I gave in and went to look at the Ecoboost trucks.
Keep in mind I am and have been a MasterTech with Dodge/Chrysler for many years and only buy Ford trucks.

I have to say after comparing the 5.0 truck to the Ecoboost truck numbers, I wouldn't buy the Ecoboost. The cost of upkeep and all the extra stuff to go wrong makes it a no deal for me. If I did get a new truck it would be a 5.0.
My current 06 with a 4.6 has been a great truck and I think I'll just keep it for a while longer.

Thoughts?

 

That's always been my feeling about the EB engines. I look at all the expensive added components required to "make it do what it does" and all I can think about are the astronomical repairs costs you'll potentially experience as the vehicle ages and these systems suffer their inevitable mechanical issues. If I were buying a new truck today, it would probably be a 5.0, even though I'd pay a little more in fuel cost over the life of the vehicle.....

 

Another added cost is the trim levels required to get eco-boost. That is what has me turned away from it.

 

I'd rather have a twin turbo V-8 than a twin turbo V-6 any day as by time you purchase a trim level that can be had with the ecoboost you can get the truck you want with a 5.0 and add some turbo's to that

 

Yup by the time you add the cost of upgrading to an XL (base model) to include either a long bed or super cab it gets real expensive. I think it cost a total of just over 2k (edited to add: and that is going up two engine levels not just one). If that cost increase over the base model is too much consider whether you can afford the new truck. You might be better off buying a good used one then modifying it.

 

As far as the complexity of the engines, I think the turbos shouldnt be a concern. They are low-boost, and very well designed. If anything would break, I think Ford's durability tests have proven them to last to around to 200,000 mile mark. And when they break, they (parts) will be cheap to replace. I'd get one.

 

I doubt a turbo built into the exhaust manifold will be cheap to replace, even in 10 years

 

I can say that I am totally happy with my 5.0 and would buy it again today if that were necessary. As to extra fuel cost mentioned above, it would be very little. Sunday night going from Burleson to Brownsboro, I got 23.0 running 70 mph, and so far for the week, with all the town driving and idleing, I am down to 21.2 on the tank.

It's at the dealer right now for another oil change. With 35,500 miles, that is all I have had to be concerned about. Oil changes.

 

That's better than a sharp stick in the eye any day!

 

 

You're a master tech right? So, what you're saying is you know your way around an engine bay.

What extra "upkeep" are you talking about? There is none. Keep oil and fuel in it.

All the extra stuff to go wrong? You mean the turbos? Those things that have been used on diesel and gas engines since World War 1? If you are referring to the turbos as being "extra stuff to go wrong" is it fair to say the 5.0 has even more stuff that could break because it has 2 more cylinders than the EB and all the associated parts that are subject to wear and breakage?

 

Uncle just bought an EB and the cat failed at 1000 miles....

 

If I were going to buy a new truck, it would be a 6.2 no questions asked.

 

While admittedly I haven't done extensive research, I would guess it takes synthetic oil. Add in two turbos, extra sensors/plumbing/gaskets and perhaps mid to top grade fuel and I can see the cost going up.
I may be wrong which is the reason for this thread. I wanted your and other's opinions.
I know the above concerns apply to the Dodge gas/turbo vehicles.

 

The recommended oil is 5W30 synthetic blend (Ford recommends synthetic blend for ALL their engines), and recommended fuel is 87 octane except when towing in hot weather.