Ford F-150 3.5L (HP) Ecoboost Engine | Info, Power & Specs 2023

The Ford 3.5 EcoBoost is a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, that was first introduced in 2009 as an option for the Ford F-150, Ford’s popular full-size pickup truck. Over the years, this engine has been offered in several other Ford vehicles, including the Ford Expedition, Ford Explorer, and the Ford Transit.

The 3.5 EcoBoost is part of Ford’s EcoBoost family of turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engines. The EcoBoost engines were developed to deliver power and torque consistent with larger displacement, naturally aspirated engines while achieving approximately 20% better fuel efficiency and 15% reduced greenhouse emissions.

Ford F-150 3.5 EcoBoost Specifications

The 3.5 EcoBoost engine has a twin-turbocharged and direct-injection design, which means it uses two turbochargers to force more air into the engine and has a direct fuel injection system. It has a bore and stroke of 92.5 mm x 86.7 mm (3.64 in x 3.41 in) and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

The engine’s output has varied over the years and across different models. The initial version of the 3.5 EcoBoost for the 2009 Ford F-150 produced 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. However, in later versions of the F-150, the engine’s output was increased to 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.

Specs for the Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine are as follows:

Engine	Ford 3.5 EcoBoost
Configuration	60° V6
Displacement	3496cc, 3.5L, 213 CID
Aspiration	Twin Turbocharged
Valvetrain	DOHC with VCT
Cylinder Head	Aluminum
Cylinder Block	Cast Aluminum
Bore x Stroke	92.5mm x 86.6mm
Compression Ratio	10.0:1 or 10.5:1*
Horsepower	310 – 660 HP
Torque (lb-ft)	350 – 550 TQ

Ford F-150 3.5 Performance

The 3.5 EcoBoost engine is praised for its impressive power and torque, especially in the low and mid-range RPMs. The twin-turbochargers provide a broad, flat torque curve, which means the engine delivers peak torque over a wide range of engine speeds. This provides strong acceleration and towing capabilities, making it an excellent choice for pickup truck and SUV owners who need to tow trailers or carry heavy loads.

The direct injection system also contributes to the engine’s strong performance by delivering a precise amount of fuel directly into the combustion chamber, which improves combustion efficiency and power output.

F-150 3.5 Fuel Efficiency

One of the key benefits of the EcoBoost technology is improved fuel efficiency. The 3.5 EcoBoost engine provides better fuel economy than many V8 engines with similar power outputs. The exact fuel economy will vary depending on the vehicle and driving conditions, but in general, vehicles equipped with the 3.5 EcoBoost engine are among the most fuel-efficient in their respective classes.

Ford F-150 3.5 Reliability

The 3.5 EcoBoost engine has generally been considered reliable, but there have been some common issues reported by owners. One of the most common issues is with the ignition system, specifically with the spark plugs and ignition coils. Another common issue is with the timing chain, which may wear out prematurely and cause a rattling noise.

Ford has addressed some of these issues with technical service bulletins and recalls, so it is important to ensure that all recalls and service bulletins have been completed on any vehicle equipped with the 3.5 EcoBoost engine.

Other common issues include carbon buildup on the intake valves and oil consumption. These issues can often be mitigated with regular maintenance and the use of high-quality fuel and oil.

Towing Capacity

The towing capacity of vehicles equipped with the 3.5 EcoBoost engine is among the best in their respective classes. For example, the Ford F-150 equipped with the 3.5 EcoBoost engine can tow up to 13,200 pounds, which is the best in its class. The Ford Expedition equipped with the 3.5 EcoBoost engine can tow up to 9,300 pounds, which is also best in its class.

The strong towing capabilities of the 3.5 EcoBoost engine make it an excellent choice for those who need to tow trailers, boats, or other heavy loads.

Investment and Advice

If you are considering purchasing a vehicle equipped with the 3.5 EcoBoost engine, there are several things you should consider. First, it is important to ensure that all recalls and technical service bulletins have been completed on the vehicle. This will help to ensure that any known issues have been addressed.

