Triton V8 or Ecoboost V6?

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5x10

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Yea I suppose. Then again so is the triton. When I need it to pull it does it without hesitation and when I need it to go it goes. Both suffice, I was more getting at what Ford needs to do to improve mpg because they are losing the battle to hulk V8s with a V6, and there is certainly no market for an full size SUV with a boosted 4 cylinder. A lot of people go Tahoe already because they fear the six cylinder (without understanding new turbo engines are much better than old ones). If I do another SUV after this I would consider a suburban but I haven't been a fan of their tranny. Forced induction has limits you can only go so far and Ford is pledging to make no V8s. GM has sky as their limit with their program with which they can achieve better economy and get all the power you want.
The triton doesn't have the same band as the ecoboost
EB is much lower rpm for peak torque, completely different feel to the ride
 

jeff kushner

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I'm surprised that no one lined up the dyno's from a 3rd party source....take a peek what comparing two dyno's from K&N filter show:

You will see that the 3.5 makes far more HP & more Torque than the 5.4 and it makes the same HP at 3,400rpm (roughly 250 HP) as the 5.4 peaks at, at approx 4,600RPM. So the 3.5 equals the PEAK power of the 5.4 at over a thousand rpm lower.

Then you will see that the 3.5 equals the peak torque of the 5.4 at only 2,500rpm compared to the 5.4's torque peak coming at 4,500 rpm. So the 3.5 is producing the same torque at over TWO THOUSAND RPM less!

Pretty convincing that all the talk about "it runs hotter, spins at higher rpm so it won't last" is just wrong. The 3.5 will equal the 5.4 in every way that matters at much lower RPM's than the 5.4 and of course will provide a huge reserve of power over and above what the 5.4 produces at it's PEAK power!


No sense arguing about it....the 3.5 is a far superior engine as far as the power and torque it produces.




3.5 vs 5.4 Ford engine dyno's.jpg

If you don't like the 3.5, even if it's just because it "makes you nervous" then that's fine so own it and be proud of your position but don't be mislead by hype and pure BS when the facts are available for anyone with a brain to find. Research before you make your decisions, don't ever rely on what some guy said....

My opinion is based on owning two 5.4 expys and well over 300K miles for the past 15 years and I bought my 3rd ( '17) with the 3.5 last November. The 5.4 is noted for leaking headgaskets, oil leaks from left side rear head, inability of Ford to keep the sunroof dry on the passenger side of the glass<LOL> and a host of other issues but it was also a strong, faithful truck(s) for many years. So I've got no axe to grind either way....I like the 5.4 but the 3.5 is just plain better to me, by a wide margin.

jeff
 
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JExpedition07

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I'll never take away from the 3.5s performance or it's low end peak torque. It's a good motor but I like my V8. Here are some fun images. That poor 3.7 V6 never stood a chance lol.

IMG_6538.JPG IMG_6536.JPG
 
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jeff kushner

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Wow, that really makes the 3.5 look great since the only engine to get close has close to DOUBLE the displacement!

Everyone is different and that's fine....I have seen people posting on this forum looking for a 2.7 ecoboost in the new Expeditions....that's right, they WANTED the 2.7 because they are after mileage. The manufacturers are just trying to always gauge where the MOST interest is.

I admit that I do not pay for gas so mileage isn't very important to me but I have assigned one the of the left side displays to track my mileage since the night I drove off the dealers lot and to date, it's up to 17.8mpg average for the 18,600miles I've owned it. I assigned another of the mileage tracking options to show tank by tank and most tanks now are averaging in the mid to high 18's so it's still moving up from the first tanks that were in the 17's.

I was an old "you can't beat a v8 no matter how you flog it" guy and I build high performance bike engines for 30+ years so I know what heat and rpm do to an engine just like I know what solid steel vs alum does.....but I quickly realized after looking at how the 3.5 is actually built and the low stress levels of the engine timing and valve lift & overlap that the only parts that might need replacing at 200K are a couple of $600 turbos hanging from the sides of the exh manifolds....no too difficult or expensive for me to replace so we'll see where we are in a few years......

jeff
 

JExpedition07

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I heard the 6.2 boss was just refreshed again for 2017 to get even more torque I wonder what it is now, that engine is an absolute beast. (Just looked it up I guess they improved the band so you get all the torque at lower rpm than before).I hope the ecos lasts too! Many fords in my family and I have to tell you the 5.4 3v have been good and last a long time. You have absolutely no problem getting 200k plus out of these engines.
 
