Hello y'all,
Looking at a new truck for my deserving wife (my idea, not hers). She drives a hail damaged 2013 F150, 4X2 with the 3.5 presently. She loves the acceleration from the 3.5 but I was wondering what the 5.0's are like from someone here. The king ranch she likes can be had with either power plant.
This will be a purchase and kept for awhile, opinions are welcomed.
Thanks
rob

 

The best thing todo would be test drive a few. I would find it hard to drop down to a V8 after having the EcoBoost.

 

I see it this way. Short trips and infrequent light towing, 5.0. Longer trips and more frequent or heavier towing, 3.5 EB. Times are good for F150 buyers as there are no bad engines these days.

 

It's not a "drop down" unless you live above 2,000 feet of altitude. Both are good engines and both are plenty adequate for half-ton duty. It's not until higher altitude that the 3.5 has a real advantage.

The 5L has a better track record for reliability, but the new generation of EB should hopefully be improved.

 

Yea I agree I have had a few ecos and a 6.7 then went to 5.0, 5.0 gets a bad wrap for some reason not sure why great pulling power and better mpg than any eco I ever had.

 

My only concern about the 3.5 is the turbo issue, out of warranty they are about 3 grand apiece...

 

If it's going to be another 4x2, and a DD, then I would opt for either of the NA engines (3.5 or 5.0). If she likes the power, go with the 5. Otherwise, the 3.5 NA is a good choice, just not as much power.

 

Good reviews on the new 3.5 Ecoboost and 10 speed trans so far. If I had to replace mine right now, I'd choose the Ecoboost 3.5l.

 

You are right, drop down was a poor choice of words, I should have said switch too. In the King Ranch I think the only 2 choices were the 5.0 or the 3.5 EB. Best thing to do is drive them. The turbos in these engines seem strong, I am not concerned about one going out.

 

I'm not sure how much the turbos cost on the Gen 2 Ecoboost?? But you can get turbos for under $500 for the Gen 1's.

Turbocharger for 2013 Ford F-150|DL3Z-6K682-F : Genuine Factory OEM Parts & Accessories | TascaParts.com

Turbocharger, LEFT for 2013 Ford F-150|DL3Z-6K682-E : Genuine Factory OEM Parts & Accessories | TascaParts.com

 

I'm a V8 guy either way, and love my 5.0. We have a '16 5.0 and a '16 3.5EB in the family, and my 5.0 is so much more satisfying (for me) to drive mostly due to the soundtrack.

But bias aside, I would personally not want the first year of anything (brand spanking new engine and brand new transmission). New platforms/engines/transmissions always have issues, big or small, that are worked out after the combination has been out a few years. For that reason, I would recommend the tried and true 5.0, or wait for '18 to jump on the new engine/tranny.

 

5.0 will run forever,oil and filters is all it needs
ecoboost is a maintenance hog,turbos and all associated parts will
never last as far

5.0 sounds better and makes plenty of power IMO

 

Thanks everyone, she just really likes the power the EB3.5 makes. Drove them both this morning and she should be driving it home in a bit. Thanks again for all the input and opinions.

This forum is fantastic!

 

Good call and congrats! The folks who swear by the 5.0 are old school IMO. Turbos have proven pretty darn reliable to the point that I wouldn't think twice about them. The 3.5 is a superior motor by far. That doesn't mean everyone needs to get one, I told a guy today that for his needs the 5.0 was better. "The 3.5 is the best, most powerful, motor Ford has for the F150, but you've had the 5.0 for a few years and you really like it, so why spend the extra money for something you don't need?"

 

My mistake, it's a 2016