Should I go ecoboost or 5.0

[RexReid]

I have done a ton of reading to the point that I feel stupid and opinions are all over the place. In the end the turbos scare me a little and I have done some math. On Ford's website on the model I want to order the XL, it looks like ecoboost is about 1500 more than the v8. A little break-even analysis tells me this and I am using rough numbers to make the point of my question: If ecoboost gets 10% better MPG (hotly debated)then the following seems reasonable, in that at 20MPG, ecoboost will save 2MPG in gas. Therefore if gas is $4 per gallon, divided by 20, it is costing 20 cents per mile in gas. So ecoboost is saving 2 cents per mile (not considering any other factors.) If ecoboost is $1500 more, then the break-even is 75,000 miles. There seem to be many other factors and variables, but most of them work against the ecoboost.

For example, it seems reasonable that cranking all of the hp out of a v6 is going to shorten engine life. It also seems reasonable that there is going to be additional maintenance caused by just having the turbos in that at some point you will need to replace them. In addition, if you financed, you have the extra money in payments as well.

What do you think?

[Webmaster]

It sounds to me like you're leaning toward the 5.0. Either engine would be fine, the MPG difference overall is pretty negligible.

What are your priorities? Purchase cost? Power? MPG? Do you do any towing? What is your driving style? 2WD/4WD? How long do you plan on keeping the truck for? Is your truck mainly for commuting or daily driver, work, etc., etc.

If you don't plan on keeping the truck past 5 years then there's no need to worry about the turbos.

The 5.0 exhaust note is absolutely awesome, it sounds great when you get on it. But, the sound of the turbos is nice too (albeit too quiet for my taste). I like tech and I'm happy with my EcoBoost. I've had a few small warranty issues with my truck, but nothing pertaining to the powertrain.

[AceFord]

I have done a ton of reading to the point that I feel stupid and opinions are all over the place. In the end the turbos scare me a little and I have done some math. On Ford's website on the model I want to order the XL, it looks like ecoboost is about 1500 more than the v8. A little break-even analysis tells me this and I am using rough numbers to make the point of my question: If ecoboost gets 10% better MPG (hotly debated)then the following seems reasonable, in that at 20MPG, ecoboost will save 2MPG in gas. Therefore if gas is $4 per gallon, divided by 20, it is costing 20 cents per mile in gas. So ecoboost is saving 2 cents per mile (not considering any other factors.) If ecoboost is $1500 more, then the break-even is 75,000 miles. There seem to be many other factors and variables, but most of them work against the ecoboost.

For example, it seems reasonable that cranking all of the hp out of a v6 is going to shorten engine life. It also seems reasonable that there is going to be additional maintenance caused by just having the turbos in that at some point you will need to replace them. In addition, if you financed, you have the extra money in payments as well.

What do you think?

I was stuck with this dilema as well. I couldn't decided at first which truck I wanted, but in the end it comes down to a few differences that you have to decide between and what you are going to be using the truck for. If you are wanting to tow all out, don't mind the sound of a v6, and want a fast stock truck then go with the ecoboost. The turbo's aren't going to be a problem for a long time and there are alot of them out on the road with over 150k miles running strong with proper care. On the other hand if you have v8 sound, around the same fuel mileage (keep in mind that the mileage drastically depends on what gear ratio you go with 3.31 will get you 20+ highway), and like to tinker with your trucks with addons exhaust, boss intake, etc (possibilities are endless lol) then you might want to try the 5.0. I personally went with the 5.0 and love it to death. My brother has the ecoboost and I have nothing against it either very nice truck. For me I just like the sound of a v8 and the options to mod the engine however I please . Both are solid in MPG, Power, Speed, Towing. Just slightly different in how they get it done. Stock for Stock the ecoboost is a little faster, but with 600$ in my 5.0 I have the upper hand in that category as well . Both are nice trucks!! you can't go wrong either way!

[tjreams]

As I just wrote on another thread, 8,000 and no issues. Love the crazy power when you need it!

[smithrl5]

I am getting almost 20 MPG average with my 5.0. The deciding factor for me was the towing MPG (very low on the ecoboost)Ford says you need to use premium fuel when towing and still only get, maybe what the 5.0 gets on regular. Truck.com's test only averaged less than 7 mpg pulling 11,000 lbs. Like you I read forums for months before getting the 5.0.

