Chat with an Engine Development Specialist
EcoBoost - Ford
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Phil,
Can you talk about the aluminum block. I know you have done extensive testing, but how do you alay peoples fear that aluminum wont hold up as compared to steel blocks? Can you speak to specifics on the aluminum block and what was done to assure it will be strong enough to last long?
Can you talk about the aluminum block. I know you have done extensive testing, but how do you alay peoples fear that aluminum wont hold up as compared to steel blocks? Can you speak to specifics on the aluminum block and what was done to assure it will be strong enough to last long?
Each main cap has 4 main bolts and 2 side bolts.
The main caps are very large compared to other V engines.
Additional ribbing is added to the side of the block to stiffen it.
Aluminum has been used for a long time by Ford and other manufacturers for engine blocks because of it's weight advantage. In fact Top Fuel dragster engines that produce ~ 8000 hp use aluminum engine blocks.
EcoBoost - Ford
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Temperature itself is not really the issue since the maximum allowed oil temperature is the same across Ford gasoline truck engines. It is the available oil pressure at the higher temperature that we needed to maintain. The two turbochargers on the 3.5L Ecoboost engine put additional demands on the lubrication system pressure beyond naturally apirated truck engines. We determined that the best way to manage these additional demands was with higher oil viscosity.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 185
First of all I apologize for the slow response, and thank you for your interest. I have tried to go in and answer the shorter questions. I wanted to have time to answer your questions as clearly as I can.
1. Under nornal weather and driving conditions, premium offers very little benefit. However, as the Ecoboost owners guide will state, premium fuel is recommended and will provide better performance under severe duty usage such as trailer tow.
2. Under normal trailer tow conditions, the Ecoboost offers a clear fuel economy advantage over th 5.0 and 6.2L engines. The advantage may be reduced in steep grades and very high ambient temperatures if regular fuel is used.
3. I am not sure of the different instrument cluster options, so I can't comment on the boost gauge. What I can say is that the engine efficiency does not immediately decrease with boost. So running boosted at lower engine speeds can actually be more efficient than unboosted at a higher engine speed.
4. As I stated above, running boosted is not necessarily bad for fuel economy. The advantage of the Ecoboost is the capability it provides with an additional 60 hp and 140 ft-lbs of torque when you need it. When you don't need that performance, it provides outstandin fuel economy compared to much larger displacement V8s.
5. Being an engine guy I can't speak about any changes that may have been required for the transmission and rear end. What I can say is that the entire powertrain including the rear end has to pass very rigorous tests before being released for production.
1. Under nornal weather and driving conditions, premium offers very little benefit. However, as the Ecoboost owners guide will state, premium fuel is recommended and will provide better performance under severe duty usage such as trailer tow.
2. Under normal trailer tow conditions, the Ecoboost offers a clear fuel economy advantage over th 5.0 and 6.2L engines. The advantage may be reduced in steep grades and very high ambient temperatures if regular fuel is used.
3. I am not sure of the different instrument cluster options, so I can't comment on the boost gauge. What I can say is that the engine efficiency does not immediately decrease with boost. So running boosted at lower engine speeds can actually be more efficient than unboosted at a higher engine speed.
4. As I stated above, running boosted is not necessarily bad for fuel economy. The advantage of the Ecoboost is the capability it provides with an additional 60 hp and 140 ft-lbs of torque when you need it. When you don't need that performance, it provides outstandin fuel economy compared to much larger displacement V8s.
5. Being an engine guy I can't speak about any changes that may have been required for the transmission and rear end. What I can say is that the entire powertrain including the rear end has to pass very rigorous tests before being released for production.
EcoBoost - Ford
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, GA USA
Hi,
At a Ride and Drive event late last year I asked one of the Ford reps what was the max boost on the EB, he stated it was always at 12psi. Being one that used to own and race a turbo car, I know its got to start somewhere. Was he just a bit mistaken and the max boost is 12psi?
Why no boost gauge in the truck?
Troy
At a Ride and Drive event late last year I asked one of the Ford reps what was the max boost on the EB, he stated it was always at 12psi. Being one that used to own and race a turbo car, I know its got to start somewhere. Was he just a bit mistaken and the max boost is 12psi?
Why no boost gauge in the truck?
