F150 5.0 V8 or V6 Twin Turbo

[way2roll]

Not tow vehicle related per se as we have a motorhome, but I am in the market for a used F150 just for daily driving and small projects. I had a 2007 f150 with the 5.4 for 14 years but it had it's share of issues with the engine - specifically the plugs and coil packs.

From what I am seeing most used F150's in my price range come with either the v6 twin turbo or the 5.0 V8. My dad had the v6 and although plenty of power for what I need, it suffered a little turbo lag. I have heard that that the 5.0 is under powered.

Any thoughts, experience, pros, cons of either of these?

Thanks

[FishOnOne]

way2roll wrote:
Not tow vehicle related per se as we have a motorhome, but I am in the market for a used F150 just for daily driving and small projects. I had a 2007 f150 with the 5.4 for 14 years but it had it's share of issues with the engine - specifically the plugs and coil packs.

From what I am seeing most used F150's in my price range come with either the v6 twin turbo or the 5.0 V8. My dad had the v6 and although plenty of power for what I need, it suffered a little turbo lag. I have heard that that the 5.0 is under powered.

Any thoughts, experience, pros, cons of either of these?

Thanks

The 2018-2021 3.5 EB engines suffered from cam phaser problems. Just make sure if purchasing a 3.5 EB that it has the latest cam phasers.

[valhalla360]

If not towing, the turbo is a no brainer.

Even towing, I would probably lean toward the turbo but I have heard you need to keep an eye on it with long climbs. There's less mass to absorb and dissipate the heat, so if you max out the tow rating and just put the hammer down on a 10-20mile climb, overheating is a concern. But from the folks, I've talked to, normal towing, it burns as much fuel as the NA V8 but the power is better with more sedate RPM.

[MitchF150]

When buying anything used, a lot depends on the vehicles past maintenance history..

In my case, I have a 13 F150 Eco bought brand new, so I know my own maintenance history, but do I have proof of all the fluid changes and other minor stuff I have done on my own? Not really. I have a written 'log' of it all, but no receipts or other junk like that.. I have the recall paperwork done at the dealer and such of course.

Anyway, I've got 116,000 miles on my F150, but have not had any turbo related issues as such. Or timing chain/phaser issues or really any of the other stuff you will read about on the internet.

The 5.0 is not without it's 'issues' either...

On my rig anyway, "turbo lag" is not a thing.. I've never experienced it. Stab the go pedal and you GO...

The 5.0 needs rpms to get into it's power band, so high revs is what it likes. The Eco gets a lot of it's power down low torque wise.

140,000 + miles on either one will really need to be gone over, as that's about the time most 'major' things might start popping up in either flavor..

Again, it's oil change interval's is the biggest things.. If the previous owner only changed the oil when the dash light came on... Well... I'd walk away fast! if they changed around the 4-5,000 mile marks, then it's a lot better for sure!

Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide on!

Mitch

[theoldwizard1]

I have a 2022 F150 2.7L Ecoboost twin turbo. Plenty of power for light towing. Non-towing fuel economy is wrong 20 mpg !

[Thermoguy]

I don't have a EB motor, but when I was in getting my Explorer serviced I listened to a service manager talking to a guy about the service on the turbo. He was shocked by the expense. Some that have the EB, is the maintenance more than a non EB motor?

[way2roll]

Thanks for the replies, good info. Another question - I know it's subjective, but how many miles are too many on these trucks? I wanted to stay in the sub 140k range, but many I am seeing have 160-170k miles. Is that too many?

[Boomerweps]

If it’s for pretty much being a daily driver, the 2.7EB has plenty of power, even towing 6-7000#, with good mpg. The 2.7EB has had less problems than the 3.5EB, oil pan leaks were somewhat common on the 2.7. If buying an F-150, I strongly recommend joining the F150 Forum, you’ll learn more than you could desire.

[way2roll]

nickthehunter wrote:
Towing, 3.5 ecoboost with the 10 spd transmission is a towing dream.

yeah, Dad loved his for towing his boat.

[nickthehunter]

Not towing don’t think it makes much difference although the 3.5 ecoboost may get slightly better mpg depending on your driving habits. Towing, 3.5 ecoboost with the 10 spd transmission is a towing dream.