which engine to get
5 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 268
From: OBX
For me, 6 speed trucks with the 5.0 felt very different with each axle ratio option. The 3.73 was by far the best suited for the 5.0 in around town or sporty driving. The 2.7 and 3.5 didn't really care as much, but the 3.31 still dragged a bit compared to the others. The 3.31 with the 5.0 always felt like I had to really get on it more to be as responsive as I'd like.
5 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 754
Likes: 434
My point was you dont have the complication of the turbos in the 5.0 and the fuel injection is simpler as well compared to later models with DI.
5 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,086
Likes: 552
Seems every year has had it problems with different engines. 2009 - 2010 5.4 3V had cam phaser issues, 2011 - 2013 3.5L Eco had the condensation issues, 2011 - 2014 5.0L had knocking issues, 2017 - 2018 3.5L Eco had Cam Phaser issues, 2018 - 2020 5.0L had the oil consumption issues. So far as I can tell from coworkers and friends, every issue is quite rare and doesn't affect that many and perhaps because TSB and Recalls were issued before problems came to be. If you had problems, warranty, recalls and TSB usually took care of the problem.
Far better than GMs that have piston slap issues and oil consumption issues that require engine overhauls after you fight GM to back their own vehicles.
I've had the 5.4L 3Valve in my 2010 F150, the 5.0L in my 2012 and 2016, and now the 3.5L Ecoboost in my 2019. I loved them all but the 3.5L Ecoboost is funnier to drive with the low end torque. 3.5L Eco pulls hard anywhere in the rpm range with the 3.55 axle. 5.0L pulled very good, but not as hard, in the midrange to high rpm range when coupled with the 3.73 axle.
Both are good but I prefer the 3.5L Ecoboost even though it's power isn't as instantaneous with it's very slight turbo lag next to the 5.0L's instant response.
Go drive them, make your decision on what you will be most comfortable with. Even though the 2016 3.5L Ecoboost was quicker than my 2016 5.0L w/3.73 axle, I was happy with my decision. I couldn't trust that Ecoboost after all the condensation issues even though this was probably the best year of that generation 3.5L Ecoboost. I was happy with my decision on the 2019 3.5L Ecoboost. I didn't trust the 5.0L with it's oil consumption issues even though TSBs corrected that.
Get what makes you feel good with your purchase.
Far better than GMs that have piston slap issues and oil consumption issues that require engine overhauls after you fight GM to back their own vehicles.
I've had the 5.4L 3Valve in my 2010 F150, the 5.0L in my 2012 and 2016, and now the 3.5L Ecoboost in my 2019. I loved them all but the 3.5L Ecoboost is funnier to drive with the low end torque. 3.5L Eco pulls hard anywhere in the rpm range with the 3.55 axle. 5.0L pulled very good, but not as hard, in the midrange to high rpm range when coupled with the 3.73 axle.
Both are good but I prefer the 3.5L Ecoboost even though it's power isn't as instantaneous with it's very slight turbo lag next to the 5.0L's instant response.
Go drive them, make your decision on what you will be most comfortable with. Even though the 2016 3.5L Ecoboost was quicker than my 2016 5.0L w/3.73 axle, I was happy with my decision. I couldn't trust that Ecoboost after all the condensation issues even though this was probably the best year of that generation 3.5L Ecoboost. I was happy with my decision on the 2019 3.5L Ecoboost. I didn't trust the 5.0L with it's oil consumption issues even though TSBs corrected that.
Get what makes you feel good with your purchase.
