Panther150

Toying with upgrading from my 2014 STX with the 3.7 v6. The 3.5 gets rave reviews on here, but I’m wondering if I’m missing anything.

After 5 years of the 3.7, I want a’go fast’ Truck! I do use it for work, never towing, but do haul a lot in the bed.

Any cons to the 3.5?

Thanks!

GreenandGold831

iTrader: (1)

The only con I have, which isn't a huge con anymore, but I can't add exhaust to it without it sounding like a fart can. I've listened to every sound clip I could find and they all sound like crap. CA has basically banned aftermarket exhaust by making it a $1k fine so it's not a huge deal for me anymore. I've come to appreciate the quiet sound and it's funny when I pull up to a friends house and the engine fans make more noise than the truck.

Love the power of the engine, especially after test driving a 5.0 which felt slow in comparison.

KYBuckeye

I have a gen 1 3.5 in my 2015 Lariat. It’s quick and has a lot of potential with just a tune. However if I were keeping it stock I’d go with a 2.7. I feel like Ford tuned it more aggressively from the factory. 0-60 is a coin toss compared to a 3.5. It gets better fuel economy as well. If you don’t tow heavy the 2.7 is worth a look. It sure feels like Ford underrated it.

cthusker

I like my 3.5 GENII and the only problem so far was a leaking oil pan. Mine was repaired the first time and has been leak for about a year. Not to say it will stay that way but at least it's under warranty so I'm not overly concerned. It however has been an on going issue with the 3.5 eco but not a deal breaker imo. I do a fair amount of towing (5K to 8k lbs) and it has all the power you'd ever need. Love the way it tows but if not towing a lot I'm sure the 2.7 is just as good as the 3.5 in all aspects.

Bottom line every engine platform will usually have has there own unique problems as does the 3.5 eco. Nothing about the engine should be a deal breaker. If you get one learn to enjoy how quiet it runs. After coming from a V8 it took me awhile to get used to it............

BroncoAG

I have no complaints with the 2nd gen 3.5. I was looking for the 2.7 but no dealership in a 500 mile range had a 2.7 in the configuration I wanted so I went with the 3.5. I drove from CA to WY and back and averaged 20mpg and always had tons of power when I needed it.

acdii

About the only thing that is a con, and pretty sure everyone will agree, is the sound. Now if you want it to sound like a GT Rally car, then it's the right engine, but it will never get that deep thrum of a V8. Considering the millions of them made, it's a solid engine, and mine is getting 22 MPG, so can't complain one bit.

NASSTY

Nope, I'm on my 3rd and pondering on ordering my 4th in the near future.

Mainframe

I have 2nd gen 3.5, Don't care about sound, used to race a YZ 465 2 stroke, LOUD! I'm so over making noise, gotta lot to do and need to get things done, that said, I am always in trouble for driving too fast/aggressively LOL, well my wife doesn't want to ride in the ford sometimes and makes me take the Tahoe (like driving with the ebrake on).

I don't know where they are getting all that power from but I love it!

SHOOT1SAM

In answer to the OP’s thread title, yes:

GM/Chevrolet
FCA/Dodge/ Ram
Nissan
Toyota

sholxgt

Loving mine. It was good stock, but now that it's tuned, it's downright FUN!

If leaving stock though, the 2.7EB makes total sense. It's just as fast if both are stock and gets better fuel mileage.