@fodaddy
Of course the Ford motor was a very good motor …and this Ford motor like many push rod motors found their way into the industrial world. My point is, many motors used within their capabilities were quite good. The Vulcan was and probably is, a decent motor when used in lower demand applications. But, I can cite a gazillion motors with equal to or greater number of backers, not only with greater power output for the same size, but greater life expectancy. Most of these motors in car use had their own backers. If you’re a Ford man, you will be impressed by this motor, if you are a Honda man, you might be impressed by some of their v6 or the superb Yamaha found in the Ford SHO of 3 l as well. The Vulcan would never survive the turbo charging which would be needed if used in this application.
But saying it’s the “most reliable, indestructible etc. V6 motor ever seen on the American road,” is like using superlative phrases like …"he gives 110%"and all of these highly exagerated expressions need perspective as it’s just one segments opinion. When used in a bus, or towing a boat with the 4.3, I doubt it… I have my own Opinion, and it’s just a valid and the Vulcan isn’t the greatest v6 motor ever to grace the roads of America, and neither is the GM 4.3. They are impressive to owners of them. The best motors are yet to be built. And as impressive as the pedigree is, there are many more with equal or greater performance histories with as vehement supporters. Bet you can name a few your self…
Btw, in the Ranger, it had poor motor performance compared to it’s competition. That it was used, does not mean it was used successfully. They were cheaper to build too…a hallmark of the Ranger…and the Taurus. And to put things in perspective, the Vulcan can easily outlast the rest of a Taurus, inluding the transmission which is easier then outlasting the rest of an Accord or even an earlier Crown Vic. I doubt it could outlast the transmission and body of a lot of other cars whose motors routinely outlasted the Vulcan motors in miles driven. Bottom line, it is rare for a Taurus to get 200k miles without major repairs. It is not for an Accord, Camry, and other makes of cars, both foreign and domestic.