Engine Options-Curret Owners Help Please!
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Engine Options-Curret Owners Help Please!
I am looking at a 09+ f150 and need some opinions from current owners as I have owned many diesels but not a gasser I quite a while.
Between the 5.0 (or other V8s offered if any) and the ecoboost what real-world fuel mileages are people seeing?
Are there any guys with a lot of miles on these trucks with either engine (150-200k+) and how are they holding up? I put on a minimum of 30k a year so longevity is important.
Any input it appreciated! Thanks!
-Mike
Between the 5.0 (or other V8s offered if any) and the ecoboost what real-world fuel mileages are people seeing?
Are there any guys with a lot of miles on these trucks with either engine (150-200k+) and how are they holding up? I put on a minimum of 30k a year so longevity is important.
Any input it appreciated! Thanks!
-Mike
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 165
Likes: 7
From: Denver
my 13 STX supercab 4x4 5.0 gets between 17-18 in mixed driving so far with 3600 miles on it.
on two longer trips: once it averaged around 19 pretty loaded, 75 mph 900 mile trip
on a shorter 550 mile trip, not loaded, 55-65 mph due to two lane roads, 20.5 mpg with a cross wind.. not bad in my opinion.
This is winter too and apparently the winter mix gas isn't as good, but I have a hard time imagining it getting any better mpg's
on two longer trips: once it averaged around 19 pretty loaded, 75 mph 900 mile trip
on a shorter 550 mile trip, not loaded, 55-65 mph due to two lane roads, 20.5 mpg with a cross wind.. not bad in my opinion.
This is winter too and apparently the winter mix gas isn't as good, but I have a hard time imagining it getting any better mpg's
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 103
From: FL
I have an identical truck to billybobzia, with 5.0 and same gearing. Seeing about the same MPGs. I've dropped to 15-16 with winter fuel, extended idling, short trips and 4x4 usage. Still happy with it. I can't speak for longevity, as it only has 7500 miles on it currently.
I came from a '97 F-350 diesel to the 5.0 and I'm very happy with the power level of this truck. Many diesel guys seem to migrate to the ecoboost. Full torque is available at 2500 rpms in the ecoboost, where as the 5.0 needs to be wound out to ~4500 rpms.
If you are looking at 09+, that opens the selection up the the 5.4 and 4.6. The 5.4 is a very solid motor as well, and has been around for quite some time.
I have to ask, what are your towing/hauling requirements? If fuel mileage is a primary concern, you may also want to consider the base 3.7L naturally aspirated v6. The engine still makes solid power, and with the 6R80 transmission, still feels plenty quick. I would recommend taking them for a test drive in addition to the information you obtain on the forms, to see which truck feels right for your needs.
I came from a '97 F-350 diesel to the 5.0 and I'm very happy with the power level of this truck. Many diesel guys seem to migrate to the ecoboost. Full torque is available at 2500 rpms in the ecoboost, where as the 5.0 needs to be wound out to ~4500 rpms.
If you are looking at 09+, that opens the selection up the the 5.4 and 4.6. The 5.4 is a very solid motor as well, and has been around for quite some time.
I have to ask, what are your towing/hauling requirements? If fuel mileage is a primary concern, you may also want to consider the base 3.7L naturally aspirated v6. The engine still makes solid power, and with the 6R80 transmission, still feels plenty quick. I would recommend taking them for a test drive in addition to the information you obtain on the forms, to see which truck feels right for your needs.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
Likes: 5
From: Corvallis, OR
2012 Ecoboost SuperCrew 6.5' bed with 3.73 gears. I only get 18.5 mpg running 70 on long trips. I think with the lower gears some of the Ecoboost MPG benefits fade away. Still have the diesel-like torque though. If I could go back, I'd get a 5.0L for faster warm ups and room for a hidden winch behind the front bumper (Ecoboost has an intercooler in the way).
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
Likes: 3
From: SE Wyoming
MY '09 5.4L has the 3.31 gears but with the 33's the PO put on my effective gear ratio is about 3.09. MY mileage varies wider than any other truck I ave owned. I've gotten as high as 17.5 on a road trip to TX and get as low as high 12's this time of year with more idle time. Average has been around 15mpg. I'm planning on getting better gears, truck just works too hard for my elevation with a gear ratio that low with those big tires.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 57
Fuel mileage is a push between the two.
You should drive both and make your decision based on that.
The Eco is quiet and powerful, lots of low torque.
The 5.0 sounds great and has plenty of power.
