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5.0 more efficient at 75-80 mph than the Ecoboost engines? Edit: while not towing.

JExpedition07

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More cylinders equals more power lost from pumping action of the additional pistons. Also more pollution with the smaller cylinders which is why the trend to fewer cylinders with modern "low emission" engines.

Most of the engine's power goes into overcoming air drag and pickups have the drag coefficient of a brick. At 80 mph the air drag is 4 times as great as at 40 mph. My 2022 truck with the 3.5L ecoboost gets it best mpg at speeds below 55 mph. Going faster than that burns more gas and I need to decide if it is worth it to get to my destination 2-5 minutes sooner. Usually it is not.

One can either decide to pretend their is a way to get good fuel economy driving their truck at 80 mpg or they can slow down and or have a second vehicle that is more fuel efficient. For the past 20+ years I have had a pickup or large SUV, and a Prius that gets 45 mpg at 80 mph. With the new F-150 in 2022 we also bought a Toyota Rav4 plugin hybrid that has been averaging about 99 mpg. Guess which vehicle is used the most for daily errands.

In years past the theologians would argue over how many angels could fit on the head of a pin. All the posts about getting better fuel economy without slowing down amount to the same thing.
false, additional pistons produce extra pumping power not less. They exert extra force on the crank every revolution. Fun fact: the 5.0L V8 produces less NOX emissions and CO2 per mile than the new Chrysler 3.0L I-6 Hurricane engine. DOHC 4-valve architecture with Displacement on demand is proving to be very effective.
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diambo4life

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It's all about the power/torque that is available at that cruising speed 1500-2000rpm. If you can drive in vacuum, you will get great gas mileage. Also, NOT using cruise control helps because it will keep goosing the throttle and forcing the truck to downshift to maintain cruising speed. This is more gas being used.
 

troy12n

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My 2015 was an XLT 300A, my dad's 2018 SCAB was an XLT 302A and my brother's 2018 SCREW is an XL

The XLTs are able to disengage the front axle while the 4A (lariat and above) have permanently engaged / fixed front axles and always turn (2022 and up).
I find that hard to believe. Where is the evidence for that? Do you mean the front hubs are always engaged, or the transfer case is always engaged?

I'm calling BS on that, whatever it is.

My new truck is a XLT 302A
 

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My 2015 was an XLT 300A, my dad's 2018 SCAB was an XLT 302A and my brother's 2018 SCREW is an XL



I find that hard to believe. Where is the evidence for that? Do you mean the front hubs are always engaged, or the transfer case is always engaged?

I'm calling BS on that, whatever it is.

My new truck is a XLT 302A
No disconnect on 502A… ‘22.
Ford F-150 5.0 more efficient at 75-80 mph than the Ecoboost engines? Edit: while not towing. frontHu
 
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Yason84

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More cylinders equals more power lost from pumping action of the additional pistons. Also more pollution with the smaller cylinders which is why the trend to fewer cylinders with modern "low emission" engines.

Most of the engine's power goes into overcoming air drag and pickups have the drag coefficient of a brick. At 80 mph the air drag is 4 times as great as at 40 mph. My 2022 truck with the 3.5L ecoboost gets it best mpg at speeds below 55 mph. Going faster than that burns more gas and I need to decide if it is worth it to get to my destination 2-5 minutes sooner. Usually it is not.

One can either decide to pretend their is a way to get good fuel economy driving their truck at 80 mpg or they can slow down and or have a second vehicle that is more fuel efficient. For the past 20+ years I have had a pickup or large SUV, and a Prius that gets 45 mpg at 80 mph. With the new F-150 in 2022 we also bought a Toyota Rav4 plugin hybrid that has been averaging about 99 mpg. Guess which vehicle is used the most for daily errands.

