When’s the last time you saw a Ford E-Series van with a 6.0-liter Power Stroke in the wild? When’s the last time you saw an E-Series, period? Sigh. Time flies and kids today don’t know an Econoline from a rotary dial telephone. While the 6.0-liter Power Stroke V8 is more famously associated with the Super Duty pickup, it was also offered in the full-size E-Series van from 2004 through 2010. Its diesel predecessor was the 7.3-liter Power Stroke, and there was no successor—2010 marked the end of the diesel E-Series. For 2008, the E-Series got an updated front end that resembled the Super Duty truck. The Ford Transit entered the scene for 2015, eliminating the E-Series passenger and cargo vans and reducing configurations to cutaway chassis, chassis cab, and stripped chassis only. Today, the E-Series only uses the 7.3-liter V8 gasser from the Super Duty.

2010 Ford E-Series

The Basics: The Years Don’t Quite Overlap with the Truck

Ford introduced the 6.0-liter Power Stroke in the E-Series (E-350 and E-450 models) starting in 2004, shortly after it replaced the 7.3-liter Power Stroke in the pickups. While the 6.0-liter continued in the F-Series Super Duty trucks through 2007, the van application lasted a few years longer—through 2010—after which it was discontinued.

Power Stroke Ford E-Series Power Output: Van Versus Pickup

One of the most notable differences between the van and pickup versions of the 6.0-liter Power Stroke is the power rating. In the E-Series vans, the engine was de-tuned to 235 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque compared to the F-Series pickup, where it delivered up to 325 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque in its later years.

Why the difference? It came down to primarily packaging and cooling constraints. The E-Series’ tighter engine bay limited intercooler and radiator size, leading Ford to dial back output for the sake of reliability and heat management. Additionally, Ford likely tuned the van variant for better low-end torque and drivability under heavy load, as most vans served in commercial roles.

2008 Ford E-Series

6.0-liter Diesel E-Series Van: Pros

• Diesel Torque in a Van Platform: At the time, very few full-size vans came with diesel power, and the 6.0-liter gave the E-Series improved towing and hauling capabilities.
• Heavy-Duty Chassis: Available in E-350 and E-450 configurations, the van was well-suited for RV upfits, shuttle buses, and box truck conversions.
• Improved Power over the 7.3-liter: While nagged by issues, the 6.0-liter offered better throttle response and more modern refinement compared to the outgoing 7.3-liter Power Stroke.

Ford Power Stroke E-Series 6.0-liter Diesel Ford Van: Cons

• 6.0-liter Reliability Issues: The engine was infamous for EGR, oil cooler, and head gasket problems—issues that also plagued the pickup. In the van, the tighter engine bay made repairs more labor-intensive, especially for items like the turbo or EGR valve.
• Limited Aftermarket Support: While the 6.0-liter pickups enjoyed massive aftermarket tuning and parts availability, the van version’s packaging limited some upgrades, especially cooling and turbo systems.
• Lower Power Output: The de-tuned van version was somewhat frustrating, although it remained very capable for towing and commercial use.

Rest in peace, 6.0-liter Power Stroke Ford E-Series van. If you have one, we’d love to hear about it!