I am looking at purchasing a new F-150. I see a lot of people like the new V-6 ecoboost. Some people like to stick with the V-8. I have a 19 foot Boat that I will be towing. I was told that if I buy the V-8 I can Match the torque of the V-6 buy installing exhaust and intake. Has anyone done this

 

You won't ever match the low end torque of the EB, those turbos are the difference. For the best raw towing power get the EB. If you prefer the higher revving sound and rumble of the V8, go with the 5.0. The 2018 is coming with the all new 5.0 and the 10 spd auto, so keep that in mind.
For me I love the V8, but I would likely go for the EB just because when I do tow, it's on the heavy side for the F150 and I want all the power I can get.
Both motors are great, it's always a tough choice for many to make.

 

If your goal is simplicity and that sweet V8 sound, go for the V8.

However, the V8 will never meet the torque of the EcoBoost. The low end torque of the EcoBoost is just amazing, and the V8 could not match it without some similar boost, which would defeat the simplicity goal. I think the reliability concerns people have about the EcoBoost are legitimate, but are somewhat overblown (no pun intended).

 

Aftermarket exhausts and intakes are snake oil if you think they'll give you any additional power. Especially if you keep the computer stock.

I can't imagine any 19' boat being too much for the v8, especially with the large rear diff gear.

 

You may get close to peak torque, but it will never have the flat torque curve that comes on early like the EcoBoost. The only other way to get that in a gas, non turbo engine is with the 6.8 V10. Which, of course, is not in an F150. My 3.5 pulls very similar to my old V10.

The 5.0 in stock form will be just fine pulling your 19 foot boat. If you get the Max Tow package you get the larger 9.75 rear end. Otherwise you get the 8.8.

 

I traded my '14 F150 FX Supercrew 5.0 (24k miles) for a new '17 F150 Lariat FX Supercrew 5.0. I picked it up on 5/12. The following week I stopped in at the dealership to pick up floor mats that didn't make it with the pickup. There was my '14 sitting there ready to deliver. Terry (my salesman) said he had sold it to a guy who was trading in his '16 F150 Lariat Supercrew w/3.5 EcoBoost. The guy pulls a travel trailer and didn't like the 3.5, so he took my '14 home, hooked on to the trailer for a test pull, and came back completely satisfied with the horsepower of the 5.0. I'm making no judgement on his choice, whatever is right for him. Just sayin'

 

I am waiting for my '17 Lariat 4x4 to show up (Order tracking just flipped to "Awaiting Shipment" yesterday). I too have a 19' bass boat, and also tow a 23' Sea Ray (6000 lbs) and a small pontoon boat, along with an occasional flatbed, utility trailer, etc. I opted for the Max Tow package which requires the EB and 3.55 rear end. You can get the 5.0 with the Standard Tow package. The 5.0 would have absolutely served my purpose, but I am looking forward to towing with the EB from all the things I have heard about it.

 

I would love to hear the whole story on this one. There's got to be more going on.

 

Some people are afraid of turbo engines, most don't know how to drive one. What ever floats his boat, both are good engines and make great power. I towed my camper and boat for the first time yesterday and I was extremely happy with the EB. My camper is only 5k but I didn't know it was there. Had to pass an old lady who insisted on doing 20-25mph in a 55 weaving every where and the truck took off when I got on it. I previously pulled that trailer with my jeep grand Cherokee with a 4.7 v8, no comparison in power but it only made 235hp 295lbft.

 

I just got back from picking up a car in Montana yesterday. Uhaul trailer is about 2k, and the Focus is about another 2k. Driving the EB with the max tow she is a Lariat SCAB long bed. From a dead stop you can tell you are pulling something. However going up 5% grades, and have to slow down to 60 because of traffic, once the opportunity arose I was able to quickly get back up to 70 to get around the slow moving cars and trucks. I get that fake V-8 rumble through my stereo (I think I remember reading the Sony system has the fake noise). Overall I'm happy with the way my truck performed towing the 760'ish miles home through a handful of mountain passes. The engine braking via down shifting on the downhill side of the passes meant I had to use very little brakes. Only change I'd make if I did it again would be to maybe up the air in the tires. Was my first time towing in about 8 years, so have to relearn a few things.

 

been towing a yr 2000 19' boat with 4 different F150 V8 trucks since then. Go for the V8!

 

And warranty......

The 5.0 would do the job, and the 3.5 would do it better.

 

I tow a 21' boat and a car hauler with my 2.7L EcoBoost. It handles either trailer with ease.