Anyone here bought an F-150 Ecoboost?

[WackyDan]

Will be time to shop new trucks after the turn of the year. It is going to be between"

-Ram 1500 Quad Cab, 6' 4" box with Ram Boxes and 5.7 Hemi
-Ford F-150 Crew Cab(quad) 6' 6" box with 3.5 Ecoboost V6
-GM?? F - Them. Long story short... 05 Gm car brand new... piece of crap. Will be a while before I take that leap again.

The Ram came back into the picture as they are now offering the Ram Box with the 6' 4" bed for 2012 and that is just plain awesome.

The Ford has been my primary focus as I need to tow more weight than my 13 year old Dakota can and do so more reliably. That said, I'll only tow a heavy trailer(camper) about 5 or 6 times a year but those tows will likely be 400 to 600 mile round trip. I do lighter towing around town a few times a year. Given that, the Ecoboost seems to have plenty of power, and decent MPG when NOT towing. I know the v6 MPG will suffer compared to one of the V8's Ford offers, but I'm not towing every week and sometime not every month. I expect trailer and gear to weigh in north of 5000 pounds, so a smaller truck will not do, and not have enough towing overhead for comfort and reliability. Will be towing in the mountains and up through Fancy Gap, VA... So if you know that hill...

I'm real interested to hear from anyone that has an F-150 Ecoboost and get feedback. Feedback from one guy I met was less than stellar. Mentioned the unladen MPG was no where even close to 20 MPG much less the 22 MPG they spec. That said, I don't know what his driving habits are.

As for why new? I've been looking at 3-4 year old trucks that fit my needs... towing (v8 for most used trucks) and quad cab. Anything in the 20k range already has 120k to 140k miles on it. My Dakota only has 114k after 13 years. Anything in the 60 to 80k mileage range is up around $28-$30k... Which is stupid... I can spend $4 to $6k more and have brand new, under warranty... hence looking at new.

 

[satyajitmenon]

Tundra?

 

[PricklyPete]

I have no experience with the motor, but this is an interesting read with regard to the the mileage:

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/consumer-reports-f-150-ecoboost-beats-v8-for-towing-not/

 

[LTC8K6]

For the F-150 I'd go with the 5.0, imo. Overall a better combo, I think.

 

[WackyDan]

Tundra?

I may look at those again... But I don't think I'll get the MPG out of it that I'm looking for... and while I know it was designed and made in the USA.... I'm leaning towards Ford and then dodge as American companies... <Insert Fiat sneer here>.

The Toyota has a lower towing capacity but still within where I'd like to be.

 

[saratoga172]

My step-dad got a new 2011 4-door with the new 5.0. He chose it over the ecoboost because he said it wasn't proven enough and he was unsure about the twin turbos on his truck. That and mileage was nearly the same. Real world difference was around 1mpg or so give or take with driving style. He's loving it so far. Great truck.

I got to drive it over the summer for a bit. It drives great. Smooth and powerful. Definitely some pep and power to it. Noticed his mpg tracker said 17.8 or so if I recall correctly.

 

[Tristicus]

Tundra?

He prefers a real truck.

 

[Zivic]

I have access to a lot of trucks. I have an 08 tundra, dad has a 09 F150, good friend just got a new ecoboost ford.

Engine wise, the toyota is king. IMHO it tows the best of any of the trucks. the ecoboost 'almost' has as much power.

I just read an article in motor trend about all the current offerings from Ford. the way I read it, the ecoboost is the best ford has to offer a this time. Powerwise and fuel efficiency wise.

If you want a truck that has 'pull' get a tundra. the ford doesn't feel near as powerful, but will hang in a drag race.

stats
- I get about 14 mpg in the tundra in almost entirely city driving
- 10-11 mpg when towing. this is almost exclusively highway

the ecoboost pulls about the same MPG in mixed driving. he hasn't towed enough with it to give me comparable MPG. He has 13k miles on the truck

FWIW, I would personally get another tundra in a heartbeat. I would have to do more research before buying a ford. Though I wouldn't worry about the reliability of the ecoboost

 

[LTC8K6]

The EB engine costs too much for the very slim fuel economy gains, imo. In the real world, the EB engine probably isn't going to get better economy than the 5.0

Now, if you really need that bit of extra acceleration in a pickup truck, then pay extra for the EB engine.