[countryboys_f150fx4]

5.0 all the way hands down--you wont look back I promise you rex---I have it and wouldn't go any other way--its your choice and ya have to do whats right for you--but I promise ya will truly love that 5.0--its a totally awesome engine-I cant find anyone who regrets having one---I have seen folks around that has taken eco 3.5 back to get a 5.0--that's right there says it all right there--again there both fords--good luck to you on whatever one you get--whispers --chants quietly.....5.0 .5.0 .5.0 lol rock on man

[chadhargis]

I have the 5.0 and my brother has the EcoBoost. He isn't getting any better mileage than I am (granted my truck is 2wd and his is 4wd), but it's really splitting hairs.

Neither of us tow much of anything. A small trailer every now and then, so towing MPG isn't really a factor.

The big advantage of the turbo motor is if you live at high altitude. Those turbos are going to feed compressed air to the engine where the 5.0 will be gasping for breath.

[RexReid]

5.0 all the way hands down--you wont look back I promise you rex---I have it and wouldn't go any other way--its your choice and ya have to do whats right for you--but I promise ya will truly love that 5.0--its a totally awesome engine-I cant find anyone who regrets having one---I have seen folks around that has taken eco 3.5 back to get a 5.0--that's right there says it all right there--again there both fords--good luck to you on whatever one you get--whispers --chants quietly.....5.0 .5.0 .5.0 lol rock on man

Thanks for all of the opinions. My 2013 5.0 xl, power pkg with 8' box and posi came in last week. Just got back from Bakersfield. MPG with a little stop and go 21.4 MPG figured from top off at the pump. Wow! I still have my 95 f150 5.0 and won't wait that long again...maybe. Awesome truck. I don't tow and our altitude is low. I did a ton of test driving and reading and listening. Thanks again.

[RexReid]

I have the 5.0 and my brother has the EcoBoost. He isn't getting any better mileage than I am (granted my truck is 2wd and his is 4wd), but it's really splitting hairs.

Neither of us tow much of anything. A small trailer every now and then, so towing MPG isn't really a factor.

The big advantage of the turbo motor is if you live at high altitude. Those turbos are going to feed compressed air to the engine where the 5.0 will be gasping for breath.

Just wanted to thank you for your thoughts. Turbos tackle altitude and if I lived in Denver I would definitely go ecoboost. It annoys me a little that Ford claims you are going to get more power and save gas. I think Ford is manipulating things to oversell eco, but it doesn't really matter. I might add that the Mustang is turning out more HP and I have heard all of the reasons--not really buying it. I am guessing Ford is making a lot more money off eco than Coyote. Do me a favor and bust on your bro a little: "Yo! Dude! You spent more money. Your mileage is the same and someday you gotta replace them turbos. When you do, we can race, because when the light turns green I will gently accelerate to the speed limit and your truck will be getting repaired. I win!" LOL!

[chadhargis]

I won't be picking on him until the turbos need a rebuild. With all that low end torque, he'd abuse me.

[RexReid]

I won't be picking on him until the turbos need a rebuild. With all that low end torque, he'd abuse me.

You may be missing the important point here. I am pretty sure the turbos have places. I am not sure towing is one of them. I've heard about the 0-60, but who cares. You need to set him up for the sibling rivalry "I told you so" and part of that is the abuse he gets to dish out now. Keep me up to date when he's getting work done. Has he had any trouble with condensation of the resulting sputter when eco tries to run on water?

[chadhargis]

He hasn't had any issues that I know of.

Turbos have been towing for many, many years. Most of the big semi tractor trailers (if not all of them) are turbo diesels. An engine is nothing but an air pump. To make power, you need fuel and air. The more air you bring in, the more fuel you can burn. That's why the ecoboost is so stout at low RPM. It needs enough revs to spool the turbos, then Katie bar the door...here comes the power.

A naturally aspirated engine, no matter how good it is, is at the mercy of atmospheric pressure. It can only suck in as much air as the vacuum the pistons create allows. That's why you have to have such huge displacement to make big power in a naturally aspirated engine. Bigger pistons = bigger suction. But those big pistons have a huge flame front. When you squirt the juice to them, it's harder to get it all to burn evenly and completely. Bigger pistons also have the laws of physics working against them. They are heavier, and when they reach TDC, then have to reverse directions, which means that big mass has to stop and reverse direction. To keep from tearing themselves apart, larger engines have a lower RPM limit.

