The EcoBoost engine took the market by a storm owing to how powerful it is. Not only has it proven to be long-lasting, but it is also reliable. It also helps that you can make further upgrades to this engine to make it even better. For everyone interested in what this engine has to offer, the following guide will prove to be of use. It will answer questions you have harbored as to this engine while shedding more light on this matter.
Is EcoBoost a good engine?
Features include 420TQ, 365 HP, 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway as well as a 3,180-pound payload rating. Additionally, it boasts of a 12,200-pound towing capacity, six quarts oil capacity, dual overhead camshafts, and direct fuel injection. Note that this engine can maintain a 90% peak torque as it moves from 1,700 to 5,000 revolutions per minute. The 3.5 is quite similar to the 2.7.
Thus, in terms of features, this is a good engine. However, when you start comparing this option with others on the market, there is no telling what you will decide. It then becomes an issue of what is the best choice in your case.
For example, many people like to compare this engine to the V8 F150 engine. In this case, the 3.5 comes out as the winning choice. It owes to the engine’s ability to offer as much power and torque as the V8 while not consuming much fuel. Thus, for people hoping to save on fuel, the 3.5 would be the better option. This engine works with direct fuel injection as well as a twin-scroll turbocharger. In this way, it can create as much power and torque as the V8. Plus, this engine will hardly cost you as much as you would spend on a V8. That means you get to save on the initial purchase price too. The next time you see someone choosing the 3.5 over the V8, you will not be so surprised as you can already tell what they stand to gain.
Is 3.5 EcoBoost reliable?
Can you tell the 3.5 apart from other engines in the market without looking at the badge on its body? The good news is that identification is a breeze. For one, there are the twin-scroll turbochargers fitted on the engine. With these in sight, you have a pretty good idea of what you are handling.
Have you heard of twin independent variable cam timing? This term is quite popular when it comes to the 3.5 engine. You may have seen it in the spec sheets or forum discussions. And you may be wondering what this all means. This feature points to the opening of intake and exhaust valves for fractions of seconds. In this way, an overlap happens, which allows new fuel to mix with the exhaust gases as they escape. The result is improved torque and lowered emissions. Reports indicate that this feature can account for as much as 15% fewer carbon emissions. If you have been in search of a way to play your part in environmental conservation, how about doing this?
Towing is an important factor when buying a car. You want a vehicle you can count on to get a buddy out of a fix or to move heavy materials from one place to the other. When the towing capacity is low, you end up compromising the structure of your car or calling in help. In both cases, you incur expenses that you can avoid by getting a strong vehicle. And this engine is none other than the 3.5. It has a maximum payload rating of 3,230 pounds and a towing capacity of 13,200 pounds. The payload rating refers to how much the car can carry, while the towing capacity refers to the use of the trailer hitch.
Is the Ford 3.5 v6 a good engine?
When it comes down to power and acceleration, this engine will impress you. Even more fantastic is the fact that you can upgrade its performance by making some tweaks here and there. An example would be the upgrade of the cold air intake and adding a custom tune. With this change in play, the engine can take in more air, which allows the turbocharger to be more efficient. The result is added power, better throttle responses, and more fuel savings. Wouldn’t that be great?
Another change you can make to this engine is the swapping out of the throttle body. Doing this gives the engine more power and also improves the throttle response. The downpipe that comes with this engine is pretty restrictive, and it can hamper the efficiency of the turbocharger. Changing this will give you noticeable differences in horsepower and torque. So if you want to get more for less, you can make this change. Note that some aftermarket options may not pass emissions testing.
The turbocharger hugely influences the performance of the vehicle. What comes with the engine is pretty good but will not give you the best performance that you can get. On this note, you can get a larger unit that will have tons of power. The larger you go, the more likely you are to increase the turbo lag. Moderation is of the essence in this case.
The rear gears are also up for a change when acceleration is the most critical factor. When you get a steeper gear, you get more power at the expense of top-end speed.
The Build
This engine comprises three parts leading to the exhaust system: the downpipe, the Y pipe, and the cat-back. The first one gets exhaust fumes from the engine and directs them to the Y pipe, which sends the fumes down to the cat-back. The gases come out of the muffler. You are free to replace the downpipe with aftermarket versions, which will offer you increased performance. When using an off-road option, you benefit from added power and improved throttle responses. Always ensure that you know how the changes can affect your engine and car performance. Also, look at the regulations in place before making such changes.
Likely Problems
Even with an engine as good as this one, you can always expect some challenges along the road. This engine is well-built, and it calls for minimal maintenance, which is excellent for people who generally avoid trips to the garage. Who does not? However, this engine has some downsides, which you should be aware of when making a purchase.
It uses direct fuel injection. In this way, there is a high chance that excess carbon can build up on the valves, leading to decreased performance. A way to deal with this problem is to upgrade the fuel injection system using high pressure. That way, valves will remain free of carbon buildup.
How many miles will 3.5 EcoBoost last?
The 3.5 engine is built to last. Many manufacturers have stated that their products will last a long time, only for the opposite to hold. However, in this case, longevity is a guarantee. Note that there is no clear value of how long this engine will last you, more so when you make changes to it. Thus, the longevity of this engine will vary from case to case. Most people have stated that they have covered as many as two hundred thousand miles without complications. That is the case, of course, for people who keep up with the required maintenance practices. If you have made replacements using what would not be considered a typical option, you may not register this value.
This engine carries out several roles, and over time, it will require a rebuild to keep up with the demands. The frequency of this rebuild will depend on how much pressure you put on this unit. Ideally, you should cover at least two hundred thousand miles before a rebuild is necessary. As long as you repair and maintain the engine as needed, you should be fine. It also helps to use the engine for light driving, as this will have less impact on it. Heavy driving strains the engine, more so when you do it often.
While this engine has a high towing capacity, it is not in your best interests that you avoid lugging heavy materials. The more that you carry, the fewer the miles you will cover before needing a rebuild. Also, go easy on the gas pedal as high speeds burden the engine and reduce its longevity.
Though you may take care to protect the engine from damage, there will come a time that a rebuild will be necessary. It will owe to the wearing out of engine bearings and piston rings as well as other components. So you should be ready for this undertaking sometime in the future.
Need for a rebuild
When can you tell that your engine requires some work else it will not work as it should? Generally, you should listen to your car and watch out for warning signs on the same. For example, when you hear a loud knocking from the engine, there is likely wearing out in engine components. Also, watch out for blue smoke coming from the exhaust as this indicates worn-out piston rings. Reduced performance, as well as lowered savings on fuel economy, is also signs of a failing engine.
Bottom Line
The 3.5 is a fantastic engine. As long as you take good care of it and make appropriate changes, it should serve you for many years to come. All the best!
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