Newer Ford pickup engines

dlbuck

Member
I have been thinking of buying a new Ford pickup. Any opinions on the V-6's and the V-8 engines. I would use it mostly for transportation, light
hauling and towing. Thanks .
 
I have a 2015 4WD F150 Supercab with the new 2.7 Ecoboost engine, very happy with it. Hwy mileage is in the low 20's, about 11-12 pulling a 4700 lb camper. Plenty of power for my needs. I have gotten use to the auto shut off, it can be over ridden. Rides and handles much better than 2008 F150.
 
I have a 2015 F-150 super crew 4wd. I have the 5.0 V8. It has the trailer tow package and 3.55 gears. On interstate driving I always get over 20 mpg. Average daily driving around 15. I've seen 12.4 mpg dragging my tractor and trailer weighing app. 9000 pounds. Does better than the 09 2wd with the 5.4 engine did. I never considered the V6 for my usage and past experiences with the 4.6 I had in a 99 and 03. Just my 2 cents worth.
 
I have a 2012 EcoBoost 3.5 that now has 60,000 miles with no problems. Gets over 15 mpg in town and around 19 highway but just depends how fast you go. Best was 23 mpg. Peak torque is around 2,000 rpm so it's fun to drive and great for towing.
 
From what i hear the people who have them that v6 is amazing and all seem to be happy but like you say light hauling and driving to work common sense will say its not for everyday heavy work.
 
A production 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, #448AA, was randomly selected from the assembly line at Ford's Cleveland engine plant. This engine had no idea it was in store for 163k miles of brutal endurance testing.
#448AA was Shipped to dynamometer cell 36B in Ford's Dearborn, MI engine lab and run for 300 hours, this engine's first experience was a rapid simulation of 150,000 customer miles, including thermal-shock runs in which the engine was cooled to -20F and then heated to +235F, repeatedly.
The engine was shipped to Ford's Kansas City truck plant where it was installed in an F-150 4X4 Super-Crew. After assembly the truck was driven to Nygaard Timber in Astoria, Oregon, where it dragged a total of 110,000 pounds of logs across the ground (requiring all 420 ft-lb TQ)
Next they drove the truck to Miami Speedway, and hooked it up to a 2-car open trailer carrying two NASCAR Ford Fusions (a total of 11,300 pounds) and run continuously around the oval track for 24 hours (average speed: 82 mph, distance covered: 1,607 miles)
After this they took the truck to Davis Dam in Arizona, where it beat out the 5.3-liter Chevy Silverado V-8 AND the Ram 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 each pulling 9,000 pounds up a 6 percent grade in an uphill towing contest.
The 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine was removed and then installed in a 7,100-pound F-150 Baja race truck. After 1,200 miles of practice they raced the truck 1060 miles in the SCORE Baja 1000, the toughest off-road race in North America, finishing 1st overall in the Stock Engine class. The truck's owner said the engine's fuel economy was so good compared with his previous V8 he skipped 2 planned fuel stops during the grueling trip from Ensenada to La Paz. After winning in Baja they sent the engine back to dynamometer cell 36B and dyno-tested one final time. It generated 364HP and 420ft-lb TQ, only one horsepower less than its HP rating and exactly Ford's given torque rating.
Lastly, for the final episode of the F-150 EcoBoost torture test, Ford Motor Co did a complete engine tear-down and inspection of engine #448AA (never been serviced or previously inspected) in front of thousands at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The engine parts were laid out on three huge tables so that when the tear-down was complete, the engineers and the audience could take a closer look.
 
You forgot to mention.....

A leakdown test was performed to measure how well the engine?s 24 intake and exhaust valves and piston rings were still able to seal the cylinders. One cylinder was found to have a cautionary 13 percent air loss past the combustion chamber?s seals, while all other cylinders were acceptable with single digits of air leakage.