I love turbo motors, and would have got an ecoboost if it weren't extra money. It might get a mile or two better on fuel economy, but it would take too long to offset the increase cost of the engine. I'd rather have a smaller, lighter, more efficient turbo motor over a bigger naturally aspirated one.

Now...if Ford would REALLY go wild and offer an Ecoboost 5.0L. Twin turbos on the 5.0 would just absolutely rock. But who needs a 700hp F-150...right? LOL!

[RexReid]

He hasn't had any issues that I know of.

Turbos have been towing for many, many years. Most of the big semi tractor trailers (if not all of them) are turbo diesels. An engine is nothing but an air pump. To make power, you need fuel and air. The more air you bring in, the more fuel you can burn. That's why the ecoboost is so stout at low RPM. It needs enough revs to spool the turbos, then Katie bar the door...here comes the power.

A naturally aspirated engine, no matter how good it is, is at the mercy of atmospheric pressure. It can only suck in as much air as the vacuum the pistons create allows. That's why you have to have such huge displacement to make big power in a naturally aspirated engine. Bigger pistons = bigger suction. But those big pistons have a huge flame front. When you squirt the juice to them, it's harder to get it all to burn evenly and completely. Bigger pistons also have the laws of physics working against them. They are heavier, and when they reach TDC, then have to reverse directions, which means that big mass has to stop and reverse direction. To keep from tearing themselves apart, larger engines have a lower RPM limit.

I love turbo motors, and would have got an ecoboost if it weren't extra money. It might get a mile or two better on fuel economy, but it would take too long to offset the increase cost of the engine. I'd rather have a smaller, lighter, more efficient turbo motor over a bigger naturally aspirated one.

Now...if Ford would REALLY go wild and offer an Ecoboost 5.0L. Twin turbos on the 5.0 would just absolutely rock. But who needs a 700hp F-150...right? LOL!

Wait and see. So far eco has not been all that reliable and as far as better gas mileage, that does not appear to be the case. I understand that you get efficiency out of more power with a smaller engine. The cost is the turbos and probably additional engine wear. Even the owner's manual tells you to change the oil more often because of the turbos I think. I love turbos too--for the right purpose. Altitude is one reason and they seem to work best in diesels. I bought the 5.0 for reliability. Good luck to all.

[chadhargis]

I am very happy with my 5.0. It makes very pretty sounds.

[countryboys_f150fx4]

rex-you done great man--and very proud of ya--you would never go wrong with 5.0---to me its on top of the 3.5 anyday-and is far more superior no matter what people say----they say eco will take the 5.0 anyday---I say yea right--tell that to someone who believes it--I feel confident no eco will take our 5.0--not on a good day--and we never have to worry about replacing turbos---haha gawd I love it---enjoy that 5.0 rex--GOD bless everyone on this site and everwhere else-

[RexReid]

I've been cranking on the miles. Dealer replaced the air defector on the bottom of the radiator and did a front end alignment. One of the coils needed a clip replaced. I decided to run penzoil platinum. Some guy did some testing that made sense and he compared a bunch of oils. I don't remember is exact testing, but I think he was using pressure before contact or something. Like everything else I read tooooo much. I really do love the 5.0. Eco has my curious.

[Ohmyfiveo]

I bought a 2013 regular cab, short bed, XL, striped down but for the 5.0, towing package, 3.55 limited slip and the b package that includes a single cd, steering wheel radio and info controls. Doing the speed limit and driving like I am out of gas, this truck is capable of 21 + mpg combined city / highway, on streight highway I get well into 24 mpg at the speed limit.
Of coarse it does not have the HP or torque of the ECO Boost but keep in mind that the 3.5 is just a 6 cylinder factory high proformance engine already at its limit less a cold air kit, exaust and tweeking the turbo pressuer. On the other hand the 5.0 is in its infincy as far as power goes and there is much to work with and this engine can be brought to life like no 6 cyl on the planet, the lower end is capable of handeling 800 + horse power out of the box.
The eco boost is a good little engine but the 5.0 even in its factory set up is the better engine as far as towing and longevity