In years past the theologians would argue over how many angels could fit on the head of a pin. All the posts about getting better fuel economy without slowing down amount to the same thing.
Nothing personal, but so many people make that same argument about “time saved vs gas consumption“, and they are usually the ones barely going above 60 on the interstate, causing all the traffic to slam on their brakes and fight each other trying to get around... yes you’re only saving a few minutes on a short trip. But on a LONG road trip that’s greater than 500 miles, the difference between 70 vs 80 is huge, especially when you have other people riding with you, including kids. It also can mean the difference between stopping once to sleep vs twice to sleep. When I was active duty over 12 years ago, it would take me almost 3 days to drive home from New Orleans to western Arizona in my 2500HD going 68 mph since diesel was outrageously expensive then. That was just me having to stop at a rest stop twice and sleeping in the truck for 4-5 hours. Making that same trip in my 2012 Ford ecoboost, going 75+ made the difference and only had to stop once to rest. If I’m able to go 79-80 mph and still break 20 mpg with either the 3.5 or 5.0, I’ll be happy.
 

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UNIKRN150

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I don't know about the Ecoboost but just for the hell of it, I tried babying my 5.0 on a 200+/- freeway trip carrying/towing nothing and I squeezed 28MPG out of her.

Now... that's with a RCSB and I certainly wasn't making any friends on the freeway doing the Speed Limit but still!

I was impressed.

But I didn't buy a V8 F150 to drive like that so I doubt I'll ever see those numbers again.
After 20K I'm averaging 20.8MPG which isn't bad considering what an impatient driver I am.
 

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i was pleased with this trip of long long highway miles in dec
now i get 19.4 pretty much
and boost at highway was mostly zero
Ford F-150 5.0 more efficient at 75-80 mph than the Ecoboost engines? Edit: while not towing. fl trip  (1)


Ford F-150 5.0 more efficient at 75-80 mph than the Ecoboost engines? Edit: while not towing. fl trip  (2)


Ford F-150 5.0 more efficient at 75-80 mph than the Ecoboost engines? Edit: while not towing. fl trip  (3)


Ford F-150 5.0 more efficient at 75-80 mph than the Ecoboost engines? Edit: while not towing. fl trip  (5)


Ford F-150 5.0 more efficient at 75-80 mph than the Ecoboost engines? Edit: while not towing. fl trip  (6)
 

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I find that hard to believe. Where is the evidence for that? Do you mean the front hubs are always engaged, or the transfer case is always engaged?

I'm calling BS on that, whatever it is.
Well you can believe what you'd like, but you've been given the facts. I have a 22 XLT w/ 4A and the ability to unlock my frontend. Voodoo I tell ya, voodoo. (Just kid'n, 22/23 XLT + 21 TOD TC + ATCM + TCCM = 22+ w/ unlocking hubs)
 

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false, additional pistons produce extra pumping power not less. They exert extra force on the crank every revolution. Fun fact: the 5.0L V8 produces less NOX emissions and CO2 per mile than the new Chrysler 3.0L I-6 Hurricane engine. DOHC 4-valve architecture with Displacement on demand is proving to be very effective.
What he's speaking of is parasitic drag. I think you'd have a better position in arguing ford v. ford.
A v8 does in-fact have 33% more internal reciprocating parts and valves, and additional cam drag and another bearing on the crank. When comparing the 5.0 to the 3.5 whose 33% increase is 4.6x liters on napkin math, it ends up being a little bit more drag. You've got more rings, bearings, etc turning those additional cylinders w/ higher compression ratios to boot. Yes, there's much more that goes into the whole thing. Turbos have higher back pressure contributing to lower end torque, but 2 less cylinders in the process. (cylinder deactivation doesn't change this)

Personally I went with the motor that's got more power and torque than the 5.0 everywhere in the powerband. Had the 5.0 been optioned with the PB's motor / batt, I probably would have sprung for it since at best case the 3.5L sounds like a mail truck while best-best case it's not really heard at all. It's not to say it's 'bad' engine, it's a known fact turbos are harder on oil because, well the oil is shared with the vehicle and the turbines get damn hot. Add in the bearings are also water cooled and you've got a good set of variables aligned for shortened oil life, significantly more heat going to the rad, and a pretty good bump in under hood temps because turbines and their housings are damn hot.

The powerboost in addition to having its "e-supercharger", removes the alternator and AC from the drive belt. It's got at least 2 additional electric pumps, maybe 3. Point being parasitic drag is a variable and they removed it where the could. Plus a variable speed HV driven AC pump means it can vary its speed to the load instead of being clutch on or clutch off.

Just my 2 1/2 cents.
 