Troy
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,937
Likes: 2,651
From: The Great State of Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L8rEGAGMJg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG2d_Y1bmKI
At Blue Oval News... It's a first class video!
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
Phil,
How realistic is the simulated mileage? My first thought is that there is no way to really simulate age and the things that come with it. Gasket materials lose their plyability over time, etc. Do you actually do historical teardowns of actual engines that we in use? Obviously were are years away from this on ecoboost, but do you guys tear down modular engines with 100k plus miles to learn lessons, etc?
How realistic is the simulated mileage? My first thought is that there is no way to really simulate age and the things that come with it. Gasket materials lose their plyability over time, etc. Do you actually do historical teardowns of actual engines that we in use? Obviously were are years away from this on ecoboost, but do you guys tear down modular engines with 100k plus miles to learn lessons, etc?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
The more I learn about it, the more impressed I am. This 3.5L EcoBoost engine is proving to be a real dynamo. And seemingly quite utilitarian, as well (I never would've imagined a Taurus engine being so enthusiastically endorsed by the F-Series crowd 
).
It's obvious that Ford is staking much on the 3.5L, and for good reason.
You and your colleagues keep up the good work Phil!
).It's obvious that Ford is staking much on the 3.5L, and for good reason.
You and your colleagues keep up the good work Phil!
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Phil,
Hope that I'm not too late to pose a question that has been holding up my order / purchase decision.
1. Which engine gets the absolute best mileage for flat land commuting in a Super Cab 4X2 (which is 95% of my driving) ?
2. Many in the press were expecting a 24MPG rating for the 3.5 EB and had obtained even better results in their limited testing. Can you add any color as to why the 3.5 was rated slightly below the efficiency of the 3.7 ? How realistic are the EPA figures for those who drive our trucks VERY smoothly? Not that I would admit to driving like a "hypermiler" but I can get 21 to 21.5 out of a 2004 5.4 SCab Lariat.
3. Finally, do the larger wheel / tire combinations significantly decrease efficiency due to increased rotating weight? If buying a truck for commuting, would YOU pick the 17 inch, 18 inch, or 20's?
Thank you so much! We are a 4 Ford house and have gotten excellent products and service from your Company. Traveled to NAIAS from Atlanta just to see the engine and learn more about this engine.
Lastly, could you sneak a Sport Trac Adrenalin powered by the 3.5 VTGTDI out the back door? I'll show up with a briefcase full of cash and not tell anyone.
Hope that I'm not too late to pose a question that has been holding up my order / purchase decision.
1. Which engine gets the absolute best mileage for flat land commuting in a Super Cab 4X2 (which is 95% of my driving) ?
2. Many in the press were expecting a 24MPG rating for the 3.5 EB and had obtained even better results in their limited testing. Can you add any color as to why the 3.5 was rated slightly below the efficiency of the 3.7 ? How realistic are the EPA figures for those who drive our trucks VERY smoothly? Not that I would admit to driving like a "hypermiler" but I can get 21 to 21.5 out of a 2004 5.4 SCab Lariat.
3. Finally, do the larger wheel / tire combinations significantly decrease efficiency due to increased rotating weight? If buying a truck for commuting, would YOU pick the 17 inch, 18 inch, or 20's?
Thank you so much! We are a 4 Ford house and have gotten excellent products and service from your Company. Traveled to NAIAS from Atlanta just to see the engine and learn more about this engine.
Lastly, could you sneak a Sport Trac Adrenalin powered by the 3.5 VTGTDI out the back door? I'll show up with a briefcase full of cash and not tell anyone.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
I watched the video too and have to see you looked pretty natural in front of that large crowd. Public speaking always puts a frog in my throat. Nice job Phil.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
FI50 and schoenecke, welcome to the site!
Sorry to hear you are having an issue with your truck.
You might be best served by posting your question in this section, which is dedicated to the 6.0l PSD:
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Unfortunately Phil, and the rest of the users in this section probably won't be able to provide much assistance as they may not be that experienced with the 6.0l PSD as the folks in the forum I linked above are.
Best of luck in finding a fix for it
You might be best served by posting your question in this section, which is dedicated to the 6.0l PSD:
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Unfortunately Phil, and the rest of the users in this section probably won't be able to provide much assistance as they may not be that experienced with the 6.0l PSD as the folks in the forum I linked above are.
Best of luck in finding a fix for it