These motors were designed to handle the stress, so I agree with you. About the power output my weekend car is a 2006 BMW M3, which is naturally aspirated 3.2l inline 6, and stock made 330 hp at 7950 rpm. These cars get ran to redline on the track all day long and last forever, because they were designed to do so. The E.B. is no different it was engineered around the heat and pressure it see's. That said you cant dispute its more complex, and would have a potential for issues not possible in a N/A V8. So far it seems that these motors are holding up very well. The issues seen early on are no different than any manufacturers see when releasing a brand new platform. This thread has turned into a decent discussion, thanks to all! It was nice to hear from the fellow who owns both, that is a nice perspective to have.

 

The 5.0 is pretty complex - it's DOHC 32 valve with twin independent VCT.

 

Good point! Multi valvle, and variable cam timing are common practice these days. The additional complexity has only proved to be a good thing moving forward, allowing for more power, and economy. Today's V8 is drastically different than what what still in use years ago.

 

The heads and valve train on the 5.0 are much more complex than the EB. It has to rev to make its power and that requires more complex parts and tighter tolerances to do. It's nothing crazy exotic but a long way from what people think of from a Ford V8 (Windsor, Cleveland etc).

Really either engine is good it just comes down to what you prefer. If you like loads of low end torque and a solid mid range the EB is for you. If you don't mind reving a motor out to get into the power and gotta have a V8 exhaust note then a 5.0 will do it for you. Drive both and see which one you like the most. Both are dependable and will do what you need them to do.

 

I found everything about the E.B. to be a better experience as far as the power delivery. My only hang up now is coming to terms with the fact I will have a truck payment again. For that reason I should buy what will do the job, as well as be enjoyable to drive. I also have a 63 impala, so my need for the V8 sound can be had during summer cruises.

 

A good thing with some downsides - just look at the 5.4 24 valve and its VCT issues.

 

True, but the 5.4 and 4.6 24 valve engine had the first generation VCT, so of course there were growing pains.

 

Well unfortunately I took too long to arrive at a decision, and since Im set on the E.B. configured as mentioned in my original post, I am S.O.L. Im not able to locate an identical truck with in a 300 mile radius. It looks like I will be running the 5.4L, until one pops up.

 

Well I found one! Its in my drive way, 2015 4X4, 3.5 E.B. Oxford white, XLT, with 301A appearance package, super crew, 6.5' bed, 3.55 diff with elocker.

 

Congrats Nick! You're gonna love it!

 

Congrats. Hope you got a great deal.

 

I feel I did, they went 37k flat which meant I had to use their financing, but I elected not to take that 750 discount, and used my credit union, so 37750 before taxes, and license. Way more than I wanted to spend on my work truck, but 500 miles in, and what a treat compared to the 2004 5.4L. Im loving the Ecobeast, soooo much power on tap when ever you need it.

 

Should have taken their financing, then gone right over to the CU, refinanced, and paid off their loan.

 

That's exactly what I did.

 

Cool, so what was the MSRP? Seems like a really good price.