2025 F150 5.0 Liter Supercharger questions

[Hi-tech Redneck]

Whipple or Roush?

Anyone running a SC, if you stay off the petal is gas mileage same/better/worse on a daily driver? Any odd spark plug wear or buildup, any plug specific burning rich/lean? Thanks

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[TexasTruck]

Whipple or Roush?

Anyone running a SC, if you stay off the petal is gas mileage same/better/worse on a daily driver? Any odd spark plug wear or buildup, any plug specific burning rich/lean? Thanks

A lot of these questions have been answered over in the “Forced induction” forum.

Whipple or Roush, lots of opinions on which is “better”. I went with Whipple because at the time the install was less involved than Roush. Also, Roush was having issues, but I believe they worked them out now.

My MPG is the same as factory when I drive normal (2-2.5K RPM). However, if I drive aggressively (2.5-3.5K RPM) it will suffer. I don’t keep track of MPG anymore. I just reset the trip meter now to keep track of fuel used vs miles driven between fill ups. Back when I cared I think I reported 16/16.4 and 18/20, maybe even 20/21 to/from Houston a few times last year.

Both kits run cooler spark plugs, you have to. I have 17K on my install and according to Whipple I need to install new plugs at 20K. I can’t really say if there’s any wear or buildup yet. I have never heard of it being a problem though.

In my travels researching this stuff don’t skip the recommended maintenance, use 91+ octane ALWAYS, 93 is optimal if you have it, and don’t beat on the truck, you will break something.

 

[Eighthtry]

Ummmm, gas mileage going down?

 

[Tilstad]

As he said, it depends on how you drive. I got 14.2 mpg without supercharger when I first got the truck. Now that I've done testing out the power and drive more normal, I get 18.8 city driving. Still without supercharger. I believe the numbers he's stating is very reasonable.

That said, if the main concern is fuel economy, perhaps a 700hp monster isn't for you? I mean, how do you think the power is made? By fuel and air. More power = more fuel and air consumed. If the plan is to just putt around to save fuel, why even consider a supercharger? Or a truck? A Corolla would be way better for that.

 

[Eighthtry]

I'm not sure why you are so concerned about gas mileage when you are about to write a check for a very expensive modification. Other than running premium full time, you will need to think through who will work on this regularly. You should probably count on some minor, maybe major problems since it is not a factory build.

I ran my 2010 CTS V for 208,000 miles with no problems, dead serious here, other than the rear MagnaRides, which I replaced twice. It ran premium. I had no clue what the gas mileage was because I did not buy it to be an economy car. It was my road car. It was unbelievably reliable.

The factory designed it, equipped it that way, and sold it as a daily driver. I believe it used a Whipple supercharger.

As far as maintenance, I ran Amsoil Signature 5/30 for 10,000 miles and an Amsoil filter change every 5,000 miles. It used zero oil.

I ran it up to 170 to celebrate 170,000 miles. I was a somewhat aggressive driver with that car.

If I could still use a road car I would buy another CTS V. Being retired blew up routine for all of my cars. I am downsizing the fleet to a more manageable level so I can drive the leftovers on a more regular basis. Lack of driving will kill a car's reliability, particularly with our alcohol fuels.

Do not expect trouble free driving with your supercharged truck. It becomes aftermarket with a supercharger. It is doing things it was not designed to do.

It also makes driving it more dangerous if you horse around with it. Nannies can lose control of that truck in a split second.

My CTS V was well balanced. My Z06 is less so. It will spin tires at 90 mph. It will be grass bound at a heartbeat even with nannies on.

Your truck will be exactly the same as my Z06 at 90 mph. Just be deliberate. Don't mash. You might take it to a track for an introduction to a skilled instructor. You will learn plenty about your skills, or lack thereof when I first went.

The nice thing about most tracks is they have a grass infield. I have skillfully manuevered my way inside an infield with a forced spin. You have to accept the fact that being in the infield is stupid and embarrassing.

Get your supercharger. I would love to have one on mine. Learn how to respect it with some instructed track time. You will have fun.

 

[Eighthtry]

A lot of these questions have been answered over in the “Forced induction” forum.