Also, the EB engine needs premium for best performance.

Octane recommendations
3.7L V6/5.0L V8/6.2L V8 engines
Your vehicle will run normally on 87 octane regular fuel. Premium fuel
will provide improved performance.
3.5L V6 EcoBoost&#8482; engine
Your vehicle is designed to run on regular fuel with an octane rating of
87 or higher. For best overall performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using
premium fuel will be most noticeable in hot weather or in severe duty
applications such as towing a trailer.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

I have access to a lot of trucks. I have an 08 tundra, dad has a 09 F150, good friend just got a new ecoboost ford.

Engine wise, the toyota is king. IMHO it tows the best of any of the trucks. the ecoboost 'almost' has as much power.

I just read an article in motor trend about all the current offerings from Ford. the way I read it, the ecoboost is the best ford has to offer a this time. Powerwise and fuel efficiency wise.

If you want a truck that has 'pull' get a tundra. the ford doesn't feel near as powerful, but will hang in a drag race.

stats
- I get about 14 mpg in the tundra in almost entirely city driving
- 10-11 mpg when towing. this is almost exclusively highway

the ecoboost pulls about the same MPG in mixed driving. he hasn't towed enough with it to give me comparable MPG. He has 13k miles on the truck

FWIW, I would personally get another tundra in a heartbeat. I would have to do more research before buying a ford. Though I wouldn't worry about the reliability of the ecoboost

Heres the idiot comparing the 6.1 in the tundra to the EB in the ford again.

 

[LTC8K6]

Heres the idiot comparing the 6.1 in the tundra to the EB in the ford again.

6.1?

 

[boomhower]

If the fuel economy was really that much better the EB would be good. But it seems unless you tow a lot the 5.0 is a better overall value and you get a proper V8 exhaust note which an American pick-up should have.

 

[angry hampster]

You're a fool for not considering a GM due to quality if you are considering a RAM.

 

[Keysplayr]

Considered Diesel? Too costly? I mean, as it is you'd be spending over 40,000 on a F150 pickup truck with ecoboost and heavy tow package. And thats starting with a basic XL model?
I don't even know what diesel options there are, but browsing fords site now.

Ok, Ford F250 XLT. 6.75 bed. Super Cab, 6.7L Powerstroke Diesel. $41,000.00 and change.
Payload: 3200+ lbs. Towing Cap: 14,000 lbs.

Probably better gas mileage than any comparable gasoline engine. (I'm guessing there aren't any with this much torque).

 

[Zivic]

Heres the idiot comparing the 6.1 in the tundra to the EB in the ford again.

^^^^here's the idiot that thinks the tundra has a 6.1....

fact of the matter is, the ecoboost is comparable to any V8 in its class. Heck for the most part it bests both the V8 offerings from Ford... yes, even the 6.2. Off the top of my head -> According to dyno runs, the ecoboost only made about 13 less peak whp than the 6.2, but had more tq and had a broader power band with more power available early.

 

[Zivic]

If the fuel economy was really that much better the EB would be good. But it seems unless you tow a lot the 5.0 is a better overall value and you get a proper V8 exhaust note which an American pick-up should have.

I think the EB is only a $750 premium to the 5.0. for that kind of money, I will take the minimal fuel savings and the noticeable power increase any day

 

[LTC8K6]

^^^^here's the idiot that thinks the tundra has a 6.1....

fact of the matter is, the ecoboost is comparable to any V8 in its class. Heck for the most part it bests both the V8 offerings from Ford... yes, even the 6.2. Off the top of my head -> According to dyno runs, the ecoboost only made about 13 less peak whp than the 6.2, but had more tq and had a broader power band with more power available early.

Was the EB on 87 or 91 octane? The owner's manual says 91 for best overall performance, and 91 for towing.

