Ecoboost opinion

[bowez]

The wife as a 2016 Expedition with Gen 2 Ecoboost 3.5. Here's my opinion.

WTF. $1400 for a timing set, parts only, (that it needs) for an engine that makes no more power than my SC, no better MPG and is a service nightmare. I see no benefit of the Ecoboost over the SC any MPG difference is a wash between transmissions and vehicle weight. The only benefit I see the 3.5 has over the 3.8 is it can run on 87 octane.

The 3.8 SC or not can change the timing set in 2 hrs for $100 in parts, were at the 3.5 takes a day and 1/2 at least.

 

[Kenz]

I had the 3.5 Ecoboost in my 2016 Navigator. Nothing but positive things to say about it. The way it could move that huge SUV around so quickly was impressive. I can't imagine the old 3.8 SC can hold up to the Ecoboost 3.5 in smoothness, power, and fuel mileage. It's a very moden engine, even if it has a few issues.
I put an oil catch can on mine, they have problems of intake fouling because of oil blowby. The catch can prettty much eliminates that problem. I would empty it out evey 2000 miles.

Unfortunatly mine had an electrical issue with the throttle system I never figuredf out. Everything was replaced more than once under warranty to try and fix it.... throttle body, pedal, harness. It would still every few months randomly throw a code and go into limp mode. I was so sick of the problem I traded it in around last December and got a new car.

 

[bowez]

Remember my SC is not stock (and matches the 3.5), but it is all stuff Ford could have done factory original let alone with 20yrs of development. As for the throttle issue yes we have that too and had to recalibrate it once already. Never needed to do that with a throttle cable..

 

[Kenz]

As for the throttle issue yes we have that too and had to recalibrate it once already. Never needed to do that with a throttle cable..

Agreed on that. The throttle was recalibrated a few times after all the new parts. It still would randomly glitch out. That was ultimately why I got rid of it.

Probably never going to get another newer Ford after that experience. Knowing the car may potentially go into limp mode at any time is a big safety issue. I was worried it might get me into an accident if it glitched out going through a busy intersection.

The issue seemed to be on Mustangs and F150s as well. Hopefully Ford figured it out by now

 

[KevinVarnes]

Yeah. Timing parts for the 3.5 can get expensive. After I did the first one I swore I'd never do another, but I don't mind them too much anymore. I've only had one with any measurable chain stretch. Most of the time I'm in there for a water pump. I think it was the Melling timing parts that were OEM. The last set I bought had all of the Ford logos scratched off in the tooling, but it was still obvious they were OEM. It seems like the supply of Motorcraft water pumps might be drying up. The last time I did one I had a harder time finding one.

I hate drive by wire systems. Seems like a great idea until it fails and your car can only go 2mph.