Second, it is important to perform regular maintenance on the vehicle, including changing the oil and spark plugs at the recommended intervals. Using high-quality fuel and oil can also help to prevent carbon buildup on the intake valves and reduce oil consumption.

Overall, the 3.5 EcoBoost engine provides an excellent balance of power, torque, fuel efficiency, and towing capacity. It is an excellent choice for those who need a powerful and capable engine for towing or carrying heavy loads, while still achieving good fuel economy.

While the engine has had some common issues, most of them can be mitigated with proper maintenance and care. Therefore, if you are considering a vehicle equipped with the 3.5 EcoBoost engine, it is a good investment as long as you are diligent about maintaining the vehicle properly.

Ford 3.5 twin-turbo Ecoboost v6 horsepower

The horsepower output of the Ford 3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6 engine can vary significantly depending on the particular model and year of the vehicle. For instance, the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is equipped with a high-output version of the 3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, which generates an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.

Conversely, the 2021 Ford Expedition, which features the standard 3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, delivers a solid 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This discrepancy in power outputs between different models illustrates the versatility and adaptability of the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, as it can be tuned to provide a wide range of performance levels to suit various applications.

What Cars Use the Ford 3.5L V6?

The Ford 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine is used in a variety of Ford vehicles. It was first introduced in the 2009 Ford Taurus SHO and quickly found its way into other models due to its performance and efficiency. Here is a list of Ford vehicles that have been equipped with the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine:

Ford F-150 (2011-present)
Ford Expedition (2015-present)
Ford Transit (2015-present)
Ford Explorer Sport and Platinum (2013-2019)
Ford Flex (2010-2019)
Lincoln MKT (2010-2019)
Lincoln MKS (2010-2016)
Ford Taurus SHO (2010-2019)
Lincoln Navigator (2015-present)

1st Gen vs 2nd Gen 3.5 EcoBoost

The 1st Generation 3.5L EcoBoost was first introduced in 2009 and was used until 2016. This engine produced 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. It had twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection which helped it to deliver power and torque similar to a V8 engine while still providing good fuel economy.

The 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost was introduced in 2017 and is still in use today. This engine has several updates and improvements over the 1st generation, including a new twin-port and direct-injection fuel system, lighter and stronger crankshaft, new turbochargers with electrically actuated wastegates, and a new electronic control system. These updates helped to increase the engine’s output to 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.

Why the 2nd Gen Updates Are Important?

The updates to the 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost engine are important for several reasons. First, the new twin-port and direct-injection fuel system helps to improve combustion efficiency and power output. This helps the engine to deliver more power and torque while still maintaining good fuel economy.

The new turbochargers with electrically actuated wastegates help to improve throttle response and reduce turbo lag. This helps the engine to deliver power more quickly and smoothly.

The lighter and stronger crankshaft helps to reduce rotational mass and improve engine efficiency. This helps to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

The new electronic control system helps to optimize engine performance and efficiency under different driving conditions. This helps to improve overall drivability and fuel economy.

Ford 3.5 V6 Basic Bolt-On Mods

There are several basic bolt-on modifications that can be made to the Ford 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine to improve its performance. Here are some popular ones:

Cold Air Intake: Replacing the stock air intake with a cold air intake system can help to increase horsepower and torque by allowing the engine to breathe better.
Cat-Back Exhaust System: Replacing the stock exhaust system with a performance cat-back exhaust system can help to increase horsepower and torque by reducing exhaust back pressure.
Intercooler Upgrade: Upgrading the stock intercooler can help to reduce air intake temperatures and improve engine performance.
Throttle Body Spacer: Installing a throttle body spacer can help to increase airflow and improve throttle response.
Performance Tuner: Installing a performance tuner can help to optimize engine performance and improve horsepower and torque.

