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2.3 vs 2.7 compromise

stm378

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So I've been giving the 2.3L vs 2.7L engine a lot of thought and I think that I may have come up with a way in which the 2.7 may wind up actually being cheaper, and yes, this is me totally trying to justify the bigger engine to myself. Let's say, just for the sake of simplicity that I'm going to drive the Bronco for 100k miles. Also for the sake of simplicity, let's say that the truck is going to be SAS, so the comparable MPGs would be 18 (2.3) vs 17 (2.7).

Yes, I know I could run regular in either of them, but just for these purposes let's say that I want some degree of extra power beyond what the 2.3 gets on regular. If I went ahead and ran premium on the 2.3 in order to get the full specs vs regular on the 2.7 where I'd still get 315 hp/410 torque which is plenty. In my area right now, regular is $2.99 and premium is $3.94. So here's how that lands over 100k miles (obviously gas prices will vary here, but again just for simplicity's sake).

Cost to drive 2.3 SAS 100k miles with premium fuel at $3.94/gal and 18 MPG = $21,889.
Cost to drive 2.7 SAS 100k miles with regular fuel at $2.99/gal and 17 MPG = $17,588
Delta between the 2 = $4,301
Cost to add 2.7 to build = $1,895
Long term savings = $2,406

Thanks for patronizing me on my quest to justify my decisions to myself.
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GiveItaTri

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I don't know you, but I feel like we may share the same brain. Keep up the rationalizations and justifications.
 

Daktari

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too much math this early, LOL.

I was clear on automatic, I'm long done with "rowing my own gears" in traffic. The price difference isn't all that big, so it was a simple decision. Plus I get two turbos instead of one, so there's that ;-)

Seems like you want the 2.7, put down the calculator and order it if you don't have to eat ramen for a year to do so.
All I hear of the 2.3 is that it's surprisingly powerful and zippy, but I plan to keep this rig for a long time (my current ride turns 19 this year) so over that many years the price difference is nothing. And it'll be even more zippy!
 

Nickp

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Genuinely curious for anyone who has a vehicle that has different power outputs based on octane ratings; can you actually tell the difference?
 

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I like this post lol. I have the same thoughts regarding the 2 engines but i really think I will ultimately change to the 2.7.
 

Bud2020

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I checked your math on my napkin here and I see a Fields Medal in your future.
 

JoeSpeed

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If you wanna row your own gears, there's only one choice.

Always can do your on 'crotch package, build one to handle 37's instead of 35's as well
 

Brongo

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So I've been giving the 2.3L vs 2.7L engine a lot of thought and I think that I may have come up with a way in which the 2.7 may wind up actually being cheaper, and yes, this is me totally trying to justify the bigger engine to myself. Let's say, just for the sake of simplicity that I'm going to drive the Bronco for 100k miles. Also for the sake of simplicity, let's say that the truck is going to be SAS, so the comparable MPGs would be 18 (2.3) vs 17 (2.7).

Yes, I know I could run regular in either of them, but just for these purposes let's say that I want some degree of extra power beyond what the 2.3 gets on regular. If I went ahead and ran premium on the 2.3 in order to get the full specs vs regular on the 2.7 where I'd still get 315 hp/410 torque which is plenty. In my area right now, regular is $2.99 and premium is $3.94. So here's how that lands over 100k miles (obviously gas prices will vary here, but again just for simplicity's sake).

Cost to drive 2.3 SAS 100k miles with premium fuel at $3.94/gal and 18 MPG = $21,889.
Cost to drive 2.7 SAS 100k miles with regular fuel at $2.99/gal and 17 MPG = $17,588
Delta between the 2 = $4,301
Cost to add 2.7 to build = $1,895
Long term savings = $2,406

Thanks for patronizing me on my quest to justify my decisions to myself.
Math is cool.
 

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qwaves

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Or maybe....
Lets say you drive conservatively with the 2.3, but really want the extra power of the 2.7 so you always use premium with the V6.
Gas in California is 4.15 for regular and 4.46 for premium.
Light-footing a 2.3 for 100K miles on regular will be $23,056.
Drive it like you stole it with a 2.7 for 100K miles with premium will be $26,235, a delta of $3,179 plus the cost of the 2.7 initially.
Don't let the math drive you crazy. If you wanted to get good mileage you would be on the Prius thread.
Get the 2.7
 
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stm378

stm378

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Or maybe....
Lets say you drive conservatively with the 2.3, but really want the extra power of the 2.7 so you always use premium with the V6.
Gas in California is 4.15 for regular and 4.46 for premium.
Light-footing a 2.3 for 100K miles on regular will be $23,056.
Drive it like you stole it with a 2.7 for 100K miles with premium will be $26,235, a delta of $3,179 plus the cost of the 2.7 initially.
Don't let the math drive you crazy. If you wanted to get good mileage you would be on the Prius thread.
Get the 2.7
Sorry...should have precluded that post by saying that I'm an accountant....so the math doesn't drive me crazy...it comforts me. I know, I'm weird.

I'm interested that the gas price difference is only 31 cents in CA despite the price being higher. Out here in MD as soon as the gas prices started going up the difference between the 2 started going up with it. I think I remember the old days when the difference was like 10 cents/gallon, but the gallon of regular was like a buck.
 

old goat

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un-justifiable math on your dream scenario .
do a tune job on 2.3 for 4-700 get an extra 50hp ( like you say just for simplicity numbers ) and figure the same amount $gas money per gal. x 100k and you will be way ahead with 2.3 with a very zippy engine .
my 2cents and I want change back :)
 

Tdifonzo

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This is how I justified he 2.7L as well, but I will still probably put premium gas into it because I've convinced myself it is better for the engine. Lol
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