Solid maybe.
I’m driving my first 2012. Drove it for about 6 months before adding the Whipple SC. The truck was adequately powered before the SC, but is a completely different truck with it, all for the better. The only complaints are my tune requires 91 octane (it’s no where to be found) and ground clearance.
The Gen 3 with 5 link seems like a solid truck and obvious new levels of performance. If priced reasonably I’d rather buy a new R then pick up a used 2014 to blow. I haven’t driven one of the gen 2 v-6’s but can’t imaging going back to stock/ near stock horsepower and torque after driving the blown 6.2 for so many years.
I don’t fully understand all the mileage comments. I get a smidge better mileage with the blower then I did before I put it on, if I drive it with a soft foot. Additionally the handling comments, I don’t see how adding a couple hundred pounds, (equivalent to one passenger or a couple dogs), suddenly caused the truck to not perform as well. We’re driving nearly 7000 lb trucks and quibbling over a couple MPG’s in fuel milage? Strap 4 Jerry cans in the bed and get after it.
I’m only in my 50’s but have yet to be in a situation with any auto, boat, motorcycle, sled, etc where I thought, wow, I’ve way to much horsepower and torque.
if Ford can keep the price reasonable, I’d buy an R and be happy with my warranty.