In a two-for-one edition of “Dude I Love/Hate My Ride,” we introduce you to Dave from Texas. He came through our headquarters in Colorado to pick up his new truck, a 2014 Ford Raptor Special Edition, from a local seller. And he got here in his 2019 Ford Raptor that he has since sold to a dealer. We wanted to know: Why would anyone give up a perfectly great Gen2 Raptor for a Gen1 Raptor with 73,000 miles on it? Turns out it has to do with Dave’s big plans for modifying his truck—and being able to afford it.
Raptor with 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6
This 2019 Raptor was Dave’s first truck ever after driving sports cars. As you can guess, the Raptor got him hooked, in particular, its capability for high-speed off-roading. The twin-turbo V6 pumps out 450 hp and 510 lb-ft. torque via a 10-speed automatic. It features factory-installed Fox shocks with reservoirs that connect to the truck’s computer to modulate and adjust the suspension on the fly.
But Dave had a problem. After spending just under $70,000 for this beaut, he didn’t have much money to spend on modifications. So he did some math, got plugged-in to various Raptor owners’ forums, and realized that he could buy a stock first-generation truck with the 6.2-liter V8 for half the price of the 2019. Then he could use the leftover dough to go to town on his build.
Raptor with 6.2-liter V8
After a long search, he found the perfect platform for his Raptor dreams: A 2014 Raptor Special Edition for sale on craigslist here in Colorado. The one-owner truck had a complete maintenance history file, no rust, and while the price wasn’t cheap at $33,000, it felt fair for a fully-loaded Raptor in this condition, according to Dave. Compared to the V6, the 6.2-liter V8 pumps out 411 hp and 434 lb-ft. torque (when running on premium gasoline).
Dave got hooked on Raptor-style high-speed off-roading at Texas’ Texplex Park outside Dallas. With his new 2014 Raptor, he can now start working on his ultimate build, starting with a suspension mod that will enable him to put 37-inch tires on his Ford a take it on a Baja run. We wish him the best. Send us photos, Dave!
For now, check out his Raptors in the video below and let us know in the comments: Did he make the right decision? Any upgrade tips you have for him?
