Gen1 vs Gen2 mod/upgrade potential and cost

[ACGOG]

Sorry if this has been covered or is just so obvious it hasn't been worth discussing, but I'm in the initial stages of trying to find my next truck and have narrowed it down to either a 2014 or 2017 Raptor.

I thoroughly enjoy working on my vehicles and doing my own upgrades and was wondering about the potential of each of the engines.

For bolt-ons - exhaust, CAI, headers, etc. - are the performance gains pretty equal? I can only assume (of course) that when it comes to substantial upgrades, the 6.2l would ultimately be cheaper. You could throw a SC on the Gen1 where as you'd probably have to replace the turbos on the Gen2, and even then they'd have to be a lot larger and a lot more expensive.

I don't know if I'd ever get to that point, so if the costs and upgrades are pretty close to one another for the more basic stuff then that helps take one thing off the table. It would then boil down to the grumble of the V8 vs the more aggressive look of the Gen2 - unless you can do that on the Gen1 as well!

Any insight or experience would be greatly appreciated, and my apologies again if this has been covered.

 

[mchurch0211]

No wrong choice! Both great trucks / potential

 

[mchurch0211]

Ask @Wampa he just traded his 19 for a 14 and has experienced both trucks 1st hand

 

[mchurch0211]

Also Have seen new fiberglass kits that give gen1 the gen 2 look. Then you would get the v8 you want with the sharp lines of gen 2. Just a idea?

 

[letsgetthisdone]

The gen2 weighs less and has more power potential for bolt ons. I'd even argue once bolt ons are done, turbo upgrades are close enough in price to a gen1 SC and you'll have more power in a lighter truck.

For me, the suspension needs upgraded on both. But I like the more reliable 6.2. No backordered cam phasers to worry about, oil consumption, or smoking after long(ish) idle periods. If i was ever shopping to replace my 2012, it would just be to get a lower mileage 2014 since I'm at 100k miles now. Maybe I'll worry about that at 200k.

 

[SKS]

I had a brand new 2018 Gen 2 for two years. In December 2019 I sold it and purchased a 2014 Gen 1. The main reasons I sold the Gen 2 were because of some issues I was having with the truck; door alignment, paint issues (clear coat peeling), cam phasers, pano roof making noises. I couldn't be happier with my Gen 1. Yes, it is a dated truck, parts need replacing, but I enjoy working on my vehicles and I was also tried of seeing so many Gen 2s around. The Gen 1 and Gen 2 are radical trucks, I don't think you can go wrong. Anything is possible, depending on how deep your pockets are. Good luck man. Keep us posted.

 

[ACGOG]

Appreciate all the replies already!

That fiberglass bodykit is pretty sweet. It's definitely not something I'd do right away but it's great to know the option is there! Hopefully Wampa shows up here as well; would love to pick his brain.

In terms of it being dated, the Gen2 interior definitely looks a bit flashier. I'm sure there are some things you could do here and there to bridge the gap and I haven't done enough research yet to know if some of them are swappable (again, a down the line thing obviously).

That does lead to another question though for you SKS. First, I appreciate your insight. I've heard the 6.2 is incredibly reliable. What about it seems dated between the two?

I'm also decently savvy when it comes to mechanical stuff but most of the Raptors I've seen in my area definitely have 100k+ miles on them. Since this won't be an immediate thing I've got time to look and I hope that something with 40k-60k shows up. Besides the regular stuff (and apparently need to look for body twist/see if the shocks are shot from jumping it??? lol) is there a good place or list of things to look for specific to a Raptor when buying used?

Again, you guys have already been a big help. Glad to be here and looking forward to "officially" joining!

 

[SKS]

@ACGOG When I used the term "dated", I was referring to some of the tech features, infotainment system, safety/driver assist features, new body style, shocks, etc that the Gen 1 lacks, compared to the Gen 2. Hands down, I feel the 6.2 is a reliable motor. That is one of the reasons I went with a Gen 1. I found my current Gen 1 in San Antonio (under 60k miles) and purchased the Gen 2 new from Jordan Ford, San Antonio.

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

The gen2 weighs less and has more power potential for bolt ons. I'd even argue once bolt ons are done, turbo upgrades are close enough in price to a gen1 SC and you'll have more power in a lighter truck.

For me, the suspension needs upgraded on both. But I like the more reliable 6.2. No backordered cam phasers to worry about, oil consumption, or smoking after long(ish) idle periods. If i was ever shopping to replace my 2012, it would just be to get a lower mileage 2014 since I'm at 100k miles now. Maybe I'll worry about that at 200k.

im at 200k now and just doing a few items of maintenance to keep it going. not much in terms of cash, but definitely a bit of work. i will be keeping this truck until it dies. then i will revive it and drive it till it dies again..... and so on

 

[ACGOG]

@ACGOG When I used the term "dated", I was referring to some of the tech features, infotainment system, safety/driver assist features, new body style, shocks, etc that the Gen 1 lacks, compared to the Gen 2. Hands down, I feel the 6.2 is a reliable motor. That is one of the reasons I went with a Gen 1. I found my current Gen 1 in San Antonio (under 60k miles) and purchased the Gen 2 new from Jordan Ford, San Antonio.

Oh yeah, totally understood what you meant. I know there will be more creature comforts in a newer car. I've installed enough aftermarket sound systems that I can take care of the infotainment portion at least, and suspension is something I'd do at some point (and depending on the mileage might need to be done anyways). Both my current vehicles are from '04 and my Tundra is an '08 so it'll probably be a huge upgrade from what I have anyways.

Letsgetthisdone mentioned that the bolt on might actually have better gains. I need to look into the curb weight difference, but it does sound like from ya'lls comments that the 6.2 is very reliable.