bchandler02

Posting this in hopes of helping anyone else out who may be in a similar scenario. I've been debating for weeks now on the engine choice.

Today I took 2 identical trucks (except engines) on an identical test drive. One had the EB, the other the 5.0. Both are '13 XLT SCREWs, 4x4, 3.55locker.

My current truck is an 06 SCREW, 5.4, 3.73LS 2WD. I can tow 9800lbs with it, and on the highway if I drive right I can get 17mpg fairly easily, and have gotten in the low 19's on a few rare occasions. Overall, been extremely satisfied with this truck.

My driving style: Laid back, I do get on it (to speed) and then let off compared to slowly climbing to speed, and this seems to get me a slight MPG improvement. In town trips are short during the week, but I do some longer highway trips too. On a semi regular basis, I tow a small 2000lb utility trailer with an ATV on it. On rare occasions (100 miles/year), I tow heavy loads in the 5-8k range.

5.0: Has a very slight delay when you first get into the throttle, but wakes up considerably as RPMs climb (consistent with torque curves). On my MPG test drive, I ended up at 15.5 The test drive was about 5 miles in town at city street speeds, then about 20 miles on the interstate at 70, mostly flat, a few small hills. It seems that the 5.0 is more consistent in MPG. On the hills and when accelerating, it did not seem to change the instant MPG much.
Thoughts: Would have to get 3.73 rear end to keep towing capacities up where I'd like them to be (9k plus). The sound from the factory exhaust is amazing and makes you want to step on it all the time.

EB: Also a very slight delay as the turbos spool up, but comes to life at much lower RPMs. Same MPG driving test, I got 15.8. The instant MPG changes much more often, but seems to average out to be about the same.
Thoughts: The 3.55 or 3.73 would be fine for what I do. Speed and power are not an issue.


The end result of my test is that there is no clear/obvious winner between the two, which I was hoping there would be. For my needs, I see a very very slight advantage to the EB, but the bottom line is I don't think anyone could go wrong with either.

I hope this helps someone in a similar situation as I am.

Centexguy

Congratulations. You've posted exactly the same results as every other person on this forum has realized and what the 1500 other threads on this exact same subject has determined.

speeddemon86

Bet it still turns into an eb vs 5.0 flamer war

jRedondox

ROLF not this again

Centexguy

My ecoboost rules because it says ECO!!!!!

speeddemon86

YeH well the 5.0 sounds like a REAL truck not some dumb sounding ricer engine.

XtraLargeTall

Attachment 187467

Truckit

My experience was almost the same but I drove and bought the third option! Oh right I drive the Tundra too.....
I agree can't have an Eco Vrs 5.0 thread!

1968dave

5.0-"You Ecocrap you sound like a blender"
ECO-"You big for nothing 8cylinder"
5.0-"You wanna fight?"
ECO-"Let's get it on punk!"

And the fight begins, (As the Chevys, Dodges, Nissan and Toyota stay completely out of it, Because they know either will give them a beat down) hahahahahah

iRub1Out

End result:

If you want a fun to drive truck, reasonable mileage, and a hell of a community to boot... Either one will suit your needs.

Mileage is very close, sound is a bit different, but at the end of the day - whichever YOU prefer, they both have pros and cons.

I don't bash 5.0 owners, my ecoboost does kinda sound like a blend-tech, and yes the 5.0 is kinda fat, but they make a great couple.


Is my post not helping? ... I'll just call Oprah