Hey guys,

I am about to sale my 2011 XLT 5.0 and upgrade to the newer Lariats. I have never driven an ecoboost but I have heard that the older models may have had some problems. Did Ford ever make any changes to the ecoboost in the newer F150s?

I currently have the 5.0 with 3.55 gears. I was thinking about getting a truck with the 3.73s for more towing power and running larger tires. Would you all recommend going with the V8 or the ecoboost?

 

The new 3.5 is completely redesigned. Most of the major issues I believe have been addressed. In 2018 the 2.7L is getting an update though as is the 5.0.

I can only speak for the new 3.5EB but it's a fantastic motor. It's really quick. You don't get that V8 sound but this thing is silently fast. When a guy with a V8 chevy or something trys to get you off the line to be a douchebag and you smoke him quietly, it's a pretty nice feeling.

 

Asking which engine will be much like asking which oil. Most people will claim they like the one they picked often to the point of being thick headed.


In a similar vein, the people that have had troubles with the EB engines or the 5.0 will tell you it is no small thing.






As far as I can tell on this forum there are a few minor and rare problems with all of the engines right now, including the 5.0. It is reported that the 3.5l is updated for 2017, and some of the updates appear to address places that have been a concern. Only time will tell if the updates really make the engine better.




If your plan is to keep your new truck for 6 years like your old one, your risk is pretty low. Take a few test drives, and buy what you want.


While we are on controversial subjects. The 3:73 won't give you more towing power. It is all about launch vs RPM in top gear. If it is a concern for you, like it is for many here, buy a truck rated to tow your max load (or more) and get the 10 speed. It specifically gives you a 1st and 10th that simulate something like a 3:73 with a 3:31.

 

Well the eco and 5.0 have both been updated since your 11. The 5.0 will perform essentially the same as yours and if u go that route u cant go wrong with the 3.73. If eco, the 3.55 would do fine since it doesnt need the deeper gearing to hold gears or get into the power band since it has a lot more torque in low rpms. Both are good and reliable powerplants. Test drive both. Also if u want better mpg consiser the 2.7. It performs as well as either the 5.0 or 3.5 unladen and yields better mpg. If towing its hard to beat the 3.5.

You will get a lot of feedback but know that there is no wrong decision here.

 

I went from a 2011 5.0 with 3.73's to a 2015 5.0 with 3.55's. They feel pretty close to the same. The 5.0 did get a small bump for 2015 and that coupled with the 600lb weight loss (in my case) even while gaining options I think is what makes the difference.

Going from a 2011 5.0 with 3.55's to a 2017 5.0 with 3.73's, I would expect the 2017 to feel quite a bit quicker. And the 3.5EB would be quicker still.

The thing that would hold me back about the 3.5EB is the 10-speed. I'd rather wait a year so they can work some of the bugs out first. The 5.0 still has the 6-speed for 2017. From an engine standpoint, I'd be on the fence (like I was when I bought my 2015). If I found a truck with the options I wanted, I'd buy it whether it had the 3.5EB or the 5.0 (not so with the 2.7 unless it also had the payload package because the standard GVWR with the 2.7 is significantly lower).