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Yason84

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What he's speaking of is parasitic drag. I think you'd have a better position in arguing ford v. ford.
A v8 does in-fact have 33% more internal reciprocating parts and valves, and additional cam drag and another bearing on the crank. When comparing the 5.0 to the 3.5 whose 33% increase is 4.6x liters on napkin math, it ends up being a little bit more drag. You've got more rings, bearings, etc turning those additional cylinders w/ higher compression ratios to boot. Yes, there's much more that goes into the whole thing. Turbos have higher back pressure contributing to lower end torque, but 2 less cylinders in the process. (cylinder deactivation doesn't change this)

Personally I went with the motor that's got more power and torque than the 5.0 everywhere in the powerband. Had the 5.0 been optioned with the PB's motor / batt, I probably would have sprung for it since at best case the 3.5L sounds like a mail truck while best-best case it's not really heard at all. It's not to say it's 'bad' engine, it's a known fact turbos are harder on oil because, well the oil is shared with the vehicle and the turbines get damn hot. Add in the bearings are also water cooled and you've got a good set of variables aligned for shortened oil life, significantly more heat going to the rad, and a pretty good bump in under hood temps because turbines and their housings are damn hot.

The powerboost in addition to having its "e-supercharger", removes the alternator and AC from the drive belt. It's got at least 2 additional electric pumps, maybe 3. Point being parasitic drag is a variable and they removed it where the could. Plus a variable speed HV driven AC pump means it can vary its speed to the load instead of being clutch on or clutch off.

Just my 2 1/2 cents.
We’re starting to go way off into the weeds here, causing analysis paralysis among those of us who are still on the fence. Does all of that equate to a significant difference between the two engines when cruising on the interstate, going 75-80 mph, with just passengers and luggage? If it’s negligible, then the 3.5 it is.
 
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I can’t comment on the ”boost” part of the conversation because I’ve never watched the gauge, but I can comment on the towing comparison.

I’ve owned a bunch of F-150’s over the past several years. I’ve owned every engine in this discussion too - 3.5 EB, 3.5 PB and the 5.0. Several different trucks, one common denominator has been the trailer and small tractor I pull between farms. The 3.5 EB beats the pants off the 5.0. Same load, same roads, same hills and the 5.0 lugs down when the 3.5 doesn’t. There’s a noticeable difference.

The PB has been king of the mileage. I’ve never noticed a big difference in mileage between the 5.0 and the 3.5 EB.

With all that being said, I’m still a fan of the 5.0.
 
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Yason84

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I can’t comment on the ”boost” part of the conversation because I’ve never watched the gauge, but I can comment on the towing comparison.

I’ve owned a bunch of F-150’s over the past several years. I’ve owned every engine in this discussion too - 3.5 EB, 3.5 PB and the 5.0. Several different trucks, one common denominator has been the trailer and small tractor I pull between farms. The 3.5 EB beats the pants off the 5.0. Same load, same roads, same hills and the 5.0 lugs down when the 3.5 doesn’t. There’s a noticeable difference.

The PB has been king of the mileage. I’ve never noticed a big difference in mileage between the 5.0 and the 3.5 EB.

With all that being said, I’m still a fan of the 5.0.
That’s great and all, but have you seen a significant difference between the 5.0 and 3.5 in mileage when cruising 75+ without a trailer? I’m not looking for a tow monster, otherwise I’d spring for a superduty, and I’m not expecting Prius mpg’s either. I’m looking for a comfortable, all-weather, long-range highway cruiser with an engine that’s the least affected by the drag of wind resistance. If it’s negligible, meaning 1 mpg difference, then I’d rather the 3.5. Otherwise if the 3.5 and especially the 2.7 takes a nosedive compared to the 5.0, than I’d rather the V8.
 

