V6 evaluation
 

I had a 2008 FX4 which I totalled in a rollover. I'm shopping for a new one and have found that the basic engine is a V6 - not happy. Could anyone volunteer any information about this engine - how it compares with the 5.4L in my 08? I do like the better gas mileage. Also, what is a trackback?

If you are talking about the twin turbo EcoBoost V6, it absolutely kills the 5.4 in power, torque, refinement, fuel economy, performance and towing ability.

Well, I can tell you that having driven both a 5.4 for some time and an Ecoboost that I have now the 5.4 is a dog compared to my ecoboost. I couldn't be happier with the performance. The V6 3.5L ecoboost is the premier engine that ford offers for 2011 so If you want the best IMO, the ecoboost is it. I drove them all, to include the 6.2 and I liked the ecoboost the best. I do miss the V8 rumble....maybe an exhaust will cure that. This if from a guy coming from a heavily modded 6.0 diesel...I like the ecoboost it feels so much like my diesel. No lag and plenty of power.

Thanks so much for the info. I'm now a lot more upbeat about buying a new truck with the V6. That 19 mpg sure sounds a lot better than my 13 as well. Adamsre - I'll add some pipes.

There are two V6 offerings. The 3.5 Ecoboost is not the "basic engine", that is the 3.7 V6 which is not turbocharged. They are very different engines. Make sure you aren't considering one while listening to the testimonials of the other.

Even the entry level 3.7L V6 puts out almost as much power as the 5.4L did. It's no slouch.

I would consider other options, though.

Can't even get that "base" 3.7L V6 in some configurations. Not in a SuperCrew anyway.

what are you looking at? 4x4? Regular Cab, SuperCab or SuperCrew?

The base engine for an XLT 4x4 is the 5.0. All other configurations offer the 3.7L as the base engine in the XLT and lower trim levels.

The 3.7L is certainly no slouch and I think it's perfect in a non towing truck, 4x4 or 4x2.

The 3.5L Ecoboost is plain and simply a beast.

Drove the 3.7 and was hoping to be impressed. Wasn't. AFter driving the 3.5, the 3.7 felt like it needed a lot of throttle to just to move out. I gave it a full throttle take off and it didn't feel close to my 4.6 3V despite it's 13 more hp rating.

The 3.7L replaced the 4.6L 2V engine.

I know, but I thought I'd feel more "ooomph" with 305 hp. Torque is the key I guess.

Gotcha. I think the only impressive thing about the 3.7L may be MPG's, provided it's geared and driven right.

I'm looking for a 5.0L in August.

i had a 2006 5.4 and now i have the supercrew 3.7 and i absolutely don't miss the 13-15mpg in it.

with both trucks i tot around town and work with light throttle and te 3.7 seems very content thinking its a v8. but let me mention i had tall 20 inch factory rims with a 3.55 with the 5.4 and now i have 3.73's with shorter 18 wheels and tires.

with my monthly mileage that keeps adding up, the 3.7 was the way to go instead of the gas hungry 5.4. i'm sure when i tow, i might miss the 5.4 but thats only a few times a year. thats not going to offset driving a 5.4 everyday and not use as much fuel towing a load then driving a 3.7 everyday and use a little bit more than a few times a year.

the 3.7 absolutely rocks and i love the way it sounds when it revs to 7000rpms.

oh, not to include that on my 1st tank of gas with the same paths to work, same paths to the gym, lowes, grocery store and etc. i'm coming from 15mpg MAX to 20mpg averages.

that 33% better,!!!! you could figure out the rest of the math!

:-X04:-X04:-X04:-X04

After reading various threads about the 3.7, I have come to the conclusion that this engine is pretty darn capable for what it is. It makes the old 4.2 V6 look like a boat anchor (I know there are a lot of fans of that old motor and it was very durable) but today's truck buyers are looking for power and fuel efficiency which were not the greatest virtues of the 4.2

Think back 10-15 years ago and compare the 3.7's power to that of the two base engines Ford offered, the 300 c.i. straight six and the 302 c.i. V8. The 3.7 doubles the HP of the I6 and has nearly 120 HP more than the V8 and bests them both in torque numbers. Granted, both of the old engines made their peak torque numbers much lower in the RPM range (also remember the I6 only would rev to about 4000 rpm where the 302 would run up to 4500 rpm). We truly have come a long way with engine technology.

I think where Ford is missing the boat here is thinking that the 3.7 equipped F-150 will take place of the Ranger. While a Supercab or Supercrew F-150 is vastly superior to the Ranger in terms of interior room for families and the like, it is going to be hard to replace the stripped down 4 cylinder, regular cab Ranger for the fleet user that requires a small, fuel-efficient truck. Otherwise, it makes some sense to rely on the smaller F-150 configurations to replace the personal use Ranger buyer.

That is why I would like to see Ford bring back the Supercab with the 5.5 foot bed which is now only currently sold as a Raptor. I see a few older Scab 5.5 bed trucks running around and really like them. They are nice and short, will fit in most garages, and still offer decent back seat space which is perfect for kids and good enough for adults to be fairly comfortable. This truck with the 3.7 and possibly a lowered suspension to allow a little easier entry and exit as well as access over the sides of the bed would be appreciated by those who would otherwise have bought a Ranger and may end up looking elsewhere at Tacomas or other mid-size trucks.