Concerns on the v8 over the 3.5 v6

[Merccat]

Just finished my first trip towing a larger trailer with the 5.0 (helping family move - still a ways from the max capacity). In tow/haul mode it felt great. I was of course accelerating more slowly than usual for me so as to not damage anything but just the lightest feathering of the pedal had us cruising down the road comfortably.

On the freeway tow/haul mode actually got me better mpg than normal mode (about 16). It cruised smoothly, accelerated like silk and sounded great doing it.

Extremely happy with the 5.0

Sponsored

 

[FORDHOSTAGE]

Reading all these posts I can see why Ford offers the choice.

People are very passionate about their decision either way.

Which means (to me) that you can't go wrong either way!

After having owned a few Mustangs over the years... I'm pretty comfortable with the 5.0 even though I know the one coming in my new F150 is a different animal from the ones I had in the past.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Thanks for all the contributions to the discussion....

FORD is AWESOME!

 

[FXDR131]

Reading all these posts I can see why Ford offers the choice.

People are very passionate about their decision either way.

Which means (to me) that you can't go wrong either way!

After having owned a few Mustangs over the years... I'm pretty comfortable with the 5.0 even though I know the one coming in my new F150 is a different animal from the ones I had in the past.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Thanks for all the contributions to the discussion....

FORD is AWESOME!

I had a 2017 F150 with a 5.0. Now I have a 2019 with the 3.5. The Lariat I just ordered in Sept will have a 5.0. Both are fantastic engines, I just prefer the 5.0. I hope you love your truck.

 

[ptr0687]

I just took delivery of my 5.0 lariat and its super amazing. I dont race so 0-60 means nothing to me but my foot is barely on the gas and she purrrrrrs like no ones business!! I havent towed anything yet but im sure everything will be just fine. Im surprised of all the room under the hood. Very happy with my decision.

 

[67440dodge]

I was the proud owner of a 2019 F150 XLT with the 5.0 V8. I like you bought the V8 for the same reasons as you did. It was not until I had the truck for 23,000 miles that I realized that I did not buy the legendary 5.0 that everyone grew up with. This engine was anything but a 5.0. The engine was not a true 302cu in. engine it was a 307cu in. due to the redesign. The engine had a list of changes. The list was so long that it is easier to say, "The 5.0L version shares no parts with its predecessors." In fact the V8 engine used in 2018 thru 2020 trucks and cars has been DISCONTINUED. Good luck getting parts for these engines in a few years. OH I forgot to mention, you cannot repair the cylinders due to the type of materials used to coat the cylinder walls.
My research on the V8 has discovered that Ford only built that ill fated motor for 3 model years. They obviously knew it was a piece of GOLD so they started on the NEW/REDESIGNED 5.0 for 2021.
Questions: When buying the new vehicle did the salesman explain to you that the 2021 V8 was the NEW version of the old V8?
Did he explain to you that the oil pump was WET BELT driven? This means the redesigned oil pump is driven by the crank shaft via a belt inside of the oil pan. That is right, to change the oil soaked belt you have to drop the oil pan. Sounds like another Ford Idea.
Did he explain to you how the new engine has cylinder deactivation and how it worked? I could not find a salesman that could explain it or one who knew it existed.
My 2019 started using 2 quarts of oil in 7500 miles. The Ford solution was to detune my engine and put in a longer dip stick. That is when I decided I did not need it any longer.
Please forgive me for the length of this post but I needed to vent and you needed to know.

old post but gotta reply..

Boring out cylinders to rebuild a motor has gone the way of the dinosaur. Advances in alloys allows for thinner walls and coatings to save weight. Granted the first attempts in the 1970’s with the Chevy Vega was a utter disaster, technology has advanced since then. Chrysler was one of the first not only to do this with their 5.7l V8’s but also do MDS In 2009 or so Everyone had same concerns as you did, no more rebuilding, MDS will make the motors wear unevenly, the motors have been extremely reliable with many racking up over 200k miles on them.

As for having to drop the pan to change the belt, that’s not all that uncommon. Most single cam motors required dropping the oil pan to change the timing chains, so it’s not a new concept.

As for reliability and strength of this new motor? You think they’d offer a supercharger for it and not only maintain the engine warranty but warranty the blower as well?

