biggblokk

Yes, I already searched the forums, lot's of good info. Lot's of info from people speculating and inferring information without an real world experience as well.

I would like to know why you went with 5.0 vs the 3.5? I have driven both for over 100 miles and I'm still having a heck of a time deciding... thought I'd organize some thoughts to help others too. I'd be happy with either, it's fun to split hairs though... Here's my list on what sticks out for both choices.

5.0 - Engine sound, exhaust sound, smoother driving experience especially 10-40mph, $1,000 less than 3.5
3.5 - More car like drive (for better or worse), auto stop/start is slightly less annoying/less noticeable than the 5.0, littler more seat of the pants torque "wow" fun factor when punching it. Driving or towing at elevation isn't a factor for me in Northern IL and WI, only about 1000' to where I go.

I've read a little about towing mileage being better with 5.0? How about real world highway mileage 70-77mph? Any 3.5 owners want to chime in on your experience... I'm all ears too!

Thank you in advance!

redrock

You have just opened up a huge can of worms.

50thpony

marshallr

Mine is a 14, but the reasons are the same. I bought my truck used 2 years ago. I started out looking at 3.5's but discovered 2 things. For the same money I bought a 1 year newer truck with 10,000 fewer miles with the 5.0 vs the 3.5.

Every 5.0 I looked at had 3.55 gears. Every 3.5 I looked at had 3.31 gears. While the 3.5 does have more power, the difference in gear ratios went a long way towards leveling the field. And the 5.0 still out performs any truck I've ever owned in the past so it was a huge improvement for me.

If I towed a lot of weight, or if I lived and drove a lot above 6000-7000' sea level I think it would have been worth the extra expense to buy the 3.5. But the 5.0 serves my needs and for the same money I got a newer truck with fewer miles. If it had been the same truck, same money, I'd have bought the 3.5. But after 2 years have no regrets with my decision.

I have a BIL with a 2016 and the 3.5. Our fuel mileage is close enough to the same that we cannot tell the difference. Above 70 mph fuel mileage sucks. If I keep it 65-70 or less I can get 19-20 mpg. At 75+ closer to 15-16.

jbone36

I'll bite... I got the 5.0 because I love the sound and beef that comes with it. I will be throwing some Magnaflows on there and it'll sound magical. I'm sorry, but you can't come anywhere close to that with the EB's. You can try, but it just sounds off to the ears both in the driver's seat and outside. The 5.0's are simple, don't have any turbos to contend with and that's what I like. I don't tow too heavy of loads, so that wasn't a deciding factor to me. That's my choice, plain and simple.

biggblokk

Not looking for worms, lol just answers on what made someone go for the 5.0.

1sharphook

..

biggblokk

Thanks for pointing that out, I updated the thread with - YES...I already searched the forums, lot's of good info. Lot's of info from people speculating and inferring information without an real world experience as well. Would be great to hear from actual 2018 5.0 owners on their thought process in case I missed something... this is a huge investment and it's great to have forums with productive members to share their experience and knowledge.

Fordmastertech2018

sdmartin65

I don't get it, if all the other threads are full of people speculating and inferring, why would this one be any different?

The weak point on Fords engines seems to be the timing chain and it's components starting with the 3v 5.4. These new engines aren't much better. Some speculation on my part!