Which motor
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 332
Likes: 2
Which motor
so I’m close to buying a new truck but it’s a toss up on which motor to choose. I’m selling my 6500 lb boat so I won’t be towing anything that heavy anymore. Smaller boat one day. Considering lariat and xlt supercrew and 5.5 bed 4x4. Just not sure on engine. I’m just looking for longevity and no issues. All opinions are appreciated. Thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 60
From: N. Illinois
OMG, dude! You just opened pandora box. Do a search. There is sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much on here regarding your question, it's not funny. It's only been asked 37,678 times. V-8 guys gonna hate on the EcoBoost, and EcoBoost guys gonna hate on the V-8. That said, I had an EcoBoost 3.5L prior, now a 5.0L. For a daily driver, the V-8 5.0L is great, but if I were towing, I don't think I'd be very happy. Next time, I'll go back to an EcoBoost... I think.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,650
Likes: 243
From: GA
so I’m close to buying a new truck but it’s a toss up on which motor to choose. I’m selling my 6500 lb boat so I won’t be towing anything that heavy anymore. Smaller boat one day. Considering lariat and xlt supercrew and 5.5 bed 4x4. Just not sure on engine. I’m just looking for longevity and no issues. All opinions are appreciated. Thanks
Been around for years, less complicated than the TT and diesel engines which equals to cheaper and easier repairs when needed, and will serve you well for your future towing needs.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 60
From: N. Illinois
I just installed a Corsa exhaust, and it sounds like a GT350R. Sweet. My only complaint is the off-line torque out of the hole is sluggish compared to the 3.5L EcoBoost, but I didn't buy it to roast rubber. After about 30k, we'll see what 5-Star can do. I just came out of a 6.7L Stroke (between the 3.5L and this 5.0L) so my butt-o-meter is a bit skewed right now. The 6.7L is insane in an 8,000# truck.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 7
From: 46th State
I'm currently driving my second 3.5L E.B. F-150. If I were guessing I would say there are probably more 3.5L Ecoboost trucks. The 5.0L engine is most likely the next in line as the most popular.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 360
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
I regularly drive my own 3.5L EB, and have frequent access to a couple F-150s with the 2.7L EB. Both engines are great, but the 2.7L EB comes up a bit short when/if you need compression braking. The 3.5L EB does much better. The 5.0L V8 would probably be better still. The 3.5L EB is the strongest if you need low-end grunt for pulling a trailer.
It all depends on what you want. With the 10-speed transmission, there is probably not a bad choice.
It all depends on what you want. With the 10-speed transmission, there is probably not a bad choice.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 369
Likes: 16
From: Pleasant Grove, Alabama
I had a 2wd 157” wb 2012 5.0 (3.55 rear) for 100,000 trouble free miles before I bought the 2wd 157” wb 2016 2.7 (3.31 rear) I currently own. It currently has 28,000 miles and has been trouble free. The 5.0 averaged 19.3 on the lie-o-meter over its 100k miles. The 2.7 is showing 22.2 mpg over its 28k. No doubt my 2.7 would run away from my 5.0 in a drag race. The 2.7 is more relaxed in day to day driving. Low rpm torque does that. It’s quieter and I like that.
If I needed to buy a new truck tomorrow, it would have a 2.7 under the hood.
If I needed to buy a new truck tomorrow, it would have a 2.7 under the hood.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 86
Likes: 6
Not sure that you can make a wrong decision here (aside from the underpowered 3.3, if it's even available in the truck you want).
IMO, test drive them, compare their ratings to your intended use and go from there. You'll be surprised how much power the 2.7 really has, however, if you want the V8 sound, there is no replacement for the 5.0.
If you're having trouble choosing, talk to your dealer and see if they have extended (overnight) test drives available. Some do, and if yours does, you may be able to take one home for a night a put a few miles on it, then try the other engine the next day.
IMO, test drive them, compare their ratings to your intended use and go from there. You'll be surprised how much power the 2.7 really has, however, if you want the V8 sound, there is no replacement for the 5.0.
If you're having trouble choosing, talk to your dealer and see if they have extended (overnight) test drives available. Some do, and if yours does, you may be able to take one home for a night a put a few miles on it, then try the other engine the next day.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
3.5L Eco 2nd Gen
IMHO...got to go with the 3.5L Eco 2nd Gen engine. It really is a beast in the F150 platform. I am a torque kind-of-guy, so this engine is perfect for me!! When paired with the 10spd Auto, in SPORT mode...it rivals a mustang!! A HUGE grin every time I drive mine. Fuel mileage is fantastic for a full sized truck.
Have fun choosing!!
biz
Have fun choosing!!
biz