I have got to weigh in on this one. First a little back ground info. I grew up on and working around farms and ranches. Then went into the Army and became a heavy wheeled mechanic/wrecker operator. When I was a kid the truck everybody used was the '70's high boy f250 with the FE big blocks (360,390) Those things could pull a house off its foundation. And then working with the big diesels for the military (still doing it for the National Guard 15 years later!) I have come to the thought that the whole "NO REPLACEMENT FOR DISPLACEMENT" is not true anymore. For those that think that the ecoboost (yeah Powerdude, I'm referring to you) is not a truck engine. Just take a seat and give it a chance to prove itself. If you like V8's then more power to you, but don't be afraid of new tech. It will only help us in the long run. Besides The new 5.0 was built to upgraded later on to the ecoboost set up (if I remember what I read right). Now would you say no to that ecoboost? I personally like the 3.5 tt idea I don't need a truck to tow/haul all the time. Maybe 10% at most. But I do need a truck for those 10% times. So I have the power when I need it AND great economy when I don't for the other 90% of the time. I know that alot of people get angry when asked to leave there comfort zones (you should have seen me when the Army told us we were turning in our old 2.5 tons and getting the new LMTV set ups in there place!) Just try to relax and if you have to get a new Half ton, Well the 5.0 seems like a rock star also.

ps- I still miss those old deuces... You know the good old days

 

I’ll stick with the 2017 timeframe for what I’m thinking, I have no doubt people will hit high mileage in a couple years, heck my wife and I push about 50,000 per year without trying too hard. I’m talking about 4-6 winter to summer to winter to summer cycles with the road muck, salt, temperature changes etc. Then we’ll know which of all those hose fittings, sensors, controllers, etc. are the ones that are habitually problematic that don’t exist on the 5.0, 6.2 or the NA V-6.

That’s all I’m saying.

Personally, I obviously have no steadfast rule on wanting a V-8, so I do hope the Ecoboost proves me wrong and becomes the powerplant game changer Ford is counting on.

 

You all might laugh but since I don't really pull anything I may get my 2011 with the 3.7L instead of the 5.0L. Ford's build site for the 2011 F-150 still isn't up yet so I'll have to wait and see what the standard engine is an XLT Scab 4x4.

 

Ford isn't going to offer the 6.2L in an XLT model, so I'm not in the market for their new stuff. When or if they offer what I want I'll be getting excited again.

 

Looks like you'll have to get an XL or the STX to get the 3.7 in a 4WD Supercab Tim....otherwise, the 5.0 is standard in the Supercab 4x4s. At least that's how it appears in the order guide anyway.

 

My biggest concern is that one day Ford won't even offer a 1/2ton V8. About a year ago I had read that Ford was thinking about trying to get I4's into their 1/2 tons in the next few years. Now maybe I'm just paranoid but I worry that Ford may try and get to a point were they don't offer V8's anymore. Just I4's and V6's. That thought disturbs me greatly. And I think that would be a huge mistake on Fords behalf, because Ford has a great reputation for offering a little something for everyone. And a huge mass of buyers for the F-150 are people that will want a V8, Such as myself. With Technology advancing at the rate it is, personally I think its only a matter of time before super fuel efficient V8's hit the market as well. I expect the 2011 F-150's with the 5.0L will be relatively close to the Ecoboost in fuel economy terms. I've seen 5.4L's get up to 20mpg highway, And I'm 99% sure the 5.0L will be able to get at the very minimum a few MPG more than that. And if Ford does in fact add Ecoboost Technology to the 5.0L down the road, Then I've now doubt it will do even better.

All that said, If that's the case...I don't see V8's going anywhere.

 

I haven't been this excited about the F150 in a long time. It is amazing that they are offering 4 different powertrains for the customer. The most exciting part about all these new powertrains to me is the 3.5 ecoboost. Forced induction is the future for a lot of motors. Why? Because it is free power. There are way too many old fashioned people on here that think change, any kind of change is bad. Like a few other guys have said, I dont care if its a v8, a v10 or a criss crossed 3 ahaha. As long as it has a nice flat torque curve with good power... that is what matters. I have heard Ford is trying to get the EPA sticker of 24 hwy mpg! If that is the case, this motor could possibly see the upper 20's on the highwy. When towing it will similar MPG as the other V8's. So even though the 6.2 has better max numbers, the 3.5 has the power available longer... and that is what is more important.

 

I hear what your saying, And I grew up with V8's being the choice engines. But now Ford is throwing a whole new animal into the mix and I want to support them for giving us the choices that are, now will they up the ante with the 5.0 (build it in an eco boost format) we can only hope so. The 6.2 is a solid engine (so far) but is most certainly an "old school" power plant. I don't care what anybody says. fuel economy is very important. So if Ford does 'boost the 5.0 before I get my next truck well...

 

6.2 is standard in the F250 XLT and costs no more than a F150 XLT 5.4. Go figure that!

 

Thanks John, the 5.0L it is!

 

You can get an STX with power windows, locks, sync, etc. So it's just like an XLT with a better looking grille.

 

Welcome to FTE! Yeah, that's where we differ in our opinions.

 

I know that, but for what I'm towing I hate to be lugging the extra weight of the SD when I don't need to. That takes more power and cost some fuel economy. I'm not really that old fashioned. But I am frugal. I've had to replace a turbo or two on my 6.0L on my dime and they ain't cheap. So if I can get comparable perfomance with more cubes and a NA engine that's my preference. I like Henry Ford's philosophy of simplicity. Over the long haul you get to keep more of your earned income. I've never had to replace a power window switch or motor with manual windows and I'm not so lazy or busy behind the wheel that I can't roll my window up or down myself. The less gadgets and accessories the cheaper the cost of ownership and the less it's in the shop.

 

The thought that does disturb me greatly as well is no more V8's. It's not that I'm afraid or are against the EcoBoost. Far from it, I actually have experience with turbocharged gasoline engines, and have nothing against them.

I would personally love it if the EB got something like 23-25 mpg's in 4x4 Crew Cab form.

However, based on my experience with turbocharged gasoline engines blowing head gaskets, requiring religious oil changes (or else expensive turbo rebuilds), having problems with the piping and exhaust corrosion problem, wiring problems due to the extra heat around the turbo area and intercooler/coolant problems, I just don't think they are long haul truck engines.

Now, good design and good product quality can mitigate a lot of the above things, and even eliminate some of them. I hope that is the case with the EB, heck I might even buy one just to upset the wife...hah...

 

I don't mind a V6 with Ecoboost but I would like to see a Ecoboosted V8 (4v 6.2 please) as a option.