Ford calls it a cover, so I'll go with that. COVER | Genuine Ford | FL1Z-5D032-B

 

It's a heat shield and a sound barrier. They aren't just on the ecoboost. I have it on my 2010 f150 Harley.

 

I believe it is indeed a heat shield. Modern super hot engine materials plus cold water is no bueno. I can tell you first hand you don't want tender turbo's or their surroundings dunked in hot water. Too many tiny clearances in there. It definitely keeps things dry under there (and minimizes noises). Other ecoboost vehicles like the Flex (with eco) have one as well. On the Flex it's listed as an actual part of the cooling system, pushing air towards eco parts that need cooled.

 

Again, I'd have to ask why then can I see my turbos through the wheel well? In wet weather, they're definitely getting doused with water circulating in the wheel well. Seems a bit silly to worry about water coming up from underneath, then have a big, gaping hole right next to the turbo in the wheel well, don't ya' think?

But like I said, almost the same horse was killed repeatedly in the 7.3L forum a few years ago. Y'all can call it what you want -- mine is up on a rack in my garage now.

 

After driving in slushy snow on Thursday, mine was packed full of icey snow. If I hadn't seen it while I was behind a resturant where hot water was available , it would probably still be packed and frozen. Y'all check out yours after driving in slush. The tires will fill the thing full.