Lets hear about those 3.7L's
Real Trucks Have 2 Doors
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 35
Likes: 2
From: S/E Michigan
No big hills around here, mostly flat ground and I do not pass people when pulling a trailer. (Remember it takes longer to stop when pulling a trailer)
Make sure you have a trailer brake controller and have it properly adjusted for the weight you are hauling. Use safety chains and a breakaway kit.
Make sure you have a trailer brake controller and have it properly adjusted for the weight you are hauling. Use safety chains and a breakaway kit.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
I haven't seen much of this sort of thing on this forum, but if anyone does take issue with it, they ought to realize a few things:
1. 302 Horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque would have been considered good for a V8 a decade ago. We aren't talking about the gutless engines that used to be pushed around by Detroit junk dealers in the 80s. The number of cylinders in an engine is an absolutely pointless metric. Power and torque matter, cylinder count does not. The 3.7L buyer may not be putting performance FIRST on his list of priorities, but he isn't putting performance LAST either. It's still a good performing engine.
2. If you're using your truck mostly to haul things in the bed and/or as a daily driver, it makes sense to get the most fuel-efficient engine that doesn't suck. With roughly 15-20% better mileage than the 5.0L engine, you're saving a good chunk of change. The difference is less when compared to the ecoboost, but the ecoboost is also a $3500 premium over the 3.7L and still doesn't quite match the fuel economy.
3. Before the age of crew cab luxury trucks, most full size pickups were sold with inline sixes. That was back when most people used them for working and daily driving, not as status symbols or for stoplight racing. You can still tow close to 7000 lbs with this engine, and 15 years ago, that would have been impressive for any truck in this class. You can haul plenty of stuff. Now, I don't begrudge the buyers of the more powerful engines for their choice. Some need the power for towing, and if you like to stoplight race that is your own business. Hell, some just like the V8 sound.
4. You can get an unloaded 8 second 0-60 time, even less in the right conditions. That's quicker than the average car on the road today. So even if you like to hit the gas and have a little fun sometimes, this truck can still do it. The 7k roar makes it a fun vehicle to drive still.
1. 302 Horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque would have been considered good for a V8 a decade ago. We aren't talking about the gutless engines that used to be pushed around by Detroit junk dealers in the 80s. The number of cylinders in an engine is an absolutely pointless metric. Power and torque matter, cylinder count does not. The 3.7L buyer may not be putting performance FIRST on his list of priorities, but he isn't putting performance LAST either. It's still a good performing engine.
2. If you're using your truck mostly to haul things in the bed and/or as a daily driver, it makes sense to get the most fuel-efficient engine that doesn't suck. With roughly 15-20% better mileage than the 5.0L engine, you're saving a good chunk of change. The difference is less when compared to the ecoboost, but the ecoboost is also a $3500 premium over the 3.7L and still doesn't quite match the fuel economy.
3. Before the age of crew cab luxury trucks, most full size pickups were sold with inline sixes. That was back when most people used them for working and daily driving, not as status symbols or for stoplight racing. You can still tow close to 7000 lbs with this engine, and 15 years ago, that would have been impressive for any truck in this class. You can haul plenty of stuff. Now, I don't begrudge the buyers of the more powerful engines for their choice. Some need the power for towing, and if you like to stoplight race that is your own business. Hell, some just like the V8 sound.
4. You can get an unloaded 8 second 0-60 time, even less in the right conditions. That's quicker than the average car on the road today. So even if you like to hit the gas and have a little fun sometimes, this truck can still do it. The 7k roar makes it a fun vehicle to drive still.
Thank You,
Stoy
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 21,770
Likes: 246
I tow 5000 lbs once in a while. I live in a mountain area with lots of steep hills (I live on the middle of one). Never had issue. It still has enough power to pass on the freeway. I normally get 15.4 mpg when towing on the freeway. My truck is a supercab 4x4 3:73
LONE STAR
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,005
Likes: 630
From: Ontario, Canada
I drove a truck with a 3.7 today at the dealership. It seems to hold red line longer during full acceleration, but I actually liked the sound of the engine. Not bad for a normally aspirated V6.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 216
Likes: 12
From: Atlanta, GA
I have a Hypertech tune on mine and i have noticed a slight increase in mpg (maybe 1-2 mpg and more noticeable on the highway) and a significant increase in power. I haven't put it on a dyno or anything like that but just by driving it I notice a power difference. I am very happy with it.
LONE STAR
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,005
Likes: 630
From: Ontario, Canada
Did you get a decent bump in HP and torque?
I have a Hypertech tune on mine and i have noticed a slight increase in mpg (maybe 1-2 mpg and more noticeable on the highway) and a significant increase in power. I haven't put it on a dyno or anything like that but just by driving it I notice a power difference. I am very happy with it.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 216
Likes: 12
From: Atlanta, GA
[MENTION=108343]KILOFINAL[/MENTION]
I am unsure of the exact numbers but yes, I believe there is a decent bump in HP and torque. The company states about a 15 hp increase and about the same in torque. I like this tune very much since you can change just about anything you need to for after market mods (tire size, axle ratio, etc) and the two tunes it comes loaded with are all you really need. I looked into custom tunes but it just seemed like a whole lot of stuff I didn't want to deal with.
I definitely recommend it
I am unsure of the exact numbers but yes, I believe there is a decent bump in HP and torque. The company states about a 15 hp increase and about the same in torque. I like this tune very much since you can change just about anything you need to for after market mods (tire size, axle ratio, etc) and the two tunes it comes loaded with are all you really need. I looked into custom tunes but it just seemed like a whole lot of stuff I didn't want to deal with.
I definitely recommend it