Something to reflect upon :

1. The 5.0 provided better fuel economy in the recent Pick up Trucks.com test than the GM 6.2's (which are also great engines) - but only while towing! Why is this? Probably because the GM twins could not tow in 4 cylinder mode!

2. The 5.0 does not have direct injection, I view this as a plus, no issues with oil dilution, carbon build-up, etc. A proven and simpler design.

3. The 5.0 is designed to run so efficiently, it is not saddled like most other engines, with an added on EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system. Another benefit of simplicity in design.

4. It is designed to run on regular 87 octane fuel, and can run on up to 85% ethanol, meaning that higher concentrations of ethanol (yuck) won't hurt it!

5. The 2015 truck. 5.0 develops as much hp as the previous gen with a good tuner - stock! It also develops more peak torque, and more significantly, develops it at almost 1000 rpm lower than the previous generation.

6. The 5.0, while a V8, actually weighs less in the 2015 F150 than the Ecoboost twins!

This is a phenomenal engine which is not being promoted very well, perhaps because other things trump it politically. Too bad. It's definitely a great design!

 

Agreed. While I think the Ecoboost trucks are great, I'll be sticking with the 5.0 on my next truck.

 

+3

5.0 plus eight speed (if they do this) plus lighter aluminum body will be the best powertrain of the lot.

It will truly be a shame if they discontinue a V8 in these trucks.

 

Im a big fan of the 5.0, and because of all the things you said,
Simplicity and proven designs, its an engine that going to out last many others.

 

I wouldn't get my truck with anything but a 5.0


Of course I have a 17' boat and getting a travel trailer soon. Need the extra power that comes with the 5.

 

All great points SS. I'm amazed at the fuel economy I'm getting so far. Truck just turned 400 miles, and is constantly seeing high 18s to low 19s in mixed driving. Very impressed coming from the 3.7, which averaged about 18 for the 3 years I owned it.

 

Yes, it's a great engine and very efficient engine! But I just don't understand those road tests! Seems like someone is goosing the numbers!

Car and Driver just tested a Platinum with the 3.5 (365hp) which weighs over 5500 lbs and gets 0-60 in around 5.7 and 1/4 in 14.4 and Pickups.com gets a 0-60 of 6.7 and a 1/4 of 15.3 or so in 5120 lb. "pre-production" 5.0 XLT (385 hp) . Go figure.

 

A couple of points for me. One-no 8 speed in the Ford trucks. They are jumping straight to a 10sp that is going into the trucks no later than 2017. Second, on the point of inconsistent testing numbers, there just haven't been a whole lot of opportunities to test the new truck consistently. Publications were so anxious to get their hands on it that they took whatever they could (and consequently got random configurations).

 

Many of the reasons I went 5.0. Others include:

The 3.5 Eco only makes its advertised power on Premium fuel.
It sounds anemic, and the new fake engine sound is just about the lamest thing since putting electric steering in sports cars.
You should run Premium fuel in the Eco when towing.
The $ saved by getting the 5.0 instead of the Eco on a KR buys quite a bit of gas.
Over time the 5.0 will cost less to maintain

It was a no brainier for me to go 5.0

 

365hp is on 87 octane, it does have a few more on 93. But it is rated on 87. Unless it is in a Lincoln.

With vvt, you should run premium on the 5.0 towing as well. It helps.