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Rigpig

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How about a TT 6.2L with variable displacement in the Expy? I'd go talk to the bank about a new one, in that case. :)
 

jeff kushner

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A guy I work with just bought himself a 250 Super Duty with the 6.2 a few weeks ago and that engine is SMOOOOTH! You can barely even hear it running. Ford in their infinate wisdom as with the 5.4, has jammed a third of the engine under the dash so getting to anything in the rear is going to require removal of the body but for the 35K or so that he spent, it's a nice truck...a HUGE nice truck. Surprisingly, it has very little of the tech that the Expy has. One thing he does have is a little birds-eye truck with tire pressures readout as ea corner....wish mine had that!

jeff
 

JExpedition07

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The super duties don't start getting up with technology till you spring for lariat/KR/Platinum. My fathers lariat has the led display which tells you everything going with the truck and I mean everything. It has navigation phone backup camera sync 3 I think it is. I love the rear locking diff too it comes in handy. And the best part is the 6.2 or 6.7 they are both great. That 6.2 boss doesn't even feel a 10,000 pound load behind it it's amazing. I went with the guy who owns our marina with a 35' 13,500 pound boat plus trailer behind it in his gas F350 and it pulled it no problem didn't even have to rev going up steep inclines.
 
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ChrisOIFdoc

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I just added a F150 4x4 to our household and it has the Ecoboost 3.5 with 10 speed. I do think 10 speeds is to many but the fuel economy is amazing for a vehicle with 470 pounds of torque. To date my overall mpg is 21.9, 75% highway, 25% city.
I am a old school guy who loved his V8's but at this point they are history to me.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!AAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! YOU SHOULD'VE GOT A V8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...but I do like the power of the V6 in my CTS......BUT NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!YOU SHOULD'VE GOT A V8!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......but wait...I really really like the V6 in the CTS......BUT NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!........well...you get the rest
 

Thunderjet

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It seems to shift very well and I never sense it is hunting for gears. You generally can not feel it shift unless you are paying close attention and trying to feel it. My only complaint is it is quick to get into 10th gear dropping the rpms down to 1,200 rpms at lower speeds. You can sometimes feel the engine on the verge of lugging. But hope Ford knows what they are doing and this is safe. But on the flip side this low rpm is likely responsible for the outstanding fuel mileage when not towing. Today we drove 150 miles to do some shopping running 65-73 and averaged 22.5. And that is with 2 adults and a full 36 gallon tank.

I have towed our 4,500 boat combo with the Expedition and averaged 13 mpg. But have not yet towed with the F150.

The F150 is noticeably quicker than the Expedition. The F150 also has the 3:55 gears and electric locker. With a good launch it should be able to run 0-60 in the mid 5 second range.
 

dave91gt

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Gotta jump in.
We had an 08 EB Expy with a new reman 5.4 when we bought it at 55k. Wife's daily driver and family vacation vehicle. Now have a 15 Expy Limited with the ecoboost. Bought it new and has 30k. Both were similarly optioned, standard length, 4x4, and 3.31 gears. Same daily drive, same vacation spots, etc.
The 5.4 ran pretty well. But with that 3.31 gear and living in WV, it would downshift in a headwind. On just about any interstate hill, it was in 5th. The ecoboost accelerates in 6th on the same hills. Just effortless.
We ditched the 08 at 75k due to a failed vct solenoid and the dealer not warrantying the reman warranty. Long story.
Daily driving, the 5.4 averaged 14-15 mpg. The eco is 15-16.
Both vehicles have taken us to Myrtle beach, OBX, TN, etc. Mpg best on the 5.4 was 19.5. Eco at 21.9. The difference is power delivery. I set the cruise on the 15 and it just cruises effortlessly. I think I'd rather have the 3.73 with the 5.4.
I had a 2012 FX4 screw with the 5.0 when she had the 08. We hit an interstate on ramp front to back and the 5.0 destroyed the 5.4 by a couple truck lengths by 70 mph. Not hating on the 5.4. But the new breed of engines are so much better.
And- about the 6.2. I recently bought a 13 Raptor 6.2. Talk about the best of both worlds! Very stout for a V8. But it's thirsty- average 13mpg. As much as I love the engine, the eco just fits the Expy perfectly.
In the end- the Expy is awesome with either engine. But it's due for a refresh otherwise. My biggest gripe is second row legroom. My 16 year old is cramped compared to my Raptor screw. I believe they addressed it in the redesign.
 

