Chat with an Engine Development Specialist
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,295
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I would suggest ya'll read the first post...
"This time we've got Phil Fabien, V6 Engine Development Specialist joining us next Wednesday to offer commentary, and answer YOUR questions"
That was posted 1/12/11. Next Wednesday would have been 1/19/11. Most of the questions were answered then and in the couple of days that followed.
Phil hasn't logged on since 1/23/11, according to his profile.
Don't get all pissy because you didn't get your questions in on time. Be happy that he took the time to answer *any* questions.
"This time we've got Phil Fabien, V6 Engine Development Specialist joining us next Wednesday to offer commentary, and answer YOUR questions"
That was posted 1/12/11. Next Wednesday would have been 1/19/11. Most of the questions were answered then and in the couple of days that followed.
Phil hasn't logged on since 1/23/11, according to his profile.
Don't get all pissy because you didn't get your questions in on time. Be happy that he took the time to answer *any* questions.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 57
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
From: Maine, Virginia
True ... very true.
While waiting for Phil, or anyone else to answer my questions, a guy in town has listed a very nice used BMW 528 wagon with the slide out cargo tray with only about 17,000 miles on it. It isn't the perfect solution, but it would be a cool way to haul stuff and get the family around efficiently at one third the cost of the F150. The F150 was a bit big for our needs and we can not find any useful information about real world efficiency.
By promising to participate, then not participating, Ford's rep has managed to dissuade buyers. In the absence of a requested information, interested buyers are wondering around like a herd of cats.
While waiting for Phil, or anyone else to answer my questions, a guy in town has listed a very nice used BMW 528 wagon with the slide out cargo tray with only about 17,000 miles on it. It isn't the perfect solution, but it would be a cool way to haul stuff and get the family around efficiently at one third the cost of the F150. The F150 was a bit big for our needs and we can not find any useful information about real world efficiency.
By promising to participate, then not participating, Ford's rep has managed to dissuade buyers. In the absence of a requested information, interested buyers are wondering around like a herd of cats.
Many questions on here have been irrelevant or not related to the ecoboost. I know, I asked a question about the 5.0L and got no answer. But I didn't complain, I redirected with another more relevant question. Still no answer, no biggy, he's busy.
Go get your beamer if that's what you want. But please sir, don't insult this fine engineer on our behalf.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 57
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No insult intended.
The Senior Powertrain Engineer did an online chat and his descriptions of the engines was enlightening. Surmising the common choices in the powertrain line up something like this:
3.7 the option for the most cost sensitive buyers that performs well
5.0 the perfect match for the F150
3.5 EB .. the "and" solution. Does everything AND gets better fuel economy
The Senior Powertrain Engineer did an online chat and his descriptions of the engines was enlightening. Surmising the common choices in the powertrain line up something like this:
3.7 the option for the most cost sensitive buyers that performs well
5.0 the perfect match for the F150
3.5 EB .. the "and" solution. Does everything AND gets better fuel economy
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: SW Virginia
EcoBoost - Ford
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Sorry for the slow response, I tried to answer your question several times last Sunday and had WIFI issues at home. I got busy at work, so I will try again. We at Ford test both the powertrain and vehicle at both hot and cold temperature extremes with the factory oil viscosity. So I would recommend that you stick with the factory/service viscosity.
EcoBoost - Ford
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
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?
EcoBoost - Ford
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Thank you for your interest in the Ecoboost F150. I do not get involved in sourcing decisions, however I am responsible for testing the engine after all of the parts are designed and sourced (both internally manufactured and purchased components). What I can say is that regardless of the source, all engine components have to pass our very rigorous durability tests as well as individual component bench tests. We do not put parts on our engines or vehicles that do not meet our high quality standards.
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EcoBoost - Ford
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
F150's are assembled at the Michigan Truck Assembly Plant (Dearborn), not in Mexico. Mexican assembled vehicle: Fusion, for one example.
The F150's 17 digit VIN begins with a 1 which a dead giveaway it's a US manufactured vehicle.
The Fusion's 17 digit VIN begins with a 3 = Mexico. I traded in a 2008 Fusion for the F150. I owned it for 2 1/2 years without one problemo.
btw: According to Consumer Reports, Mercedes-Benz has more complaints inre to reliability than any other vehicle sold in the US...including Jaguar.
The F150's 17 digit VIN begins with a 1 which a dead giveaway it's a US manufactured vehicle.
The Fusion's 17 digit VIN begins with a 3 = Mexico. I traded in a 2008 Fusion for the F150. I owned it for 2 1/2 years without one problemo.
btw: According to Consumer Reports, Mercedes-Benz has more complaints inre to reliability than any other vehicle sold in the US...including Jaguar.
EcoBoost - Ford
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
EcoBoost - Ford
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
You're probably right. Though I'm not dissuaded, I AM disappointed in someone who promises but does not deliver. I've heard enough good info to make me want a new F150, but more never hurts, especially when someone indicates said info IS forthcoming. Then NOT getting it is a bit of a letdown
. Phil, if you read this, we need your input here!
. Phil, if you read this, we need your input here!
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 318
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From: Hanford, Cali
Hey Phil- Looks like my comment was a bit premature, and me the one to apologize! Some of us thought the "series" was done. But NOOOOO, and thankfully so! I guess a little more patience on our part is in order here! So we'll pile up the questions, and you get to them when you are good and ready. Keep up the good work!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 138
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First, I would like to thank Phil for taking time to come in here and answer questions. For us gear heads its invaluable and you are the best salesman Ford has whether you know it or not.
My question is about the intelligent oil life monitor. Were you part of that development for the EB 3.5 and did the EB engine that was tore down use this system to determine oil changes? Or, was it just a predetermined amount of hours run or simulated miles? Thank you for your time.
My question is about the intelligent oil life monitor. Were you part of that development for the EB 3.5 and did the EB engine that was tore down use this system to determine oil changes? Or, was it just a predetermined amount of hours run or simulated miles? Thank you for your time.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 57
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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.
EcoBoost - Ford
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
In an effort to be fair to the competition, we selected trucks that were as close as possible with repsect to content and final drive ratios. If we had used a 4.10 rear end, the difference in both the 0-60 and 3.5 mile run would have been even larger.