3.5 EcoBoost Turbocharger Upgrades

The stock turbochargers on the 3.5L EcoBoost engine are capable of delivering good performance, but there are several upgrades available for those who want even more power. Here are some popular turbocharger upgrades:

Larger Turbochargers: Installing larger turbochargers can help to increase horsepower and torque by providing more airflow to the engine.
Upgraded Wastegates: Upgrading the wastegates can help to improve turbocharger performance and throttle response.
Upgraded Blow-Off Valves: Upgrading the blow-off valves can help to improve turbocharger performance and throttle response.
Turbocharger Rebuild Kit: A turbocharger rebuild kit can help to improve the performance and longevity of the turbochargers.
Turbocharger Upgrade Kit: A complete turbocharger upgrade kit can include larger turbochargers, upgraded wastegates, upgraded blow-off valves, and other components to improve overall turbocharger performance.

Common Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Problems

The Ford 3.5 EcoBoost is generally a reliable engine, but like any engine, it can have some common problems. Here are some of the most common issues reported by owners:

Carbon Build-Up: Due to the direct injection design of the EcoBoost engine, carbon build-up on the intake valves is a common issue. This can lead to a rough idle, loss of power, and poor fuel economy. Regular maintenance and using high-quality fuel can help to minimize this issue.
Intercooler Condensation: Some owners have reported condensation build-up in the intercooler, leading to a loss of power and poor performance. Ford has issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) for this issue and the fix usually involves reprogramming the engine control module (ECM) and installing a redesigned intercooler.
Ignition Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the ignition system, including misfires and spark plug fouling. Regular maintenance and using high-quality spark plugs can help to minimize this issue.
Timing Chain Wear: Some owners have reported premature timing chain wear, leading to a noisy engine and potential engine damage. Regular maintenance and using high-quality oil can help to minimize this issue.

Ford 3.5L Twin Turbo V6 Issues

The Ford 3.5L EcoBoost engine features twin turbochargers, which can lead to some unique issues. Here are some common twin-turbo issues reported by owners:

Turbocharger Failure: Some owners have reported turbocharger failure, leading to a loss of power and poor performance. Regular maintenance and using high-quality oil can help to minimize this issue.
Wastegate Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the wastegates, leading to turbocharger overboost or underboost conditions. Regular maintenance and inspection of the turbochargers and wastegates can help to minimize this issue.
Boost Leaks: Some owners have reported boost leaks, leading to a loss of power and poor performance. Regular maintenance and inspection of the turbochargers, intercooler, and associated piping can help to minimize this issue.

How Long Can the Ford 3.5 V6 Last?

The longevity of the Ford 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine depends on several factors, including driving habits, maintenance practices, and the overall condition of the vehicle. With proper maintenance and care, the 3.5L EcoBoost engine can last well over 200,000 miles.

Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter changes, and spark plug changes, are essential for the longevity of the engine. Using high-quality oil and filters can also help to extend the life of the engine.

It is also important to address any issues or problems as soon as they arise. Ignoring small problems can lead to bigger, more expensive issues down the road.

Overall, the Ford 3.5L V6 EcoBoost is a robust and reliable engine, but like any engine, it requires regular maintenance and care to ensure a long and trouble-free life.

See More:

FAQs

What is the horsepower of the 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 engine?

The horsepower of the 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 engine varies depending on the specific model and year of the vehicle. For example, the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor, equipped with a high-output version of the 3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, produces 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.

On the other hand, the 2021 Ford Expedition, featuring the standard 3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, delivers 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.

How much HP does a 3.5 EcoBoost f150 have?

The horsepower of a 3.5 EcoBoost F-150 varies based on the model and configuration. The standard 3.5L EcoBoost engine in the 2021 Ford F-150 produces 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. However, the high-output version of the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, available in the F-150 Raptor and F-150 Limited, produces 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.

Is the 3.5 EcoBoost a 4 cylinder?

No, the 3.5 EcoBoost is a V6 engine. It is a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engine with six cylinders arranged in a V configuration.

Is the Ford 3.5 L EcoBoost a good engine?

Yes, the Ford 3.5 L EcoBoost is considered to be a good engine. It offers a combination of strong performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability. The engine is capable of producing a significant amount of horsepower and torque, while still maintaining reasonable fuel economy.

Additionally, while no engine is without its potential issues, the 3.5 L EcoBoost has proven to be relatively reliable in most applications. However, as with any engine, proper maintenance and timely repairs are crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance.