Ecoboost Engines - Car vs. Truck

[MerlinsGarage]

Aside from tuning parameters, are all the Ecoboost 3.5 engines essentially the same across the Ford line?

 

[sperold]

Front wheel drive and rear wheel drive cars usually have different bolt patterns for the transmission attachment.
I think the truck model engines have different turbos and a variety of other differences.

 

[MerlinsGarage]

So the reason for my question.......... the F150 3.5 EB and the SHO specs the same HP at lower RPM (truck) and the truck has higher overall torque.
Why hasn't Ford upped the engine performance for their self described "SHO"?
Is the SHO driveline components not rated for the higher levels of torque?

 

[MerlinsGarage]

The Lincoln 'Gator EB is 380HP and 460tq. Could it be just a custom tune?

 

[SHONufFordTough]

From this website quite awhile ago:

This is what I copied from Popular Mechanics webpage:

"While it might be convenient to think that this is simply the Taurus SHO engine turned 90 degrees and dropped into the truck's cavernous engine bay, that would be completely wrong. The aluminum block is all new because it bolts to a different transmission from the front-wheel-drive applications. The engine also has stronger main bearings. Like all 2011 F-150 powertrains, the 3.5 liter is matched to Ford's six-speed automatic. Additional major differences between the engines include unique heads that feature individual cam phasers for both intake and exhaust; the fixed-geometry turbochargers flow more and produce more boost (13 psi versus 10.5 psi); the main cooling system is upgraded.

These changes enable the F-150's version of the EcoBoost to deliver:

• 365 horsepower at 5000 rpm (on regular fuel)
• 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2500 rpm (up to 90 percent of peak torque from 1700 rpm to 5000 rpm)
• 11,300 pounds maximum trailer-towing capacity "


From my own understanding the ecoboost in the F150 had to be built "stronger" for the increased duty-cycle or durability for the truck that would not be seen in the car

 

[sticks1680]

So drop one of these in a SHO. Just sayin. Then we can add a trailer hitch. Lol

Pohnz-1

 

[itguy08]

The fuel system is also different. The Taurus has a fuel system designed by Bosch and a HPFP made by them. The F150 was done by Ford and has a Hitachi HPFP.

There are a few other differences between the 2.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rubydist]

yup, blocks are completely different, heads are different, cams are different, etc.

in concept they are the same, in details they are quite different.

 

[MerlinsGarage]

Thanks Guys! You are very knowledgeable.

I just ordered a '15 SHO so I am already satisfied with the performance and styling aspects of the car.
Just wondering out loud why Ford would not automatically boost the hp/tq levels equal to other models in the lineup. Especially if it was a relatively simple process. The acronym is Super High Output.......not "Sorta"........right...?

From what I have read here, a tune will help quite a bit. I just don't want to void the warranty.

Best, Bret.

 

[SHONufFordTough]

Different design for different applications. Just because it has a higher rated peak TQ doesn't mean it would be faster with that setup. Turbo size effects where the engine makes power, how long it takes to spool the turbos, etc etc etc. Cam and head changes can effect this as well.

The turbos are not really holding the car back, this is evident by what companies like LMS can do with just a tune. Ford rates the car at 350 FT/LBs from 1500-5000 RPM, unlike the truck which is simply rated at 420 LB/FT at 2500 RPM. The SHO is using the wonders of modern fuel injection control to limit the torque on purpose.

I dont know how the F-150 feels, but the nicest part of the 3.5 EB in the SHO (at least in my opinion) is virtually zero detectable turbo lag. The worst part about most turbo setups is the lag between putting your foot down and getting power. The SHO seems to make power everywhere in the band, and the bottom end TQ is super nice for accelerating without having to flog the engine to redline.

 

[MerlinsGarage]

Great explanation Sir.

I am psyched to experience something a little different, automotive wise.

........again, thanks to all.

Bret.

 

[SHONufFordTough]

If your concerned about your warrenty I would look into the links LMS (livernois motor sports) have posted on this board several times. I am not going to say that it cannot cause a issue with a stubborn dealership, however most of the time you are going to be covered still. Adding a tune does NOT simply void your warrenty. The change between a stock car and a tuned car is simply mindblowing.

 

[MerlinsGarage]

Surprising Ford doesn't capitalize on the tuning market with their own version in kit form.
It could always be labeled and packaged as "Not For Use In California" or "Off Road Use Only", type disclaimer.

 

[itguy08]

What hurts the SHO, Flex, Explorer, etc. is the FWD drivetrain. Our AWD is based on the front drive platform and putting tons of HP through it will lead to things blowing up.

Tuners do it but not sure how longevity is. Seems to be taking the abuse from what I've read but I bet Ford is concerned about warranty costs.

It's also an awesome engine in the F150 although it tends to be thirsty especially when towing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SHOdded]

If you are running a tuned vehicle, the "normal" schedule for maintenance goes out the window. You are looking at severe-duty maintenance cycles (as posted in the owner's manual or online) to assure longevity of the engine & drivetrain. That is only fair to the manufacturer.

 

[MerlinsGarage]

Fully agree. I don't believe in in 6-8k mile oil changes..........old school mentality.