5L vs 3.5L?

[Steve5472]

So I'm going to be placing an order today or tomorrow for a new 402A Tremor but I'm torn between engines. I don't do any towing so not really worried about that aspect. I understand the 3.5 is a bit peppier but I really like the sound of that 5L. Any feedback that could help sway me one way or the other would be greatly appreciated!

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[Grafx36510]

Both good Powertrain choices. I don’t believe you will go wrong with either one. @JExpedition07 can explain the finer points of the coyote, but I believe he’ll say much the same as I am.

 

[JExpedition07]

I’ve been summoned I guess lol. I’d say drive both in available on the lot trucks and pick from there. I picked the 5.0 out of the 2.7, 5.0, and 3.5 triad, but you could very well come to a differing conclusion and that’s ok.

I can offer that the 4th gen 5.0 is a very advance specimen of the 8-piston species. It runs a high 12.0:1 compression ratio, dual PFDI fuel injection, and twin independent variable cam timing. This is all backed up by a forged steel crankshaft and sinter forged con rods. The 5.0 is a very stout and overbuilt motor for an N/A engine. Ford Performance offers the FP700 supercharger whipple package with 700 HP and offers a warranty, so you know Ford stands behind the forged internals on this motor. If you never plan to boost it you should feel good about getting a VERY long engine life lol. Being a DOHC engine the 5.0 is capable of very high revs, redline is 6,800 rpm in the F-150. It’s quite incredible to hear. Peak horsepower is 400@6,000 rpm, but Ford extended the redline for this generation so the tight shift recoveries of the 10R80 keep it at peak power under wide open throttle. Peak torque is 410 lb ft @4,250 rpm, so that mid-upper power is broad and quite useable. It’s no slouch in the low end either, making over 300 lb ft of torque by 1,500 rpm. However, when it comes to torque the 3.5 EB is best in class at 500 lb ft @3,000. Both powertrains will lay rubber just fine lol.

 

[Grafx36510]

I’ve been summoned I guess lol. I’d say drive both in available on the lot trucks and pick from there. I picked the 5.0 out of the 2.7, 5.0, and 3.5 triad, but you could very well come to a differing conclusion and that’s ok.

I can offer that the 4th gen 5.0 is a very advance specimen of the 8-piston species. It runs a high 12.0:1 compression ratio, dual PFDI fuel injection, and twin independent variable cam timing. This is all backed up by a forged steel crankshaft and sinter forged con rods. The 5.0 is a very stout and overbuilt motor for an N/A engine. Ford Performance offers the FP700 supercharger whipple package with 700 HP and offers a warranty, so you know Ford stands behind the forged internals on this motor. If you never plan to boost it you should feel good about getting a VERY long engine life lol. Being a DOHC engine the 5.0 is capable of very high revs, redline is 6,800 rpm in the F-150. It’s quite incredible to hear. Peak horsepower is 400@6,000 rpm, but Ford extended the redline for this generation so the tight shift recoveries of the 10R80 keep it at peak power under wide open throttle. Peak torque is 410 lb ft @4,250 rpm, so that mid-upper power is broad and quite useable. It’s no slouch in the low end either, making over 300 lb ft by 1,500 rpm. However, when it comes to torque the 3.5 is best in class at 500 lb ft @3,000. Both powertrains will lay rubber.

Very succinct and better explained than I could ever do. Oh, and yes, you were summoned. It’s not a huge price increase to go from the coyote to EcoBoost so I thought you could add your knowledge and expertise.

 

[Steve5472]

Thanks for the super detailed response, much appreciated! Heavily leaning towards the 5.0 so that description was great.

 

[tony72cutlass's']

I have a 5.0 supercab and honestly it’s got way more balls than I’ll ever need unless I want to cook my tires all day long.

at 30K miles it seems very broken in and predictable, I do not notice cylinder deactivation other than getting 20+ MPG without even trying

only reason I’d get the 3-5 would be to get the power boost option

 

[Graygoose2021]

5.0

 

[Steve5472]

I've been leaning towards the 5.0 and this post has helped push me that way. Thanks guys!

 

[tony72cutlass's']

I've been leaning towards the 5.0 and this post has helped push me that way. Thanks guys!

I don’t think you will be disappointed

 

[slow3v]

So I'm going to be placing an order today or tomorrow for a new 402A Tremor but I'm torn between engines. I don't do any towing so not really worried about that aspect. I understand the 3.5 is a bit peppier but I really like the sound of that 5L. Any feedback that could help sway me one way or the other would be greatly appreciated!

I love the sound of the 5.0L, but man, after riding in my buddies '23 with 3.73's, and I having had a 2.7L and now a PowerBoost.. I dunno. I LOVE V8 but man does the Eco just fit in a truck application, and the low end punch is awesome.

Just adding... the results of

2x 20-limiter roll
2x 40-limiter roll
2x 65-limiter roll

In same drive modes, same cab/spec (302a shortbed 4x4 3.73 lockers) both on 87 octane, my PowerBoost took my buddies 5.0 every single freakin time.

I will say, the 5.0L was keeping up admirably well, and with a tune it would have eaten my lunch, but that doesn't change my opinion - the low end instant wave of torque is awesome in a truck application.

 

[Chili]

It's well established that the 3.5 is a tad quicker but I don't think anyone would scoff at the 5.0s performance. My only thought is with a 4wd crew you want to go for 3.73s and I believe that's standard for the Tremor.

Someday I would like a regular cab rwd 5.0 to park next to my 3.5 crew cab. Fords powertrains are above any other in the business right now and I'm far from a Ford lifer.

 

[diambo4life]

If you don't do any towing, just get the 5.0L.

 

[Big Dog Daddy]

Go with Henry's greatest idea. There will soon be a day when you can nolonger have this!

 

[Big Dog Daddy]

A 1934 Letter from Clyde Barrow, to Henry Ford, at Ford Motor Company. Touting the V8. (Bonnie & Clyde)

"Tulsa Okla
10th April
Mr. Henry Ford
Detroit Mich.

Dear Sir: -

While I still have got breath in my lungs I will tell you what a dandy car you make. I have drove Fords exclusively when I could get away with one. For sustained speed and freedom from trouble the Ford has got every other car skinned and even if my business hasen’t been strickly legal it don’t hurt anything to tell you what a fine car you got in the V8 -

Yours truly
Clyde Champion Barrow"

 

[RLTW175]

I had a 21 Screw with 2.7. It was a damn fine motor. I now have a 23 Screw with a 5.0. Its a damn finer motor. I was in a loaner 23 Screw with 3.5 for near a month. Also a damn fine motor. But that 5.0....just something about it that scratches my itch

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