Whipple or Roush, lots of opinions on which is “better”. I went with Whipple because at the time the install was less involved than Roush. Also, Roush was having issues, but I believe they worked them out now.

My MPG is the same as factory when I drive normal (2-2.5K RPM). However, if I drive aggressively (2.5-3.5K RPM) it will suffer. I don’t keep track of MPG anymore. I just reset the trip meter now to keep track of fuel used vs miles driven between fill ups. Back when I cared I think I reported 16/16.4 and 18/20, maybe even 20/21 to/from Houston a few times last year.

Both kits run cooler spark plugs, you have to. I have 17K on my install and according to Whipple I need to install new plugs at 20K. I can’t really say if there’s any wear or buildup yet. I have never heard of it being a problem though.

In my travels researching this stuff don’t skip the recommended maintenance, use 91+ octane ALWAYS, 93 is optimal if you have it, and don’t beat on the truck, you will break something.

Interesting that whipple specs 20,000 miles for plugs. My V plugs came in at 60,000 miles and still looked mostly unmolested. In other words, if it was not supercharged I would have run them to 100,000.

Did Whipple spec the plug change and supply the plugs to be installed?

 

[TexasTruck]

Did Whipple spec the plug change and supply the plugs to be installed?

Yes, and Roush as well. Both kits include the first set. They run around $145 a set when I last checked.

 

[Evolvd]

I'm not sure why you are so concerned about gas mileage when you are about to write a check for a very expensive modification. Other than running premium full time, you will need to think through who will work on this regularly. You should probably count on some minor, maybe major problems since it is not a factory build.

I ran my 2010 CTS V for 208,000 miles with no problems, dead serious here, other than the rear MagnaRides, which I replaced twice. It ran premium. I had no clue what the gas mileage was because I did not buy it to be an economy car. It was my road car. It was unbelievably reliable.

The factory designed it, equipped it that way, and sold it as a daily driver. I believe it used a Whipple supercharger.

As far as maintenance, I ran Amsoil Signature 5/30 for 10,000 miles and an Amsoil filter change every 5,000 miles. It used zero oil.

I ran it up to 170 to celebrate 170,000 miles. I was a somewhat aggressive driver with that car.

If I could still use a road car I would buy another CTS V. Being retired blew up routine for all of my cars. I am downsizing the fleet to a more manageable level so I can drive the leftovers on a more regular basis. Lack of driving will kill a car's reliability, particularly with our alcohol fuels.

Do not expect trouble free driving with your supercharged truck. It becomes aftermarket with a supercharger. It is doing things it was not designed to do.

It also makes driving it more dangerous if you horse around with it. Nannies can lose control of that truck in a split second.

My CTS V was well balanced. My Z06 is less so. It will spin tires at 90 mph. It will be grass bound at a heartbeat even with nannies on.

Your truck will be exactly the same as my Z06 at 90 mph. Just be deliberate. Don't mash. You might take it to a track for an introduction to a skilled instructor. You will learn plenty about your skills, or lack thereof when I first went.

The nice thing about most tracks is they have a grass infield. I have skillfully manuevered my way inside an infield with a forced spin. You have to accept the fact that being in the infield is stupid and embarrassing.

Get your supercharger. I would love to have one on mine. Learn how to respect it with some instructed track time. You will have fun.

You make some valid points but something else to consider: Whipple has been supercharging Coyote motors for over a decade. They are now on their 6th generation of the Coyote design. The fact that Ford partners with them to offer the FP700 package (with full warranty intact for 3/36) shows the reliability and trust Ford has with Whipple's products. The 4th Gen Coyote is also the most advanced version Ford has ever built and history has shown it can support 700 hp all day long and survive.

But, of course there's always one-off incidents of motor or SC failure due to manufacturing or installation. That happens on completely stock vehicles as well. Which is why Ford requires you to have a certified tech install their FP700 unit for it remain under warranty. Whipple also sells a Stage 1 package with a 3/36 warranty that is the same unit as the Ford Performance one (however their warranty is more limited).

