NevadaFX4

I guess my point is this... Producing the same general amount of horsepower from 3.5L of displacement verses 5.0L of displacement puts more wear and tear on the smaller engine. I am from the old school where I was taught "there is no replacement for displacement" when it comes to engine durabliity. But from what you say, Ford made the 3.5 with different alloys or heat-treated steel? I would hope so. Nevertheless, I think it is great that Ford designed and mass-produced this engine!!!!

blyons808

I agree. I could be wrong, but come years down the road, I think the 5.0 will end up being the more durable one between the two. And no I'm not trying to start a war with all u EB guys on here! I'm just saying...

11screw50

yes, the EB is built to handle the power it produces however, the 5.0 was built to handle much more power than it currently produces because it was designed so that factory forced induction could be added in the future without a redesign of the engine. Whether Ford will actually ever release a turbo or supercharged 5.0 remains to be seen but if you're designing a new engine, you might as well design it for both and do it once.

HunterSmitty

I just did the same thing, traded XLT Eco for FX4 5.0L. Not because I wanted the FX4 more, just because I had alot of problems with my Eco, and it led me to question the reliability going forward. Here's my thread with some initial thoughts https://www.f150forum.com/f38/traded...oughts-137495/

I have 2000miles on the 5.0L now, and dont regret my decision for a second

amns

Old beliefs die hard....a lot of us remember when turbos meant high wear and short life. I bought an EB with the belief that technology has largely solved these issues - hope I'm right!!

cep1

I will not give up my EB for any package I have the bully dog and Cold air box and pull a 30 ft camper and have 3:55 gears and have no problems at all

Chapman5.0

For the comments of resale at least research it first. On KBB and NADA the difference in resale is close to the initial difference in costs for the motor options, this is taking identical builds and only changing between the EB and 5.0. Whether you have a 5.0 or EB stop looking for any way possible to up the other.

bell4fan

It is my fault for not researching the Fx4's. I really thought that segment was a sporty Lariat, and above the XLT. Didnt realize they made a scaled down Fx4, or I would have gotten that to begin with. Financially, it really doesnt make much sense, I agree. And I love the EB (even though its in the shop right now, but those things happen). Im thinking the numbers arent going to add up anyways. But we'll see. Thanks for the input.

Desert Dawg

I will chime in since I just sold my 2011 SuperCrew 4x4 XLT EcoBoost and purchased a new Platinum 4x4 with the 5.0L V8.

I loved my XLT and got it looking pretty good, and absolutely loved the power of the EcoBoost. But I missed all the "perks" of having a higher end daily driver (leather seats, moonroof, navigation, etc.) since I also use it for business, and the "pay to play" gas cost of the Eco was a surprise as well (could of had a Raptor....lol).

I also have to be honest in saying that I missed the V8 rumble more than I thought I would.

So I purposely wanted the 5.0L. As gas prices continued to rise again, I found myself using the Eco's power potential less and less (and I don't tow). I really don't miss the EcoBoost because I was always too conscious about getting 10 mpg in the City if I used the turbos too much (with my setup); having that extra bit of power becomes kind of meaningless if you're not using it.

Now with the 5.0L, I actually enjoy cruising around and listening to my V8 rumble (especially with the Magnaflow exhaust), but the truck still gets up and goes plenty fast when I need it. And to top it off, I am actually getting the same mileage that my stock Eco did.

The EcoBoost is still top dog, but I am pleasantly surprised how much I don't miss it and have been enjoying my 5.0L more.

flanneljunkie

Good post!

I've considered whether or not to upgrade to the ecoboost, and give it a shot. However, like you said, the 5.0 is an enjoyable engine. Consistent fuel economy, and no worry about how you are using it and how it is going to effect your fuel numbers.

I spoke with a service writer at my dealer this past week and we got to talking about the ecoboost. He mentioned that a lot of buyers were a little disappointed in the wild swings they are seeing in fuel economy. The cold weather really effects the mileage (think frigid cold), and also the slightest change in driving habits have been causing large fluctuations.

I think the ecoboost engine has it's place in the towing arena. It produces gobs of power and torque at low engine speeds, but I think Ford's marketing didn't "hit the nail on the head". Obviously they did, as they are selling tons of them, but I actually think someone who isn't needing the hp or torque might possibly do better with the v8.

Slightly off topic, I was on Ford's site using the "help me choose my engine" tool, and no matter what numbers I put in for having to tow or haul, I couldn't get them to "recommend" the 5.0 V8. Either I hauled/towed loads small enough for the 3.7 V6, or I hauled enough that they recommended the 3.5 V6. It is simple enough to see how the calculator works, so I am thinking they simply don't want to push the 5.0.

Anyway, those are just my observations. Think of them what you will.