Anyone UNHAPPY with the 3.5 eco?
07-02-2019, 10:55 AM
#21
Senior Member
I may be biased, but I can't think of another vehicle that I have driven that beats the all around performance of the 3.5 EcoBoost. However, I will one thing has disappointed me thus far, highway mpgs aren't all that great. My truck seems to get better than advertised around town but underperforms on the highway.
I have gotten better than advertised highway mileage, but only with stiff tailwinds or staying around 60 MPH.
07-02-2019, 11:14 AM
#22
Senior Member
I have a 2019 3.5EB after I owned the solid 2016 5.0 (before the coyote issues starting in 2018).
I loved my 5.0 (sound, progressive/smooth power curve).
I picked 3.5EB feeling I did not have the choice after bad news about 5.0 since 2018.
Very pleased so far, just a whole different experience compare to 5.0. The sound is no brag for sure, but I like it when warmed, so quiet you wonder if it runs, yet ready to jump with 470 lbs-ft of torque.
With no load in city driving, it’s a race car (Accelerates big time). At highway speed, still okay, but I would say that my former 5.0 had more reserve.
Loaded and towing, I expected more after all the marketing about this powerful twin turbos. But I appreciated the difference now while towing: reving between 2000-3000 rpm, a lot quieter when climbing hills. No slower than 5.0, certainly quieter (5.0 at 4400 rpm is loud).
No oil usage.
cons: I hate that rattle sound when deccelerating with a cold engine. Beware: it WILL rattle, they all do (ones saying it doesn’t just didn’t hear it). It is designed that way. Look at deceleration rattle with 5.0 and 3.5 and you’ll find videos. I learned to ignore it now.
I loved my 5.0 (sound, progressive/smooth power curve).
I picked 3.5EB feeling I did not have the choice after bad news about 5.0 since 2018.
Very pleased so far, just a whole different experience compare to 5.0. The sound is no brag for sure, but I like it when warmed, so quiet you wonder if it runs, yet ready to jump with 470 lbs-ft of torque.
With no load in city driving, it’s a race car (Accelerates big time). At highway speed, still okay, but I would say that my former 5.0 had more reserve.
Loaded and towing, I expected more after all the marketing about this powerful twin turbos. But I appreciated the difference now while towing: reving between 2000-3000 rpm, a lot quieter when climbing hills. No slower than 5.0, certainly quieter (5.0 at 4400 rpm is loud).
No oil usage.
cons: I hate that rattle sound when deccelerating with a cold engine. Beware: it WILL rattle, they all do (ones saying it doesn’t just didn’t hear it). It is designed that way. Look at deceleration rattle with 5.0 and 3.5 and you’ll find videos. I learned to ignore it now.
07-02-2019, 12:12 PM
#23
Gone Golfin
iTrader: (3)
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!
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!
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samhain (07-02-2019)
07-02-2019, 02:20 PM
#26
Senior Member
07-02-2019, 02:31 PM
#27
Cons?
If you don't tow heavy, don't need to load up on payload in the truck, and don't intend to tune it at some point for more power, the 2.7 is probably a better choice as the 2.7 is less expensive and overall seems to get nearly 2 mpg better for most people...and stock for stock it's just as quick as the 3.5...and if anything seems even more trouble free and reliable than the 3.5.
So I guess I'm saying the con is that stock vs stock, not towing heavy or loading up on 'payload', the 2.7 does everything the 3.5 does, just as well as the 3.5 does, while costing less and using less gas...which makes the 3.5's "cons" that you pay more and burn more gas without getting a return on that money
If you don't tow heavy, don't need to load up on payload in the truck, and don't intend to tune it at some point for more power, the 2.7 is probably a better choice as the 2.7 is less expensive and overall seems to get nearly 2 mpg better for most people...and stock for stock it's just as quick as the 3.5...and if anything seems even more trouble free and reliable than the 3.5.
So I guess I'm saying the con is that stock vs stock, not towing heavy or loading up on 'payload', the 2.7 does everything the 3.5 does, just as well as the 3.5 does, while costing less and using less gas...which makes the 3.5's "cons" that you pay more and burn more gas without getting a return on that money
07-02-2019, 02:32 PM
#28
I wanted a very specific truck... lead foot, special edition, moon roof, larger tank, 4X4, etc. So when I finally found it I didn't really care what was under the hood as long as it wasn't the 5.0. I do wish it would have been the 2.7 for better fuel economy but really enjoy the 3.5.
And to the OP, I had the exact same setup, 2014 STX supercab with the 3.7. I regret getting bells and whistles because I have issues now but the engine upgrade was so much fun, I'm sure you'll be impressed. But don't get me wrong, I loved the 3.7 too. So simple and problem free for the 3 years I had it.
And to the OP, I had the exact same setup, 2014 STX supercab with the 3.7. I regret getting bells and whistles because I have issues now but the engine upgrade was so much fun, I'm sure you'll be impressed. But don't get me wrong, I loved the 3.7 too. So simple and problem free for the 3 years I had it.
07-02-2019, 03:17 PM
#29
The 2 'cons' for me were the crappy sound (I knew about that upfront, so no disappointment), and that it was pinging badly with regular. Used several different high-traffic Chevron and Shell stations, and same crap. However, after reluctantly switching to premium fuel (visiting dealers was going to be a total waste of time with no TSBs), I'm happy with the engine now. It has noticeably more power after the switch, with full boost, rather than just half. No more pinging noises, and the best news was that I went on a 550-mile trip yesterday, and rather than getting 15.5 mpg, got 18, at the same 85-95 cruising speed, with a lot of wind on the way back. That was impressive. For long stretches, the turbo gauge wasn't even showing, something that never happened before, so the engine makes quite a bit more power without the turbos (no timing pull-back due to pinging/detonation). So the difference in mileage is pretty much the difference in fuel prices, so basically a wash, and with a lot more power, and more importantly, no more ugly engine noises. So my only warning is you might need to fill it up with premium, if your gas is like mine. Good luck.
07-02-2019, 04:25 PM
#30
He was pretty clear about hauling a lot lol Op wants a truck that can go fast and haul lots in his bed, the 3.5 is the way to go for him. The 2.7 is no slouch of a motor but i can guarantee op will not be happy with it. I also cant see how anyone can argue its more expensive when were talking about $1600.00 on a $40k plus truck, sure the savings is a little more if you combine that with the potential gas savings over the years but these are trucks were buying. If anything the money you save now could cost you more when it comes time for resale. I would bet most buyers of a truck will want the 3.5 or V8
I will bet most f150 buyers won't care if it's the 2.7 or the 3.5. I mean, the 2.7 outsells the others already right
Last edited by blkZ28spt; 07-02-2019 at 04:28 PM.
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kehyler (07-02-2019)