The Tried & True Workhorse ? - 3.3 V6

[ocazrebel]

this engine is more reliable then the 2.7. While they are both great, if you own a 3.3 hold you head high.

 

[Hijacker]

I just ordered the 3.3l last week. Hopefully it wasn't a mistake.

Single cab, 6.5 feet box, 4 x 4. Maybe should of went supercab...

My plans is to only haul a slide on camper, half a dozen times are year during the summer.

 

[Knickell]

I just ordered the 3.3l last week. Hopefully it wasn't a mistake.

Single cab, 6.5 feet box, 4 x 4. Maybe should of went supercab...

My plans is to only haul a slide on camper, half a dozen times are year during the summer.

An honest to goodness pickup. Good build!!

 

[Flathead]

I’m looking to buy a F150. Read a couple places the 3.3 motor is light on power. I don’t like turbo motors, at least on passenger vehicles. Has anyone ever put a chip or programmer modification on their truck?

 

[Blueshound]

Hi, I don't think anybody is tuning the 3.3. It's a fine engine for a daily driver but its the most basic engine. I personally don't care for turbo either. Ended up with the 5.0 which is basically the 3.3 with 2 extra cylinders. Well worth the extra money!

 

[Steve the Dude]

I’m looking to buy a F150. Read a couple places the 3.3 motor is light on power. I don’t like turbo motors, at least on passenger vehicles. Has anyone ever put a chip or programmer modification on their truck?

Which is odd given the 3.3 has more power than V-8's in trucks did 20 years ago. I go back and forth on ordering the 3.3 vs. 2.7 I want 4 x 4 extended cab and 6.5 bed. All I'll ever tow is a bass boat and mainly flat ground. I want good hwy milage and don't want to be in for repair even under warranty all the time. This will be my first and last truck and want it to last 20 years like all our family cars have.

 

[Blueshound]

Which is odd given the 3.3 has more power than V-8's in trucks did 20 years ago. I go back and forth on ordering the 3.3 vs. 2.7 I want 4 x 4 extended cab and 6.5 bed. All I'll ever tow is a bass boat and mainly flat ground. I want good hwy milage and don't want to be in for repair even under warranty all the time. This will be my first and last truck and want it to last 20 years like all our family cars have.

Either one seems like a good motor for your application. Both are supposed to be extremely reliable. Go with whichever would give you more peace of mind.

 

[Eric]

I had a 3.3 in my 2018 and now I have the 2.7 ecoboost in my 2021.
If I were to do it again I would’ve got a 3.3 in my 2021.
The 2.7 may sometimes feel a little faster off the line but I didn’t buy this truck to go fast.
The 3.3 is more reliable, easier to maintain and much better fuel efficiency.
If I ever get another F150 I would’ve love a 5L but the new gas prices shot that idea down a few weeks back.
I have thought about the power boost just to be able to have a mobile generator but too many folks on here telling scary stories about all kinds of problems.
I’m not a very fancy guy so in my honest opinion, the 3.3 is the best option.

 

[pg318]

You don't hear a lot about that engine, mostly I think because it's been around a while (in differing capacities) and most of its issues have been sorted. Likewise the 6R80 that it debuted with in 2018, when I bought a supercab with that combination and the 3.55 'economy' axle. I bought it then because there were big discounts to get rid of the lower spec models, since everyone seemed to be going for the Ecoboosts.
It has good power, if you put the transmission in sport mode and let it sing, but the economy programming keeps the engine speeds low, and the performance is then pretty sedate.
I can average over 25pmg, but when towing anything bulky, the transmission has stay stay down a gear, there just isn't the torque available in the top gear. A higher axle ratio would help. I still averaged about 18mpg towing a pair of church organs (not at all aerodynamic), and about the same towing a small car on a dolly (about 4000lbs total), both over about 700 miles.