With all that being said, if you install a Stage 1 whipple on a Coyote, you most likely won't have any issues whatsoever if you don't beat the piss out of it. Beyond having to swap out the plugs every 20K (honestly that's for warranty purposes), changing the SC oil at 100K and the engine oil to 5W-50 oil, there's nothing else you need to do that you wouldn't already have to maintain a stock truck.

 

[1PT618]

Have you considered a Procharger instead? I'm having mine installed right now, should have the truck back later this week. They are easier to install and service, plus you can get the 3/36 warranty (like whipple) if installed by a certified shop. I heard that Ford is planning to partner with them too - probably why they are now available, with warranty, for MY 24-25. I expect fuel economy will be better than a roots style based on the design and how it generates power. More to come.

 

[Eighthtry]

I appreciate the thoughts on superchargers. It is interesting that Whipple needs 5/50 oil? My 2018 Z06 specifies 5/30 with longer oil/filter change intervals. But GM recently screwed up with the 6.2, which was my motor bought when they could still manufacture motors.

I am not a believer in bolt-ins, although I know there are certified mechanics that can do it. My point is that the factory is set up with the correct harnesses and other work arounds that need to be done.

And of course I will not be supercharging my truck because it satisfies my needs. I realize that "need" is defined much differently to various people, including me, as you may surmise from my rather mixed stable of performance cars.

I wish him and everyone else the best. But my experience from modifying cars the last 50+ years is that if the factory does not do it, then it may create problems. Experts count. Everything from a 216 Stove Bolt to a 455+ olds. I have had some of the most respected experts fail. Since I am not an expert I need not add my personal fails to my credit.

But it all makes for interesting conversation. I have lived it and learned it, much of it the hard way. And continue to learn on this forum.

 

[Evolvd]

I appreciate the thoughts on superchargers. It is interesting that Whipple needs 5/50 oil? My 2018 Z06 specifies 5/30 with longer oil/filter change intervals. But GM recently screwed up with the 6.2, which was my motor bought when they could still manufacture motors.

I am not a believer in bolt-ins, although I know there are certified mechanics that can do it. My point is that the factory is set up with the correct harnesses and other work arounds that need to be done.

And of course I will not be supercharging my truck because it satisfies my needs. I realize that "need" is defined much differently to various people, including me, as you may surmise from my rather mixed stable of performance cars.

I wish him and everyone else the best. But my experience from modifying cars the last 50+ years is that if the factory does not do it, then it may create problems. Experts count. Everything from a 216 Stove Bolt to a 455+ olds. I have had some of the most respected experts fail. Since I am not an expert I need not add my personal fails to my credit.

But it all makes for interesting conversation. I have lived it and learned it, much of it the hard way. And continue to learn on this forum.

The stock Coyote is designed to run on 5W-20 or 5W-30 because it balances fuel economy, emissions, and adequate protection for a naturally aspirated setup. But once you add a blower, everything changes—cylinder pressure, heat, and load all go way up.

That’s where 5W-50 comes in. The thicker viscosity holds up better under the extra stress. It maintains a stronger oil film at high temps and high RPM, which means better protection for bearings, valvetrain, and piston skirts. It also resists shear breakdown a lot better than thinner oils. Basically, when you’re pushing the engine harder than it was designed from the factory, you want that extra safety margin.

Ford themselves recommend 5W-50 in their high-performance/track versions of the Coyote (GT350, GT500 which are 5.2L versions of the same motor), so it’s not just a tuner thing. Most blower kits (Whipple, Roush, VMP, etc.) call for it as well.

Swapping to 5W-50 isn’t really about daily driving—it’s about protecting your investment when you’re under boost.

 

[basicbetty]

Huge fan of my Whipple. My decision came down to the fact that I could wrap it into my purchase price, get it installed at the dealer, and its all warrantied... allows me to "enjoy" it more. MPG floats around 11-12 when I'm commuting during the week. Road trips with the family I can still get 18+. MPG quickly falls to single digits when canyon cruising or when an unsuspecting pony car pulls up next to me.