And while the block and heads did well in the test I wonder how well the electronics held up; and how much work had to be done to keep it running. The story makes it sound like they run it 163k miles with no problems what so ever.
 
Well for the last 28 years I have traded ford pickups ever two years. My 2012 was the first v6 eco boost, ran it 68,000 miles and never had one minutes problem. Got out of sink on the two year program because I wanted one of the first aluminum cab units. My 2015 4 wheel drive 4 door now has 48,000 and again not any problems. I don,t know about keeping one of them say 250,000 or so but the way I drive they work for me. Heaviest trailer load I have had on one was went to East Tennessee and picked up a 4,500lb sawmill engine. Came over MontEagel mountain with no trouble. Ever day REAL gas mileage runs around 19.1 the way I drive, when I leave on a road trip like to Texas and back will se 21+ . Hang a trailer behind it and will drop to the 14/15 range. When they make something better I will try it but right now the eco=boos v6 is pretty good.
 
I am not too impressed with the new trucks, My dad bought a new 1998 Chevrolet 1/2 ton extended cab, small V8, He claimed 17-19 mpg, I bought it from him at 120,000 miles, was still getting 17 -19 mpg, put another 60,000 on it and sold it to my brother, was still getting around 15 mpg when he traded it in at 220,000. That truck was made almost 20 years ago, very dependable, but did put 4 inside door handles on it.
 
This is kinda my thought too. Once I got a problem sorted out with the injectors, a 1997 1/2 ton truck got 17-18 mpg with a 5.0 and 4l60e trans. The difference is the new engines have twice the power and still get good mileage. They also have a much better transmission than the 4L60E. The 4L80E, while tough as heck, tended to be a gas hog. The original eco boost has 365hp and 420 lb ft of torque down low (2500rpm), and still got high teens for mileage. You certainly didn't get that out of a Vortec 350.
 
We have 15 2012 or newer F150s - all extended cab short bed 2WDs - all with the 5.0 engine. Everyone loves the 5.0's power and to date no transmission or rear axle issues with any of them (highest mileage is 185K). We had one that the driver immediately knew from day one the engine had an issue - it had a knock that got worse as the engine warmed up (2012 model). The truck had almost 30K on it before Ford finally agreed to tear into it - my understanding was instead of actually trying to work on it they removed it and replaced it with a long block and the original went back to Ford for evaluation. Mileage varies from 16 to 19 MPG average per tank.

We have a couple "owners" trucks with the 3.5 ecoboost. Both are 2014 crewcab Platinum 4X4s and both are around 85K. One had a problem with the moisture in the wastegate on cold days and would throw and engine code. Got rid of the wastegate noise but it still throws a code on cold days (check engine light). The other hasn't seen a shop since the day it was purchased. They both get around 18 MPG average tank full after tank full.

So far they've been good pickups - we had Chevies with 4.8 and 5.3 engines and they were pretty good - but still had fuel pump issues and occasionally blew an intake manifold. So far not one fuel pump has failed on any of the Fords.
 
(quoted from post at 10:22:57 06/26/16) I have been thinking of buying a new Ford pickup. Any opinions on the V-6's and the V-8 engines. I would use it mostly for transportation, light
hauling and towing. Thanks .

Get a Dodge with a hemi and be happy! 8)
 

I don't want a tubo on anything give me the bigger engine it may use a little more fuel but I can spread the cost over time verses sticker shock when a turbo goes out.
 
No you didn't, the 350 was too much for those trucks, didn't need the extra hp either. There are still many, many mid 2000's Chevrolet suburbans running around here getting pretty good mileage with 300,000+ on the odometer. Chevrolet and Ford do make good products sometime. Also, I could care less about mucho horsepower, why do you need 365 hp in a 1/2 ton pickup. You cant do any serious hauling or serious stopping with that size pickup, that seams like bragging rites, but I guess that is what sells trucks, practicality has gone out the window, nowadays. Most of the 1/2 ton trucks here are just people haulers anyway. The 4 door pickup has become the new station wagon. I still cant understand why 365 hp?
 