And if all the new changes concern you, purchase a extended warranty to cover as long/mileage as you want, whether it’s from Ford or aftermarket companies. I know I plan to do so not just because I bought a twin turbo motor, but for all the other items on the truck that may go wrong and can cost a small fortune to replace

 

[bakerd]

I'm coming from an 09 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the 3.8l V6 minivan engine. Many problems with that motor, I didn't have any problems with the engine other than burning nearly a quart of oil every 3K to 4K miles. Some had engine replacements within 50K miles, mine was going strong at 196K miles when I traded it 2 weeks ago. There were so many problems that they changed to the Pentstar 3.6L, which had more HP. They had problems early on as well. However, out of all that were sold, the problem ones were still low.

I say all this to say, yea, you will find problems with the 5.0, the 3.5L, the 2.7L, etc online. Why, because people with problems come online to find answers, complain, report. All the ones that don't have problems, don't come on and talk about it as much.

Yes you may have problems, but you may not, don't borrow trouble is something I like to say.

I went with the 5.0L because of the sound. Power is nearly the same, speed is nearly the same, the towing and payload is more than I need or will use (single axle trailers with a 4 wheeler or 2, or small side by side). Before this truck I owned 5 cars and trucks (wife and kids), and they cost money in maintenance. Some maintenance is more than others. Starters, alternators, radiators, valve covers, transmissions (jeep went out at 116K miles). Maintain the best you can, do preventive maintenance and don't wait on problems. If you hear/feel something, get it looked at. Main thing is to enjoy the truck. They are badass looking, they run great, don't worry about MPG, have fun! I love this truck!

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Reading all these posts I can see why Ford offers the choice.

People are very passionate about their decision either way.

Which means (to me) that you can't go wrong either way!

After having owned a few Mustangs over the years... I'm pretty comfortable with the 5.0 even though I know the one coming in my new F150 is a different animal from the ones I had in the past.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Thanks for all the contributions to the discussion....

FORD is AWESOME!

Thank you so much for the support, you ROCK!!

 

[Ford Motor Company]

I just took delivery of my 5.0 lariat and its super amazing. I dont race so 0-60 means nothing to me but my foot is barely on the gas and she purrrrrrs like no ones business!! I havent towed anything yet but im sure everything will be just fine. Im surprised of all the room under the hood. Very happy with my decision.

Speedy Gonzalez!!
So glad you are happy with your decision

 

[RapidRed5_0]

Well, if y'all are really concerned about 0-60 times, this is an option

https://carbuzz.com/news/watch-a-ford-f-150-humiliate-a-chevy-corvette-c8-on-the-drag-strip

I drove a 94' F150 with the 4.9L inline six for 15 years. It would do ANYTHING, just real SLOWLY... So I've been happy with the 5.0L in my 2016, albeit one stupid issue regarding the IMRC valves. Nonetheless, ordered a 5.0L in the 21' as well. Can't wait!!!

 

[ptr0687]

I finally got her out on a highway and opened up the 5.0 and it was A LOT OF FUN! Taking my first multi-hour trip in a few weeks of mostly open road driving and looking forward to it. The Lariat is super comfortable and well worth the wait and price. Hoping for many good years to come with the investment.

 

[FORDHOSTAGE]

The 5.0 in a RCSB should come with a neck brace.

That's all I know...

That 10 speed tranny makes it seem like a nice, smooth little powerful engine.

But when you stomp on it at 60mph and the tranny IMEDIATELY goes from 10th gear to 2nd gear... MY GOD!

I don't know about the big trucks or the eco boost but the 5.0 in a Regular Cab Short Bed is a MONSTER!

 

[Polo08816]

Wasn't there a TSB that addressed the excessive oil consumption issue recently?

 

[Blueshound]

Wasn't there a TSB that addressed the excessive oil consumption issue recently?

I don't think so. There was a TSB to fix a no-start condition when (i) oil level low AND (ii) oil service life below 20%.

 

[DLav8r]

I had a 2017 F150 with a 5.0. Now I have a 2019 with the 3.5. The Lariat I just ordered in Sept will have a 5.0. Both are fantastic engines, I just prefer the 5.0. I hope you love your truck.

I see this a lot, 3.5 folks switching to the 5.0. I’ve never driven the 5.0, but am curious about trying this motor. What made you and so many switch? Seems like a great testament to the v8.

 

[FXDR131]

I see this a lot, 3.5 folks switching to the 5.0. I’ve never driven the 5.0, but am curious about trying this motor. What made you and so many switch? Seems like a great testament to the v8.

A lot could be my age and experiences with V8 engines since my first vehicle. I definitely prefer the exhaust note of the V8. I think for other, the ability to build the coyote engine is appealing. I also believe others think no matter how cool the 3.5 is, it's still not a V8. I would not turn either engine away.

Sponsored