5x10

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I just drove 300 miles in the expedition today, cruise set at 83, and the ecoboost was a monster
Very hilly terrain in central Texas and the ecoboost had 0 issues easily keeping speed without raising rpms very much at all

Not a good comparison by any means, but we had my in laws 2010 Cadillac SRX with the 3.6 v6 (let them keep the expedition while they kept our kids for the week)
We met them half way so we drove the srx for another 300 miles and it's what I experienced in many of my last gms
Really had to rev up to keep up with the cruise setting while going up hills, often had it over 4K rpms
My 07 Tahoe had the 5.3 and it struggled really gaining significant speed with a full load, without totally flooring it

Outside of the ls7 I once owned, the ecoboost is my favorite
 

Byock

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Come to Utah or Denver and compare. Can't beat a turbo at high elevations. My 5.4 gets winded easy towing at 11000' elevation.
 

Flight-ER-Doc

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Go for the 3.5 twin turbo. I have a '17 Limited Expy after years of driving the 5.0 V8 in a 2012 F150. When I bought the F150, I chose the V8 over the turbo. After having the new Expy with the turbo, I see what an amazing engine it is with a power curve that fits the Expy like a glove (ask OJ....). My opinion is upgrade to the 3.5 TT. You will not regret your choice.

I agree. I have a '15 and it has more power than I usually need, and gets great mileage. It will also pull a 5000 pound trailer with better performance and gas mileage than my Ram 1500 with a Hemi did (MUCH better mileage, btw - like 12 mpg vs 6 across the Rockies, at 70 mph).
 

rjdelp7

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The Triton 4.6l should easily last you 200K+mi. It was at end of run in 2014 and had all kinks worked out. Google 3.5ltt timing chain rattle or DI carbon build up. Ford is still perfecting the 3.5ltt and the first ones are sketchy, out of warranty. On a recent trip to a junk yard, saw a chevy cruze turbo sitting on the counter. I asked about it. The guy said they sell a lot of these and many more for Ecoboost. 60K-80K miles when they start having issues. Not Good...
 

briangelc

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I did not read all the 6 pages of replies, but I have a point to make about the Triton motor. Your car has the 4.6L. Mine has the 5.4L, but I still feel that it is inadequate for towing. Not enough torque to tow comfortably with the rear diff ratio on my 1999 XLT. I imagine that the 4.6L is even more disappointing.
If you do not tow, then it probably boils down to how much you care about mpg's. But most reviews that I have read praise the Ecoboost V6 for its superior torque, so if towing capacity matters, that's what I would pick.
 

Goldnpaw

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Personal preference at first.......I had an 05 with the 5.4.... then in 2014, the last year the v8 was available I fiugured I would grab one...no way I want a 6 in my truck....65k miles later, I was on vacation and got a rental Expedition XLT 3.31 rear axle and ecoboost twin turbo........OMG! That thing has power, extremely smooth...from 0 - 100...... acceleration onto the highway like nobodies business! Wow...far superior to the 5.4.......so, I just traded my 2014 for a 2017 Expo, with the 3.73 rear end and 3.5 twin turbo....she flies! ......and wait!!! Next month I will buy the chip tuner and add 100hp and torqe to her...omg!! And still get better gas mileage of any of the Expos I have owned since 2011......2017 Expedition LTD, blackout group except changed wheels to polished aluminum. Mirrors now painted to match Ruby Red vehicle.....IMG_3380.JPG IMG_3381.JPG IMG_3382.JPG IMG_3380.JPG
 

ExpeditionAndy

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Nice looking truck Goldnpaw Watch out with adding 110 HP to the EB engine. There is some concern that anything over 425 HP could damage the bottom end. There have been articles written about this so I would make sure you do your research and are aware of any potential consequences. That red is really sharp.
 

JExpedition07

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ive been eyeing F150s with the ecoboost because of you people this last week. You guys keep raving. I don't want a payment right now though... I wouldn't mind picking up a 14' F150 with the 6.2 next year.

Brian my 5.4 doesn't even feel when I tow idk what you mean by inadequate. I can throw a landscape trailer with two ATVs on it no problem and tow it up and down steep grades.

And I agree with Andy why add 100 horse to an already strong engine and risk a blow up or premature wear? These trucks already aren't slow even my 5.4 Triton is 0-60 in the 7 second range, I believe the new ones are 0-60 in 6.5 sec. Also be aware when you chip that truck you void your powertrain warranty. And you can't just take that out and say you didn't these new computers know all and tell all to Ford when they need to know.
 
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