(quoted from post at 18:46:21 06/26/16)
I don't want a tubo on anything give me the bigger engine it may use a little more fuel but I can spread the cost over time verses sticker shock when a turbo goes out.


I'm with Hobo on this.IF- and it's a big if I was to buy a twin turbod V6 I'd get the extended warranty.I hate to think how much it would cost to replace just 1 turbo never mind 2 when the truck is out of warranty!
 
(quoted from post at 09:39:29 06/26/16) I have a 2015 4WD F150 Supercab with the new 2.7 Ecoboost engine, very happy with it. Hwy mileage is in the low 20's, about 11-12 pulling a 4700 lb camper. Plenty of power for my needs. I have gotten use to the auto shut off, it can be over ridden. Rides and handles much better than 2008 F150.

We have a 2012 Silverado 1500, 4 door, 4 wheel drive, with the 5.3 V8. Normal driving, going to town and back home etc. will result in 18 to 19 mpg. Extended highway driving will push the mpg to over 20. No tricks, no turbos, just smooth V8 power.
 
(quoted from post at 23:01:29 06/26/16) No you didn't, the 350 was too much for those trucks, didn't need the extra hp either. There are still many, many mid 2000's Chevrolet suburbans running around here getting pretty good mileage with 300,000+ on the odometer. Chevrolet and Ford do make good products sometime. Also, I could care less about mucho horsepower, why do you need 365 hp in a 1/2 ton pickup. You cant do any serious hauling or serious stopping with that size pickup, that seams like bragging rites, but I guess that is what sells trucks, practicality has gone out the window, nowadays. Most of the 1/2 ton trucks here are just people haulers anyway. The 4 door pickup has become the new station wagon. I still cant understand why 365 hp?

I don't get the high HP that they put in 1/2 ton trucks either. The mileage isn't that much better than a practical truck from the 90's. I had a 94 F150 4x4 with a 300 6 cylinder that would get 19-20 mpg on the highway and would pull more than I could stop. My son totaled it with 290K on the odometer. The EPA killed that engine. I also don't get paying $40k or more for a 1/2 ton. I would try one of the new F150s if I could buy a 4x4 for less than $25K.
 
(quoted from post at 07:44:17 06/27/16)
(quoted from post at 18:46:21 06/26/16)
I don't want a tubo on anything give me the bigger engine it may use a little more fuel but I can spread the cost over time verses sticker shock when a turbo goes out.


I'm with Hobo on this.IF- and it's a big if I was to buy a twin turbod V6 I'd get the extended warranty.I hate to think how much it would cost to replace just 1 turbo never mind 2 when the truck is out of warranty!

Turbo cost, part only, two places.
http://www.tascaparts.com/auto-part...e/engine-cat/turbocharger-and-components-scat

http://www.fordparts.com/Commerce/CatalogResults.aspx?y=2016&m=Ford&mo=F-150#Search

Having been around turbos my entire life, and knowing they have a low rate of failure, I wouldn't worry about it.
 

If you can do the work yourself but if you have to pay retail for the parts , labor and diagnostic time it gets pricey.

I looked it up for a 2012 ford 3.5 turbo

Left $754.00
Right $781.00
Labor to replace both 9.3hr. Round off to $930.00

$2465.00 add in tax ETC @ 10% (does not include diagnostic time are other parts that will be needed to repair them correctly)
$2711.50

I will pass myself and I can do the work.
 


You're right cow ranch,they do have a fairly low failure rate. However I don't buy them to trade them.I put the miles on them and when I'm done with them they're ready for salvage!As to doing the work myself,as a mechanic for 35 years and pushing 75 years old,I only do the light stuff anymore.As to the cost ,you still have to buy the parts.Nope,think I'll stay away from twin turbo!
 

