tomcoul

Thinking about replacing my 1997 F250 (light duty) 4x4 w/5.4L motor with a new F150 and trying to decide which motor will work best for my driving needs. I'll use the truck to haul my motorcycle on a receiver mounted carrier (total weight 500 lbs) and sometimes pull a 4,500 lbs trailer.

However, since I'm retired most of my daily driving will be short 10 minute trips around town. Being new to turbocharged motors and living in Minnesota, I don't know how turbocharged motors will like short cold weather trips. Not, that any motor really does. So, what do you think 2.7l or 5.0L motor?

chimmike

2.7 is going to get better mileage than the 5.0. These cars all have programmed start procedures to get up to temp rapidly (mainly for emissions purposes)...so you should be fine either way.

David Jones

In your situation, I'd get the 5.0

Growinupmx

I would highly encourage you to go to the dealer of your choice and test drive trucks with both engines and see which one you like better yourself. The 2.7 owners here really love the little 2.7tt and I hear fuel mileage is impressive. The 5.0 is a well loved engine by its owners as well, the power is there too just comes on differently. Pick the one you like because either will do what you are asking if it.

vulnox

As much as I love the 2.7L and 3.5L TT engines, I would almost have to give this one to the 5.0. The 2.7L is easily able to out MPG the 5.0, in most situations, except if you are driving around a town with a ton of stop lights and that.

I average 19.5 City with my 2.7TT 4x4 Crew Cab truck, but that's pretty easy going suburban streets driving and about 15% of my time is on the highway as well, or on a road here in SE Detroit called Hines Drive which is a 40MPH road, but has two traffic lights essentially along the whole damn thing and it's something like 10+ miles long, so it's great for mileage.

But when I have to do a lot of running around in Detroit or in congestion, I can watch my MPG drop as the turbos spool and drink gas during takeoff, even very, very, almost painfully slow take off.

So if your city driving is a lot of very low speed driving with frequent stops, I would probably take the 5.0. If it's more open suburban driving with some highway like me, the 2.7L for sure.

In either case, the mileage difference I think will be negligible compared to what the truck price differences can be.

If the 2.7L TT truck is $1000 less than the comparably equipped 5.0 after negotiations and rebates, then that's the answer.

RL1990

The short trips in cold weather is not good for either engine. They will never get to normal operating temperature. But if you’re getting a 2018 get the the 2.7 since it will use dual injection. Carbon build up would be a serious problem on the 2017 DI only engine. Also the smaller engine will get hotter faster and the cgi block should hold heat better than the aluminum block of the 5.0. If you’re getting a 2017 get the 5.0. The port injection is better in this condition than DI and that alone outweighs all other factors.

acdii

From experience with several 3.5 EB, and short trips, I would go with the 5.0, only because I have found more fuel in the oil with short trips, especially when it is cold out.

Can't say the 2.7 would be the same way, but, DI, Turbos, short trips, cold starts. The EB likes fuel when first started, and idling for any amount of time. Just personal experience with the EB.

trx440ex

I'm in a similar situation, not quite to retirement, but getting closer. I drive 3 miles a day round trip on my work commute. I chose the 5.0. I usually drive it on a longer trip weekly but all in I only accumulate 3000 to 5000 miles yearly. I know guys love their 2.7s and 3.5s. I won't get in a debate with anyone over the decision for their choice. I just thought for me the 5.0 was the way to go. I couldn't be happier and am expecting it to more than likely be the last truck I ever buy.

tomcoul

Thanks guys for all your responses.

I'm not too concerned about the price difference or slight difference in gas mileage between the 2.7L and 5.0L motors. My main concern is short distance trips in cold weather, and it sounds like the 5.0L motor maybe more tolerant for my driving needs.

Also, I believe the 2017 5.0L has a DI fuel system only, that is why I'm looking at 2018 models with the dual fuel injection systems.

dalola

For what you describe, 3.3 all day. Buy a nice accessory with your savings.