With the variable cam timing technology that's been in these trucks since 2004 that's far less of an issue these days. Once they have a good profile for emissions optimizing the timing for idle, mid and peak power is no longer an issue. Its one of the reasons the current engine reaches 80% of peak torque at 1000 rpm, unlike its predecessor in the 1997-2004 F150.

 

Not in this universe. You won't get double those numbers even with a supercharger on a stock block.

 

Have you seen the MPG ratings of Ford manuals verses autos? The V8 automatic has essentially the same mileage as the 4.2 V6 manual. The transmissions use locking torque converters which eliminates the fluid coupling the majority of the time. Plus they have higher towing capabilities. Gone are the days where manuals had an edge. The computers know optimimal shifting points for mileage, the torque multiplying effect of the converter helps non-rolling starts and the locking torque converter eliminates fluid couplings. Modern automatics ain't like they were in your grand-father's or father's era.

 

I'll put an F150 pulling 10K of weight up a 7 percent incline against your 1989 Super Duty and it'll leave you behind every time, maintaining speed a heck of a lot easier.

How does your truck weigh 10K pounds unless its a dump truck? Even the newer and much heavier Super Duty doesn't weigh that much. Additionally, the Super Duty pickups didn't have a tow capacity of 20K in 1989... they have a rating of 25K now. And, your truck is not capable of hauling 10K in the bed, unless you've done something special to the springs. Again, assuming its not a dump truck!

I understand your appreciation for your older truck, but I'm calling BS on that post.

The fact is the current F150 is more capable than an F250 was 20 years ago and its not a matter of what people need. Its a matter of what they want. If it were all about need 99% of the population would be riding scooters.

 

i'm talking about the gains, not double the whole output of the motor. 40hp/50tq is pretty obtainable with a cai and tune..

 

the ranger has a 207hp engine, is more fuel efficient than the F150 and is lighter. why didn't you buy one?

 

Just under 450HP. With a good tune and pulley change it adds nearly 70 HP (no kidding, its one of the best HP increases of any supercharged Ford for such simple swaps).

 

We'll wait until the 2008 and 2009 sales numbers are in, but people who "want" a truck that is a gigantic limousine with a 500 hp engine are going to be a thing of the past. "Wearing" a big showoff truck/SUV is no longer going to be hip...

People who *need* trucks will have a tremendous selection of 1-3 year old trucks for bargain-basement prices; these will have been traded in (or turned in off lease) by the "truck as tough outdoor apparel/faux hotrod" people above.

The world is changing because of energy prices; I'm just the messenger here, so don't blame me. Sales numbers will carry the message.
George

 

Well you are close to right my truck has a steel rollback bed on it. But it will haul 10k on the bed in fact it has hauled 12.5k on the bed at one time.
As far as you leaving me behind up a hill, I don't really care. and Never did.
Under a real heavey load mine will most likely get better MPG.
I just think the average joe has been brainwashed into thinking he has to have the biggest, badest, newest thing on the road.
But not every average joe.

 

I agree and I've totally come around to you line of reasoning. Jeesh, Ford can't compete with the others when it comes to HP and MPG's. They might as well downsize the engine and lighten up the truck so it get's great MPG's and still has a 6.5' bed.

I'd be interested in one of those.

 

I agree its amazing how fords got all this power in the last 10-15 years but havent managed to do a damn thing about mpgs

 

1. I'll disagree here....theres a reason you don't see alot of short wheelbase vehicles in mud, longer wheelbase trucks work better in mud bogs...

2. If you really cared about acceleration or towing....why don't you complain about torque...as thats what actually gets the job done there..... Semi's out there have 4-500 hp...and can pull far more than you'll ever tow with a pickup... so i'll ask again, do you need 400 hp, or are you just playing into the hp wars?

3. No...lightning and srt10 owners aren't stupid....they bought LIMITED EDITION trucks....not run of the mill daily drivers.

 

sooo have you looked at a ranger lately?

I see nothing but a bunch of people complaining that the F150 is too big, but at the same time the ranger is dying because of no sales. wtf gives?

 

They've been calling the doomsday of the trucks and SUVs for years now. in a few months I'm going shopping for a V10...

Once the whole globe realizes global warming is a sham, and once they start drilling in ND or alaska or wherever, opec will be forced to lower their prices, and i'm willing to bet you nobody will complain about 14mpg anymore.

 

Sure wish I had some of what you are drinking or smoking