My friend bought a base engine 2018 XLT 4WD a few months ago and is sorely disappointed with the performance. He loves the truck otherwise. I've told him I don't think there is really anything he can do to make any real difference and perhaps think about trading it or selling it and getting a better engine. I suggested a Lariat with the 5.0 or 3.5EB. He loves his jump seat though can you get a Lariat with the jump seat?

Also another mutual acquaintance (what I would call a "leaner") told him he could get a lot better performance doing a couple of modifications. Namely, replace the plugs with splitfire plugs, add a tune, add a cold air intake, and "turn off the traction control". My feeling is that all of those things will do almost nothing but lighten his wallet and leave him with a truck that he is still not happy with the performance. I seem to remember that the CAIs are generally debunked and I have never heard of the splitfires doing anything. I don't know about a tune I've done tune's before on other cars and never really seen any noticeable gains. The traction control line is total BS of course.

Thoughts?

 

Suggest whatever he gets next, a more thorough test drive would be a good idea.

 

If he got the na 3.3 I can't imagine there is much he can do performance-wise.

 

For about $500 he can get about 30 hp from a tuner and custom tune. He should have just ponied up the extra $995 and got the 2.7.

 

If he is buying new best discounts will be on a XLT 302A.

Having had both a 2.7EB, 3.5EB and driven a 5.0 a good bit II will say the 2.7EB responds faster and feels quicker in day to day driving. Drive them all and buy your favorite.

The leather bench is available in the Lariat. Never seen one on the lot. Likely will have to be ordered.

 

Tell him this is a truck, not a sports car.

 

Nail on the head.

What a close-minded comment, don't really see any reason for it. As for the OP, I suppose the first thing your friend ought to decide is whether or not he's going to trade it, or do some upgrades. Should probably commit to one or the other before making any big decisions IMO.

 

Bought on cost and now want's a perfectly clear diamond that is not going to happen. He obliviously did not listen prior to buying the truck so leave it to what it is. There are a lot of perfectly happy owners of the base engine trucks. Either love it or pony up and buy something different and quit the whining.
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18 502a Lariat max tow 20" wheels, tail gate step

 

This is the kind of thinking that makes companies get their *** kicked by competitors.

 

I have a 2016 screw 4x4 with 3.73 gears and base 3.5NA engine. Seems plenty fast for me especially in sport mode. Sport mode makes a big difference on mine. You might suggest that to him.
Tim