JExpedition07

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What he's speaking of is parasitic drag. I think you'd have a better position in arguing ford v. ford.
A v8 does in-fact have 33% more internal reciprocating parts and valves, and additional cam drag and another bearing on the crank. When comparing the 5.0 to the 3.5 whose 33% increase is 4.6x liters on napkin math, it ends up being a little bit more drag. You've got more rings, bearings, etc turning those additional cylinders w/ higher compression ratios to boot. Yes, there's much more that goes into the whole thing. Turbos have higher back pressure contributing to lower end torque, but 2 less cylinders in the process. (cylinder deactivation doesn't change this)

Personally I went with the motor that's got more power and torque than the 5.0 everywhere in the powerband. Had the 5.0 been optioned with the PB's motor / batt, I probably would have sprung for it since at best case the 3.5L sounds like a mail truck while best-best case it's not really heard at all. It's not to say it's 'bad' engine, it's a known fact turbos are harder on oil because, well the oil is shared with the vehicle and the turbines get damn hot. Add in the bearings are also water cooled and you've got a good set of variables aligned for shortened oil life, significantly more heat going to the rad, and a pretty good bump in under hood temps because turbines and their housings are damn hot.

The powerboost in addition to having its "e-supercharger", removes the alternator and AC from the drive belt. It's got at least 2 additional electric pumps, maybe 3. Point being parasitic drag is a variable and they removed it where the could. Plus a variable speed HV driven AC pump means it can vary its speed to the load instead of being clutch on or clutch off.

Just my 2 1/2 cents.
Parasitic drag is a percentage of your displacement, his post was very misleading with a blanket statement that a V8 has more parasitic drag than a V6. That’s simply untrue from an engineering standpoint when all 8 pistons are producing power and exerting force on the crankshaft. Your drag is calculated all the same as it is for a V6, an I-4 or a W12, or a 2 cylinder lawn mower engine.

A higher compression ratio like the 5.0L 12:1 creates a more intense combustion event, which again, exerts more force on the crankshaft than that of a lower compression engine. Meaning more power, and less wasted fuel. That more intense combustion event far overcomes any additional drag, the only time this drag comes into play is on the engines starter motor before ignition occurs. This doesn’t take into account the 5.0 uses plasma wire arc liners and low tension rings either, but that’s a whole other discussion on efficiency.

I have no gripe with the 3.5 EcoBoost, that was my second choice after the 5.0 V8. I just prefer naturally aspirated engines to forced induction, and I enjoy the magic of the American V8 engine. The 5.0 attracted me because it’s the only domestic V8 that has been married to the most modern induction technology available. It resembles a BMW V8 more so than any domestic competition….The 5.0 is over 100% volumetrically efficient with its head design, the best pushrods are lucky to break 90%. Ford is sending the Coyote to Le-Man’s for 2024. It’s a naturally aspirated engineering marvel, I am very happy with my choice :)
 
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Samson16

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That’s great and all, but have you seen a significant difference between the 5.0 and 3.5 in mileage when cruising 75+ without a trailer? I’m not looking for a tow monster, otherwise I’d spring for a superduty, and I’m not expecting Prius mpg’s either. I’m looking for a comfortable, all-weather, long-range highway cruiser with an engine that’s the least affected by the drag of wind resistance. If it’s negligible, meaning 1 mpg difference, then I’d rather the 3.5. Otherwise if the 3.5 and especially the 2.7 takes a nosedive compared to the 5.0, than I’d rather the V8.
I think they produce similar results under those conditions even though you are describing the best possible condition for the 5.0 and the worst possible for the 3.5HEV. Roughly equal unloaded at 75mph on the Interstate, and the PB does far better once you come off the ramp.

That being said, if I had to compete in an unloaded long distance mileage competition with other F150s, I'd pick the 2.7EB.
 

JExpedition07

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That’s great and all, but have you seen a significant difference between the 5.0 and 3.5 in mileage when cruising 75+ without a trailer? I’m not looking for a tow monster, otherwise I’d spring for a superduty, and I’m not expecting Prius mpg’s either. I’m looking for a comfortable, all-weather, long-range highway cruiser with an engine that’s the least affected by the drag of wind resistance. If it’s negligible, meaning 1 mpg difference, then I’d rather the 3.5. Otherwise if the 3.5 and especially the 2.7 takes a nosedive compared to the 5.0, than I’d rather the V8.
For your use case the 2.7 actually sounds like the winner. That gets the best unladen highway MPG. The 5.0 does the best on gas of the bunch with a trailer behind it, it gets great MPG towing my boat to the ramp…surprisingly good. But empty the 3.5 and 5.0 are close, with the 2.7 winning the efficient fight by a good bit.
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