A statement about at atmospheric pressure and pistons must be looked atfrom an eariler comment. Never in any internal combustion engine has a piston sucked air into a cylinder nor does vacume pull air into a cylinder. Air is ALWAYS forced into a cylinder either naturaly by atmospheric pressure (naturaly asperatided) or mechanically by a supercharger or turbo charger (forced induction)

[RexReid]

I bought a 2013 regular cab, short bed, XL, striped down but for the 5.0, towing package, 3.55 limited slip and the b package that includes a single cd, steering wheel radio and info controls. Doing the speed limit and driving like I am out of gas, this truck is capable of 21 + mpg combined city / highway, on streight highway I get well into 24 mpg at the speed limit.
Of coarse it does not have the HP or torque of the ECO Boost but keep in mind that the 3.5 is just a 6 cylinder factory high proformance engine already at its limit less a cold air kit, exaust and tweeking the turbo pressuer. On the other hand the 5.0 is in its infincy as far as power goes and there is much to work with and this engine can be brought to life like no 6 cyl on the planet, the lower end is capable of handeling 800 + horse power out of the box.
The eco boost is a good little engine but the 5.0 even in its factory set up is the better engine as far as towing and longevity

A statement about at atmospheric pressure and pistons must be looked atfrom an eariler comment. Never in any internal combustion engine has a piston sucked air into a cylinder nor does vacume pull air into a cylinder. Air is ALWAYS forced into a cylinder either naturaly by atmospheric pressure (naturaly asperatided) or mechanically by a supercharger or turbo charger (forced induction)

I agree. I am wondering what you think about the fact the eco has better rods and pistons and can handle some more power better? I guess if I wanted a racetruck, I'd probably go boss with a blower. I really do hope Ford gets eco to work. Just not seeing it yet, but a lot of guys say I am being unfair...I don't know.

[done with chevy]

I have done a ton of reading to the point that I feel stupid and opinions are all over the place. In the end the turbos scare me a little and I have done some math. On Ford's website on the model I want to order the XL, it looks like ecoboost is about 1500 more than the v8. A little break-even analysis tells me this and I am using rough numbers to make the point of my question: If ecoboost gets 10% better MPG (hotly debated)then the following seems reasonable, in that at 20MPG, ecoboost will save 2MPG in gas. Therefore if gas is $4 per gallon, divided by 20, it is costing 20 cents per mile in gas. So ecoboost is saving 2 cents per mile (not considering any other factors.) If ecoboost is $1500 more, then the break-even is 75,000 miles. There seem to be many other factors and variables, but most of them work against the ecoboost.

For example, it seems reasonable that cranking all of the hp out of a v6 is going to shorten engine life. It also seems reasonable that there is going to be additional maintenance caused by just having the turbos in that at some point you will need to replace them. In addition, if you financed, you have the extra money in payments as well.

What do you think?

^^^^ (You posted this on apri 24 2013) ...so at this point you didn't have a new truck and hadn't made a decision.

Then....... On may 28th you posted this. Which even if by last week , you meant 4 days prior , that would mean your truck came in at 4 or under 4 weeks from date of order.

My 2013 5.0 xl, power pkg with 8' box and posi came in last week.

it was about 6 or 8 weeks from order to delivery

^^^^^ Then...... In December you posted this

Well if all these statements are true Rex,( and I know I'm not as smart as you ), if one does some rough math,.......it means you owned or at least ordered your truck before you asked advice on which one to get .Why would you seek advice on a future choice of engine when you already ordered or owned it. . It couldn't be because you showed up with an anti Eco agenda already in hand could it . And came here just to screw with people ? Say it ain't so Rex,.......say it ain't so

You lie , and make up "FACTS", and post the same stuff on different forums under different names , and turn all threads on Forums into an ant Eco boost diatribe. Your obsessed MAN

[2Canches]

I hate Eco. I love boost. My 5.0L is loud. I love the exhaust note. the 6.2L is to much power. But it's 1500 less the hassle of turbos that have same pulling power over in barkers field which actually has low atomic air pressure so the gas stations charge me 4$ cause hey let's think a minute here about me owning my 8' box more than 75000. Did I miss anything?