 

[LTC8K6]

I think the EB is only a $750 premium to the 5.0. for that kind of money, I will take the minimal fuel savings and the noticeable power increase any day

The 5.0 is clearly detuned in the truck, though. Most likely to boost sales of the more expensive EB engine.

I wonder if a simple tune would bring it up to Mustang GT spec?

 

[Zivic]

The 5.0 is clearly detuned in the truck, though. Most likely to boost sales of the more expensive EB engine.

I wonder if a simple tune would bring it up to Mustang GT spec?

Just pulled the article out..

The article clearly states "all trucks began with at least three-quarters of a tank of 87-octane gasoline"

The article does mention the detuned 5.0. They don't make mention of what that entailed. My guess it has to do with the heads/cams. I think it will take more than just an intake and exhaust to get it back. the optimist in me thinks with a reflash/programer, you might get some of the power back, but who knows.

for me, if I bought I ford, I definitely wouldn't go with the 6.2, unless I bought a raptor. I would have to compare the pricing on the EB and 5.0. If spec'd out it is only a $750 difference, the EB would be my motor of choice. If the difference breaks the 3k mark, I think the 5.0 might be my choice. either way, I think the boosted V6 is pretty bad@ss. Just wish Ford would see the light and put that motor in a mustang and let tuners see what how much potential it really has

 

[Keysplayr]

Still say diesel is the better way to go. More towing power and better than gasoline engines for mileage.
BTW, I drove a SHO Taurus (EcoBoost) in 2009 when I was car shopping. Supposed to be 365 HP. It truly felt like 265 instead.
It was "peppy" but it just wasn't "IT" you know what I mean?
I guess I'm used to the instant torquey V8. You hit the gas, it snaps your neck. (figuratively).
So, unless they majorly changed the EcoBoost engine recently, it is surely lacking in the "impress me" department.
I'll take a V8 any day over it.

 

[LTC8K6]

Still say diesel is the better way to go. More towing power and better than gasoline engines for mileage.
BTW, I drove a SHO Taurus (EcoBoost) in 2009 when I was car shopping. Supposed to be 365 HP. It truly felt like 265 instead.
It was "peppy" but it just wasn't "IT" you know what I mean?
I guess I'm used to the instant torquey V8. You hit the gas, it snaps your neck. (figuratively).
So, unless they majorly changed the EcoBoost engine recently, it is surely lacking in the "impress me" department.
I'll take a V8 any day over it.

The EB should have felt far more torquey than your average V8. The EB has quite the power band and a lot of torque down low.

350 ft.-lbs. from 1,500 – 5,250 rpm

 

[LTC8K6]

Just pulled the article out..

The article clearly states "all trucks began with at least three-quarters of a tank of 87-octane gasoline"

The article does mention the detuned 5.0. They don't make mention of what that entailed. My guess it has to do with the heads/cams. I think it will take more than just an intake and exhaust to get it back. the optimist in me thinks with a reflash/programer, you might get some of the power back, but who knows.

for me, if I bought I ford, I definitely wouldn't go with the 6.2, unless I bought a raptor. I would have to compare the pricing on the EB and 5.0. If spec'd out it is only a $750 difference, the EB would be my motor of choice. If the difference breaks the 3k mark, I think the 5.0 might be my choice. either way, I think the boosted V6 is pretty bad@ss. Just wish Ford would see the light and put that motor in a mustang and let tuners see what how much potential it really has

I do remember reading somewhere that the truck has a different cam for the 5.0.

The 5.0 has such a wonderful rumble...you blip the throttle just to hear it.

The 3.5L sounds like a tractor...

 

[nismotigerwvu]

I'm with Keys here, if you need to tow a larger load than a compact truck can handle, you should strongly consider a diesel.

 

[WackyDan]

You're a fool for not considering a GM due to quality if you are considering a RAM.

Hey asshole... I have a POS Chevy now...

I also have a 13 year old Dodge that has been near perfect...

Go figure.

 

[superccs]

Go to the forums over at f150online.com and check out what we think there. I love my FX2 turbo, its everything I wanted. I didn't even consider any of the other brands after the I researched them all online.