Coming from a diesel, the Eco may feel more familiar to you.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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5.0 for best combo of mpg and power.....ecoboost for best combo of power and towing capabilities
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 667
Likes: 28
I have a 2009 5.4L with some mods on it (MPG was worse before) and I get 18-22MPG freeway at 80MPH but I am 3:31 geared with intake, exhaust, bed cover. Before the mods I was 19mpg hwy tops on a good day. This mind you is off my lie-o-meter. I am in the 80K mile range and she is still running strong. It all depends on what you plan to do: daily driver, tow, combination tow/daily as to what fits your needs. TBH if you have the opportunity stick with a 5.0 or Eco. I love my 5.4L since my expy has it and I have experience with it being a solid engine but if given the chance I would have gone with one of the newer engines. Remember too that gearing plays a big part in your mileage. 3:31/3:55 is your daily driver and 3:73 and up are your tow gears. Finding that balance for you is where its at.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,946
Likes: 11
From: Northern California
2012 Ecoboost SuperCrew 6.5' bed with 3.73 gears. I only get 18.5 mpg running 70 on long trips. I think with the lower gears some of the Ecoboost MPG benefits fade away. Still have the diesel-like torque though. If I could go back, I'd get a 5.0L for faster warm ups and room for a hidden winch behind the front bumper (Ecoboost has an intercooler in the way).
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 2
For the OP, you're looking at two families of motors:
2009-2010 - 4.6L 2-valve V8 with 4-speed transmission, 4.6L 3-valve V8 with 6-speed transmission, and 5.4L 3-valve V8 with 6-speed.
2011+ - 3.7L V6, 3.5L V6 EcoBoost (twin turbo), 5.0L V8, 6.2L V8
The newer motors make more power and provide better fuel economy, but they don't have the well documented longevity of the Modular motors (4.6/5.4).
The 5.4s are no speed demon, but they are tried and true. We have two in my family - mine is pushing 138K and another is over 215K. Both still run well, don't burn a drop of oil, and have never required any repairs beyond spark plug replacement, etc. They have both been fed Mobil1 every 5-6K their entire lives.
2009-2010 - 4.6L 2-valve V8 with 4-speed transmission, 4.6L 3-valve V8 with 6-speed transmission, and 5.4L 3-valve V8 with 6-speed.
2011+ - 3.7L V6, 3.5L V6 EcoBoost (twin turbo), 5.0L V8, 6.2L V8
The newer motors make more power and provide better fuel economy, but they don't have the well documented longevity of the Modular motors (4.6/5.4).
The 5.4s are no speed demon, but they are tried and true. We have two in my family - mine is pushing 138K and another is over 215K. Both still run well, don't burn a drop of oil, and have never required any repairs beyond spark plug replacement, etc. They have both been fed Mobil1 every 5-6K their entire lives.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,111
Likes: 3
From: Lexington Mo
For the OP, you're looking at two families of motors:
2009-2010 - 4.6L 2-valve V8 with 4-speed transmission, 4.6L 3-valve V8 with 6-speed transmission, and 5.4L 3-valve V8 with 6-speed.
2011+ - 3.7L V6, 3.5L V6 EcoBoost (twin turbo), 5.0L V8, 6.2L V8
The newer motors make more power and provide better fuel economy, but they don't have the well documented longevity of the Modular motors (4.6/5.4).
2009-2010 - 4.6L 2-valve V8 with 4-speed transmission, 4.6L 3-valve V8 with 6-speed transmission, and 5.4L 3-valve V8 with 6-speed.
2011+ - 3.7L V6, 3.5L V6 EcoBoost (twin turbo), 5.0L V8, 6.2L V8
The newer motors make more power and provide better fuel economy, but they don't have the well documented longevity of the Modular motors (4.6/5.4).
Unk Bob
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
Likes: 5
From: Corvallis, OR
True, but that's getting a little spendy and then I'd be worried about Ford arguing if and warranty engine repairs were needed. This truck is going to stay stock.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Manitoba, Canada
I just went through the 5.0L vs ECOTEC.
What I got from doing a lot of reading is both are about the same fuel (negligible) both towing and not.
The ecoboost has a lot more low rpm torque for towing. (poor man's diesel)
The 5.0L is more bullet proof for break downs. If the Ecoboost goes down off warranty it could be big bucks.
I don't do much towing so I went 5.0L
What I got from doing a lot of reading is both are about the same fuel (negligible) both towing and not.
The ecoboost has a lot more low rpm torque for towing. (poor man's diesel)
The 5.0L is more bullet proof for break downs. If the Ecoboost goes down off warranty it could be big bucks.
I don't do much towing so I went 5.0L
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 116
From: St James, Missouri
A coworker of mine has a 10 with the 5.4 3.55 gears with the 6 speed. He says he gets 15-17 average driving but on a long trip he takes frequently where the speed limit is 60 he gets 19-21. It has 180k miles was a company vehicle before he purchased it.