I am in the market for a new F150 and am looking at the ecoboost engine.

The dealer said that with the ecoboost, that you can't put the front license plate holder in the center of the bumper as it would block the air intake for the turbo's.

Is that true?

If so, then I have another question.

If you are off roading or go through high water, will water get sucked up into the turbos?

 

well i haven't seen them in person yet but i can imagine the intake is actually in the fender and that the center plate bracket blocks off about 60% of that gap in the bumper which is probably the air flow for the cooler and when you block that off you will loose some power

when the IAT rises the computer cuts back on the power

 

Its the intercooler for the turbo's which needs the air, water to keep it cool. Just like a radiator or tranny cooler.