may have doubted it was going to happen, but SVTP is going to be going on the road in the very near future.
It probably comes as no surprise that the vehicle that SVTP has chosen is a Ford. It is an F-350 to be exact, a crew-cab, single-rear-wheel, short-bed model. This particular truck is fairly well loaded. It was optioned with the FX4 off-road package, which more or less nets you a sporty appearance (for a four ton truck) and a few skid plates. However, it does give us the look we were after. The truck is also optioned with the chrome package and 20 inch wheels, all necessary components of any proper tow vehicle. But enough with the facetiousness, one item that will come in handy on long tows is the Microsoft SYNC equipped, Sirius Travel Link injected, navigation system. This feature has already proven itself to be very helpful when it comes to finding low diesel fuel prices while on the road.
That’s right, this truck is outfitted with the International built 6.4L Powerstroke diesel that produces 350hp and 650lb/ft. The oil burning power plant is backed up by the 5R110 Torq-Shift five speed automatic transmission. From there the power goes through an electronically shifted transfer case on its way to a Ford 10.5 inch rear axle (with 37 spline axle shafts) and a Dana 60 inch front axle (with 35 spline axle shafts) packing 3.73 gears. Out of the box the 5R110 has proven itself to be able to handle the power of the diesel engine much better than the GM Allison and Dodge transmissions.
One of the best features we have found for towing is the Torq-Shift’s Tow/Haul Mode. By simply pushing a button at the end of the gear selector you engage the more aggressive and situation adaptive transmission tuning. When Tow/Haul Mode is engaged the transmission holds the gears longer to allow for higher RPMs and shifts more firmly. Also, when descending a grade a tap of the brake pedal will result in a downshift to assist with braking. We have found that we barely had to use the brakes to slow a 4.5 ton load on I-64 through the mountains of West Virginia.
I find it difficult to properly describe the ride and driving dynamics of the F-350. The simplest one word explanation I can think of would be confident. It rides deceptively smooth without the harshness one would expect from a four ton work implement. The suspension soaks up most smaller road imperfection, but if you do run across a larger pothole it will remind of the type of vehicle you are driving. However, after hitting such a hole the truck quickly regains it composure and soldiers on without a hint of excessive rebound or sponginess. When in the driver’s seat it is easy to forget how big this truck really is. The confidence the steering and brakes inspire is quite satisfying.
The build quality of Ford’s Super Duty line is unequaled in the heavy duty truck segment. That quality makes itself apparent from the moment you open the door. Simply everything on this truck feels robust. One look underneath shows all the extra steps Ford takes to ensure every Super Duty is an industrial level piece of equipment. The frame rails are over a quarter inch thick, the spring hangers are both riveted and welded, and the bolts holding everything together appear to be the kind of fastener the military would use to bolt a nuclear reactor into a Nimitz class aircraft carrier. The Built Ford Tough philosophy really shines through with this truck.
Overall, I would have to rate this truck as a 10. Its power is very impressive and it drives like a much smaller vehicle. The ride is much better than one would expect and the brakes feel excellent, thanks in large part to the hydro-boost braking system. The biggest complaint I have with the truck has to do with the stock tune in it. Ford really cut back on the throttle response in order to help with emissions. The result is at some throttle positions throttling up makes the truck feel like it’s suffering from atrocious turbo lag. What is really happening is that the ECU is not adding fuel at the rate you are depressing the throttle. Thankfully, that issue can be cleared up with an aftermarket tune.
While this truck will be used primarily as a tow vehicle, and you can plan on seeing it featured in many articles on SVTP’s diesel powered sister site CoalRollers.com. We already have an impressive array of install and comparison articles in the works. And it will be part of a multi-part Gas v. Diesel article series. It will also be present, towing the SVTP Trailer, at many SVTP sponsored events. Expect to see a similar introduction of the SVTPerformance Trailer in the very soon. Until then, enjoy these pics of the new rig:
For those who may be interested here is a little preview of the SVTP Trailer:
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http://www.svtperformance.com/forum...roducing-svtperformance-f-350-super-duty.html
- SID297
