Which Ford F-150 Engine Is Best? All 5 Powertrains Compared Back-to-Back

[Gros Ventre]

Whatever you do, don't put it in Sport Mode (unless that is the mode you're already talking about). I was a little shocked at how it changed the nature of the truck when i did. Perhaps I shouldn't have done it on the fly...

I tried out the various modes early on... Mostly just leave it in normal...

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[turbopilot]

I don't pretend to know exactly what HammaMan is going to think about the question, but it's not just Ford that carefully manipulates the outcome of such things to make sure that the truck is slotted right where they want it to be in market.

Much of it is intentional gimping for sure!

Question for you and HammaMan. For those of us with the higher trim level PB's (my cargo capacity is 1,317 lbs), what is your guess as to how much "gimping" is in the gross weight limits for the PB's?

 

[HammaMan]

From my thread here... https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/the-pbs-franken-frame-and-gimped-gvwr-sticker.13070/

The PB's "HD HEV" (4.4" width) frame uses the same .110 steel found on all of the heavier trims (3.6" width). The center section of it is reinforced beyond that of the HDPP frames only bested by the raptor's (6.6" width). The front end parts of both wheelbases are the same on the PB sans front spring thickness (img 2) where some obvious discrepancies are shown in blue regarding the HDPP package -- all springs are of the same material. The PB's front shocks are take from the diesel. A discrepancy in thickness vs performance can be seen.

The purple percentage number is the GVWR divided by the GAWR (axle ratings)
The maroon colored number is the sum of axle ratings
The golden number is calculated as taking the 96% percent of the GAWR (axle rating sum)

The beds and their method of attachment are the same, though come in different lengths based on the cab. The difference is frame / suspension. As to how the PB's frame specs were found was by caliper micrometer. The suspension spring specifics are on the door sticker as well as published in ford literature.

My mouse is a little jumpy today so mouse notes are scribbles

 

[JExpedition07]

Frames get confusing, yield stength largely depends on the section modulus and type of steel used. Our F-150s have about 50,000 psi yield strength, and have quite a thick cross section in any variety. A C-channel frame is actually a good way to go if done right imo, more flex and no cracking, and no moisture retention. It was a shame Ford caved to those Chevy ads that pandered to uneducated consumers “see the truck go flexy” -classic Chevy move. Yet every single PeterBuilt and KenWorth hauling 50,000 pounds is a C-channel frame. Go figure.

I appreciate the strength of the boxed frame for sure, but I have no issues with a C-channel

 

[Calson]

And exactly what qualifications and expertise does Ben Hardy possess? For engine stats I can go to Ford's website. For engine problems I can go to Consumer Reports and carcomplaints.com and similar websites and get actual numbers and a breakdown.

People like Ben Hardy give support to the old adage that in the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king.

In the past with model years (2016 and earlier) with large numbers of problems with engines it was primarily with the V-8 engine. For those with engine problems when towing it was primarily with the 2.7 turbo engine.

 

[Mtnman1]

I have always preferred V8’s over boosted engines. There’s a video from Town & Country Ford (I think that’s right) in Alabama where they poll all of the mechanics and sales people. It reinforced my V8 instincts.

I have been a GM guy my whole life and when I considered trading my 5.3 Trail Boss for an F-150, Granger’s pricing in an MSRP+ market flipped me.

I love the Coyote so far - zero regrets.

The coyote is so much better than thr chevy 5.3. That engine is a turd.

 

[Uncle_Booty]

The coyote is so much better than thr chevy 5.3. That engine is a turd.

I've had 4 different vehicles with 5.3's ranging from 2004-2021. None of them ever gave me any issues at all. And simple to tune until 2018.

I like my Coyote a lot, though. It just makes it's power in a different rpm range. It does get better MPG's than the 5.3.

 

[JExpedition07]

The Ford 5.0L V8 makes more power than the GM 5.3L V8 everywhere in the rev range. The power curves never cross nor touch. It starts narrow, and by 2,500 rpm the 5.0 is making significantly more power and the gap just widens more and more until redline. It only feels that way because the 5.0 has so much extra performance high in the revs where your 5.3 falls on it’s face and stops pulling, the 5.0 still beats your old 5.3 up bad in the low revs too, it just has a lot more to offer and keeps pulling as you rev. So It may *seem* that way but that’s not what dyno’s show.

 

[Mtnman1]

I've had 4 different vehicles with 5.3's ranging from 2004-2021. None of them ever gave me any issues at all. And simple to tune until 2018.

I like my Coyote a lot, though. It just makes it's power in a different rpm range. It does get better MPG's than the 5.3.

Yeah, seem to be reliable. But my god are they under powered.

No contest with the the coyote...thats why it is always compared to the 6.2, not the 5 3.

 

[STX_guy2023]

I will say this the 2.7 in a half ton truck is more than adequate, if you wanna do heavy hauling use an F-250 and up with a diesel. 325 hp and 400 ft-lb of torque with a 10 speed ratio is a beast compared to 20 years ago. why all the hate. remember when 200 hp and 300 ft lbs and a lousy 4 speed could do the job for a half ton and no one complained. we are living in luxurious times with 1st world problems I swear. My truck impresses me on the daily and have no complaints outta my 2.7.

 

[Snakebitten]

I used to drive a 7.3 powerstroke F350 with 225HP/550TQ. Pulled my tractor and implements around with it and admittedly the chassis was built for it.

But dang is it amazing I'm driving around in a 1/2 ton gas V6 putting out DOUBLE the HP and more torque as well. All while doing so almost dead silent.

You do remember how not silent those 7.3 era diesels were? Lol

 

[HammaMan]

I used to drive a 7.3 powerstroke F350 with 225HP/550TQ. Pulled my tractor and implements around with it and admittedly the chassis was built for it.

But dang is it amazing I'm driving around in a 1/2 ton gas V6 putting out DOUBLE the HP and more torque as well. All while doing so almost dead silent.

You do remember how not silent those 7.3 era diesels were? Lol

Yup, my dad refuses to get rid of his that's basically daily driven despite having no need for it. He doesn't do road trips. Tried to get him into a pro lightning. He said he doesn't want the payment and I did the math -- his current diesel usage washes with the payment, especially combined with his upkeep maint.

 

[mxwrk]

I used to drive a 7.3 powerstroke F350 with 225HP/550TQ. Pulled my tractor and implements around with it and admittedly the chassis was built for it.

But dang is it amazing I'm driving around in a 1/2 ton gas V6 putting out DOUBLE the HP and more torque as well. All while doing so almost dead silent.

You do remember how not silent those 7.3 era diesels were? Lol

I miss my 7.3 Excursion every day. Most reliable motor ever made imo.

 

[Samson16]

Mine is!

 

[Grafx36510]

I miss my 7.3 Excursion every day. Most reliable motor ever made imo.

I still drive a 2003 E350 cargo van with the 7.3 a couple times a week. Motor still going strong except for the turbo going kaput a few months back.

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