re: F-150 Ecoboost: Anyone own one? Pros cons?

My point was that the Ecoboost beats the shite out of the 5.3 GM V8 - an engine that is basically unchanged since its introduction in 1999 (somewhere along the way they've found 15HP). And I'm not even getting into projected reliability. He simply said the Ecoboost felt weak compared to his 5.3, and objectively speaking that just isn't possible.

I'm happy your Ram is doing so well, I thought you traded it for a Challenger?

The Ecoboost is great for around town driving and occasional towing. It gets good MPG while unloaded and the torque is great for towing. The torque curve is very similar to a diesel motor but once the turbos start spinning, the MPG drops (while towing).

I have the 6.2 and am very happy with it. I test drove a 3.5 and was impressed by it too. I did not get it because I do not like brand new motors (yes the 6.2 is new but simple technology). My motor has to rev up to 3500 RPMs to make the power that the 3.5 makes at 1500 RPMs. Both have their pros and cons. Now, two years later, I would have no worries buying a Ecoboost. It out performs almost every gas motor on the market including the 5.0 and 5.3. It gives the 5.7, 6.0, and 6.2 a run for their money and beats several of them in certain aspects.

I want to see a twin turbo 5.0
That would be the bees knees. Already a very stout motor with good numbers and much room to improve.

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Next step is small diesels in half ton trucks

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I can't see that happening any time soon. The government is actively hindering the sales of diesel vehicles. There are so few diesel Jettas, Benzes, etc. and there is a reason for that. It is so expensive to get motors to comply with the dumb-arse US standards, and they end up being unreliable in the long run. Even now, diesel is just as expensive as premium fuel. These are the same people that would rather you to put ethanol in your tank than regular fuel.

It is a great idea, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

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The old reliable V8s have their place.

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Well of course they do. However, the average truck owner has no use for a 400 ft-lb pushrod V8. If they did, we'd see FAR more 3/4 ton trucks on the road.

I think the forced induction small engines should be the standard half ton truck engines. That's just my opinion.

Would like to see Chevy do something with the motor but for now I am still a Chevy guy for one reason, dependability. The 5.3 pulls everything I need it to and still run like a champ with 200k+ with nothing major ever being replaced.

Ford is definitely the boss of forced induction gas burners for now. We'll know in 4 or 5 years how good it really is. I hope it holds up.

Okay so just checked the specs on the different motors and well, DAMN.

360 hp @ 5,500 rpm - 5.0
365 hp @ 5,000 rpm - ECOB

295 hp ( 220kw ) @ 5200 rpm - 5.3

This is unacceptable, Chevy has to step there game up. The 5.3 is capable of producing a lot more power than what they are getting out of it. I have been a life long GM man and damn near a anti Ford guy but they are starting to loose me. Its a real shame Dodge cant figure out how to put a decent transmission in a truck.

If they were smart they would just upgrade the 5.3, keep from having to revamp the assembly lines. I just cant see why they just cant seem to get the numbers out of their engines like the rest of the other companies can.