 

[Hi-tech Redneck]

Not really concerned about mileage just getting an Idea how forced induction manages fuels use. I have built 3.750 strokers and 355 SB Chevys 3.480 normal rotating assemblies naturally aspirated high HP and know sometimes cylinders 7 and 8 can show little rich or others can show really lean especially if detonation occurs or bad distributor/cap. Just seeing if any expected or unexpected things on fuel injection/forced induction systems. Also about to order pipes but I'd guess these heads will flow but getting the exhaust out is nessasery don't want to choke it up. Are you running headers short or long? Bought the truck in Feb 25 a lariat SupCrew Fx4 and threw 10K in JL Audio VXI digital amps, subs, replaced all B&O stock speakers, then leveled it out with 2 1/2" Coilovers struts in front and matching rear shocks all 8 way adjustable with remote res witch took all body roll out, threw a ford branded bed cover that rolls up like a garage door. Now I'm ready to tackle the power plant and didn't want to get so wordy, I get criticized but not answered by some for not proper etiquette I guess based on responses previous. I have built show winning frame off restos one was a top of class and top 10 super chevy show winner but only 50s-60s models, just thought community would be cool. I PAID off the truck and all parts, trying to blueprint this thing, not just slopp it together blind. Thanks for any help.

 

[Evolvd]

Not really concerned about mileage just getting an Idea how forced induction manages fuels use. I have built 3.750 strokers and 355 SB Chevys 3.480 normal rotating assemblies naturally aspirated high HP and know sometimes cylinders 7 and 8 can show little rich or others can show really lean especially if detonation occurs or bad distributor/cap. Just seeing if any expected or unexpected things on fuel injection/forced induction systems. Also about to order pipes but I'd guess these heads will flow but getting the exhaust out is nessasery don't want to choke it up. Are you running headers short or long? Bought the truck in Feb 25 a lariat SupCrew Fx4 and threw 10K in JL Audio VXI digital amps, subs, replaced all B&O stock speakers, then leveled it out with 2 1/2" Coilovers struts in front and matching rear shocks all 8 way adjustable with remote res witch took all body roll out, threw a ford branded bed cover that rolls up like a garage door. Now I'm ready to tackle the power plant and didn't want to get so wordy, I get criticized but not answered by some for not proper etiquette I guess based on responses previous. I have built show winning frame off restos one was a top of class and top 10 super chevy show winner but only 50s-60s models, just thought community would be cool. I PAID off the truck and all parts, trying to blueprint this thing, not just slopp it together blind. Thanks for any help.

I’m a big JL fan, would love to see your audio build.

 

[Hi-tech Redneck]

You make some valid points but something else to consider: Whipple has been supercharging Coyote motors for over a decade. They are now on their 6th generation of the Coyote design. The fact that Ford partners with them to offer the FP700 package (with full warranty intact for 3/36) shows the reliability and trust Ford has with Whipple's products. The 4th Gen Coyote is also the most advanced version Ford has ever built and history has shown it can support 700 hp all day long and survive.

But, of course there's always one-off incidents of motor or SC failure due to manufacturing or installation. That happens on completely stock vehicles as well. Which is why Ford requires you to have a certified tech install their FP700 unit for it remain under warranty. Whipple also sells a Stage 1 package with a 3/36 warranty that is the same unit as the Ford Performance one (however their warranty is more limited).

With all that being said, if you install a Stage 1 whipple on a Coyote, you most likely won't have any issues whatsoever if you don't beat the piss out of it. Beyond having to swap out the plugs every 20K (honestly that's for warranty purposes), changing the SC oil at 100K and the engine oil to 5W-50 oil, there's nothing else you need to do that you wouldn't already have to maintain a stock truck.

Great point on the build in general, my 2015 5.0 was great other than these freaking coolant hose assemblies and how many blew on me. This 2025 5.0 doesn't sound mechanically as solid. The timing system, is it chain drivin still? IT Has a wine not the Whipple kind either, maybe this exhaust needs more aggressive sound?? LoL I sure do love the B2 Fabrication offerings, I like finding gems, not a Borla or Roush guy otherwise we would not stand apart. I am curious, maybe the tolerances changed lessening friction I eternally, first thing I learned building up lower rotating parts, you choke your avaliable power if that assembly is tough or binding, should be able to turn it over with a 1/4" ratchet

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