Get over the whole "this vs that" thing. It's simply a matter of engine size vs boost levels and available octane in pump gas. Ford has to move to a bigger engine to compete.
When compared apples to apples- a V8 will make 33% more power than a V6 in every scenario. You can add turbos to a V8. You can add blowers to a V8. You can add hybrid assist to a V8.
There is no replacement for displacement. Bigger engines ALWAYS make more power when comparing apples to apples. Alternatively, the bigger engine can be "turned down" to still make the same power as the smaller engine, but with lower cylinder pressures and bearing wear- ie more reliability.
V8s are not "BS". They are simply better engines than V6s in every regard, with the only exceptions being additional weight and size. The extra weight is nothing compared to the extra power. The extra size does matter in some instances, but not in a F150.
the “best” Mass produced V8s Are (inarguably IMHO) GM’s LS/LT series OHV pushrod V8s.....and these engines are architecturally equal to or in many cases SMALLER than a “comparable” Ford V6 or EB.
a dressed dry LS3 weighs 430 lbs....a 3.5 EB? 449 lbs...& the coyote 5.0? 445 lbs
so weight & size not necessarily an issue. Ford always has made engines “too big” relative to their displacement (& for a long time relative to their power lol)- they got big heads/top end
I have said numerous times- the issue w/ FORDs V8 platform
Is it just isn’t as robust or as well engineered as their competition- and for gods sake fanboys, stop taking it as an “insult” to Ford, it’s just the way it is!!! Facts are facts & not every manufacturer does everything as well as the other. Fords V8s May not be as good as GM/Toyota/Mopar.....but their boosted motors & now hybrid tech seems to be well ahead of the others. Also- remember Ford didn’t take a handout, continued to produce their pony/sports car continuously w/o a drop-off in production (instead of importing Holdens like GM or offering nothing like Mopar) - also sell the most 1/2 tons, make our awesome Raptors & of course the only domestic manufacturer to make a true exotic (currently anyhow)- so Ford has a lot of respect from me & a lot of things going for them as well. That being said- V8s ain’t one of em. As I’ve Also said a Million times- if they were “cocky” confident in their V8 design/reliability wouldn’t they AT least be stuffing their overweight luxury vehicles w/ em!?! Wouldn’t they be pumping out a CTS, S500, A8, 750 competitor w/ a corresponding V8? Yes. Yes they would.
but they don’t have to....why? Cuz they make 500hp/600tq from their 3.0 powerboost & 450hp from the damn 3.5 EB HO!!!
Going back to ford V8, the coyote 5.0 weighs 445 lbs dry- GM’s LT2 reported wet weight is 472 lbs- so most likely they are nearly identical in weight. The difference though is fords engine is architecturally larger but displaces less volume, it has more moving parts w/ 4x the amount of cams/valves/lifters etc. adding complexity & IMO more parts means more parts to break.
that being said who knows what the future holds maybe Ford will get back in on the V8 wars but....maybe not, I’m a Raptor owner who was never swayed by what Ford had to offer in the Truck/Sports car dept (other than the ranger) until I got behind the wheel of the new version w/ 3.5 EB.
And while “there’s no replacement for displacement” it’s not always the answer. I personally opted to stick w/ my trusty ‘ol LS6 equipped Z06 for a big time FI build vs getting into an LS7 Z06 OR dropping an LS7 into my C5Z...why? Well an engine swap would’ve been pricier, but going FI w/ the LS7 isn’t always the best idea- can’t handle the same kinda boost, thinner cylinder walls etc
the “strongest & biggest” V8s Tend to still be cast iron block which results in HUGE weight penalty hanging over the nose- adding forced induction to those kinda engines just exacerbates the issue.
some of the most noteworthy performance vehicles in the last 10-20 years have been non-V8, the GTR & Ford GT initially jump to mind.
