Ecoboost cooling
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 790
Likes: 3
From: Ontario, OH
not sure how much protection you are talking about or need. I have a 2010stx with 4.6. I don't need the protection, i just didn't like the look of the opening so i went to lowes and got a roll of black plastic gutter screen, triple layered it and attached it to the inside of the bumper. I believe i have pictures in my gallery if you want to see how it looks... most people don't even notice there is anything there unless i say something, and than they say they thought that's just how it came.
New User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Petiton
Hi Gents,
Picked up my new Eco Boost 3 weeks ago, I am really impressed with this truck. One thing as everone else notices is that gaping hole in the front. I called Ford and asked them if it would affect my warranty if I added a billet grille, and they advised me not to do it, did not say it would affect the warranty, they just said don't do it.
So I am left with a dilemna, I really like the look of the billet grille, but don't want to jeporadize my warranty. So here are my thoughts, lets petition Ford to approve an aftermarket grille for the EcoBoost that will not affect warranty and to provide something on future models.
Maybe they could talk to someone in the Aerospace industry that could design something that actually increases air flow to the intercooler.
Maybe I am a prude but I spent good dollars and don't want to **** them away over adding a grill, but a strong consumer backlash should make Ford at least listen.
Cheers
Picked up my new Eco Boost 3 weeks ago, I am really impressed with this truck. One thing as everone else notices is that gaping hole in the front. I called Ford and asked them if it would affect my warranty if I added a billet grille, and they advised me not to do it, did not say it would affect the warranty, they just said don't do it.
So I am left with a dilemna, I really like the look of the billet grille, but don't want to jeporadize my warranty. So here are my thoughts, lets petition Ford to approve an aftermarket grille for the EcoBoost that will not affect warranty and to provide something on future models.
Maybe they could talk to someone in the Aerospace industry that could design something that actually increases air flow to the intercooler.
Maybe I am a prude but I spent good dollars and don't want to **** them away over adding a grill, but a strong consumer backlash should make Ford at least listen.
Cheers
New User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
So, I got hold of an automotive writer for the Globe and Mail, and he chased this issue for me.
Response from Ford about the addition of a grille.
Hi Rob,
Thanks again for contacting us about the F150 inquiry, Ford’s response is below:
Ford has performed extensive testing on the F150 and EcoBoost engine (2011 Ford F-150 | EcoBoost Torture Test | Ford.com), and a screen or grille in this location is not required or recommended. The opening is designed to allow airflow to the intercooler, restricting this airflow may adversely affect the performance of the truck. If the consumer does choose to add a screen (billet style or any other type) it will not void the warranty, unless the failure was determined to be the result of the grille addition.
Best regards,
I am adding a grille.
Response from Ford about the addition of a grille.
Hi Rob,
Thanks again for contacting us about the F150 inquiry, Ford’s response is below:
Ford has performed extensive testing on the F150 and EcoBoost engine (2011 Ford F-150 | EcoBoost Torture Test | Ford.com), and a screen or grille in this location is not required or recommended. The opening is designed to allow airflow to the intercooler, restricting this airflow may adversely affect the performance of the truck. If the consumer does choose to add a screen (billet style or any other type) it will not void the warranty, unless the failure was determined to be the result of the grille addition.
Best regards,
I am adding a grille.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,009
Likes: 1,517
From: Maine, Virginia
So, I got hold of an automotive writer for the Globe and Mail, and he chased this issue for me.
Response from Ford about the addition of a grille.
Hi Rob,
Thanks again for contacting us about the F150 inquiry, Ford’s response is below:
Ford has performed extensive testing on the F150 and EcoBoost engine (2011 Ford F-150 | EcoBoost Torture Test | Ford.com), and a screen or grille in this location is not required or recommended. The opening is designed to allow airflow to the intercooler, restricting this airflow may adversely affect the performance of the truck. If the consumer does choose to add a screen (billet style or any other type) it will not void the warranty, unless the failure was determined to be the result of the grille addition.
Best regards,
I am adding a grille.
Response from Ford about the addition of a grille.
Hi Rob,
Thanks again for contacting us about the F150 inquiry, Ford’s response is below:
Ford has performed extensive testing on the F150 and EcoBoost engine (2011 Ford F-150 | EcoBoost Torture Test | Ford.com), and a screen or grille in this location is not required or recommended. The opening is designed to allow airflow to the intercooler, restricting this airflow may adversely affect the performance of the truck. If the consumer does choose to add a screen (billet style or any other type) it will not void the warranty, unless the failure was determined to be the result of the grille addition.
Best regards,
I am adding a grille.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I too have been looking and looking for an answer to this open lower grill. Im not worried about damage as much as I am the unfinished look. Maybe its just too early for many options to be available.
What I want is a plastic insert. Plastic wont retain heat. Also it could be made to match the 1" square holed black plastic on the sides of the XLT grill. The fins forcing the air in the direction of the ntercooler, larger openings with very thin plastic the only thing in the way. 1" squares would block all birds and larger debris and most small rocks would need an act of god to hit the mark perfectly to do any damage. And ofcourse it would have a factory finished look matching the actual grill.
Just need someone who knows how to mold this kinda stuff or ford to step up and offer this sucker. Or a way to get a chunk of the grill plastic and cut a piece to shape. Anyway thats my wish and idea for this issue.
Here is the pic of the sides. Just enough for finished look and plenty strong to protect against minor debris. Maybe I can find a piece off a wrecked f150 at the yards
What I want is a plastic insert. Plastic wont retain heat. Also it could be made to match the 1" square holed black plastic on the sides of the XLT grill. The fins forcing the air in the direction of the ntercooler, larger openings with very thin plastic the only thing in the way. 1" squares would block all birds and larger debris and most small rocks would need an act of god to hit the mark perfectly to do any damage. And ofcourse it would have a factory finished look matching the actual grill.
Just need someone who knows how to mold this kinda stuff or ford to step up and offer this sucker. Or a way to get a chunk of the grill plastic and cut a piece to shape. Anyway thats my wish and idea for this issue.
Here is the pic of the sides. Just enough for finished look and plenty strong to protect against minor debris. Maybe I can find a piece off a wrecked f150 at the yards
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: East Texas
I also did not like the large open area on my 2011 EB SCrew Lariat. Solved that with a 8" x 22" piece of expanded metal with 3/4" openings attached behind the bumper to some existing holes.
Cost was less than $10 and my dealer liked the the idea.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...t/DSC_0219.jpg
The photo in the link is actually from my first effort using 1/2" opening expanded metal.
Cost was less than $10 and my dealer liked the the idea.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...t/DSC_0219.jpg
The photo in the link is actually from my first effort using 1/2" opening expanded metal.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
This may be old news, but I've been doing some research into this question about adding a lower grille to my new Ecoboost, and found a general lack of consensus about whether it would cause any air temp issues or affect the warranty. Then earlier today, I opened a copy of HOG magazine and right inside the front cover is a two page Ford ad featuring a front-on shot of an Ecoboost F150 romping through the mud with a lower billet grille installed. Guess if its good enough for Ford its good enough for me.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 3
From: Suffolk, VA USA
That looks good. With the monochrome Fx4, I ordered essentially the same grille as yours, but with the semi-gloss black finish.
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