The fuel mileage of a Ford, with all that stuff under the hood, is not any better than a similar Chevrolet that has NONE of that stuff under the hood. Why would anyone buy the Ford that has more potential of being trouble down the road?

If the addition of twin turbos would increase the mpg up to around 50mpg or so, then the Ford might be a more viable option. But if the Turbos don't really increase the mpg, what is the point of having them?
 
I bought a 2016 F150 4x4 with the 3.5 liter ecoboost, supercrew XLT and I love it. Strong motor, I am getting 18-20mpg so far, 14-15 when pulling trailers. I intend to keep it for a long time. It is all I could've hoped for and more. Way more bells and whistles than I need, but you can't buy off the lot stripped down. I am very happy thus far.
 
(quoted from post at 07:51:31 06/28/16)
The fuel mileage of a Ford, with all that stuff under the hood, is not any better than a similar Chevrolet that has NONE of that stuff under the hood.

Ya but you STILL have a GM product :p :p . Seriously I agree with that logic, I just can't get the longevity out of a Chevy but they are better than the POS Dodge that I have now. :x
 
(quoted from post at 09:22:57 06/26/16) I have been thinking of buying a new Ford pickup. Any opinions on the V-6's and the V-8 engines. I would use it mostly for transportation, light
hauling and towing. Thanks .

Looks like people have their own opinions, and it gets into a brand war as well. Most manufacturers have "decent" engine choices, most tow "decent" if set up right, fact of the matter is, they are all decent pickups. You'll get good and bad/lemons with any brand, but some people are just set on which brand to get.

You asked about Ford, to answer your question, following a couple of their forums, plus people I know, I'd say any are fine. Majority of people around me do have at least 3/4 ton pickups, but it's common to have a "road pickup" in addition to that. I see no major issues with any of them. There is a condensation issue with the ecos, not enough that I'd worry about if you'd get a new one.

I personally would skip the base, not turbo v6 unless you never tow anything. The 5.0 is a good engine, for what you describe would work fine, if you figure towing a fair amount of time, get lower gears. The 2.7 ecoboost, light towing, myself I would skip it and go with the 5.0. Heavy towing, either the 5.0 or 3.5 eco. What most people miss about the comparisons, and has been mentioned, the 3.5 makes most of its power at the low end. Towing, it will hold its gear more often without down shifting. The v8 will downshift and rev. The way I look at it, you don't buy an eco for mileage, you buy them for the "behavior", they perform similar to diesel engines, lower revving, power on the low end.

There's an argument about turbos and maintenance. Well, it's there, but as I said before, there doesn't appear to be any major issues, failure rate is very low, they are rated for decent miles, it's a common turbo found in many other applications, I think there are even rebuild kits, etc, etc. I wouldn't worry about it. Some people do have failures on them, they are "just another thing". My main tractors all have turbos, most guys I know drive diesel pickups, etc. Turbos are an old, proven technology. But, as I said, if you don't tow all the time, I'd get the 5.0, similar highway mileage, and it would get the job done. Just like if you were looking at a 3/4 ton, if not towing much, get the gas, not the diesel. If towing, the diesel handles the load better.

No I don't have one, my last road pickup is an old '94 6 cyl. f150. I am going to get a new something, debating a 1/2 ton and continuing to hire most of my hauling, which is the cheap route, or get a diesel heavy pickup (so that I can haul my own hay, cattle, etc.), the expensive but much handier route (diesel, because the trailer would be over 20k lbs.). I've been putting off the decision for a few years, but I research pretty much all brands.

Just my $0.02.
 
(quoted from post at 18:45:17 06/30/16) When the 5.3 in your silverraddler makes torque on par with an ecoboost (or any at all) at 2000rpm's get back to us

I'd have to see the figures on that before making an intelligent response, but really, is torque even important in a 1/2 ton truck that is being used mostly as a grocery getter?

If torque was a big concern, you really need to be looking at 3/4 ton and up, and equip it with a diesel.
 

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