Ford V-6 Turbo Eco Boost gas engine
- Thread starter captddh
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I have a friend that purchased one about a month ago. He says it has more whoopee than his old pick-up which was a Dodge hemi. So far he likes it.
I've heard good things as well--And have been doing some research on this engine...360 HP 420 lb. ft. of torque...Plus the mileage is very impressive...My concern however is it's longevity--As sledders we tend to tow heavy equipment (loaded enclosed 4 place/6 place trailers)...That being said I don't trailer all the time and the mileage for those times has my attention...
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A friend of mine just bought one a few weeks ago and it is a very nice engine with a smooth power curve and lots of pull. Gas mileage so far is horrible though, he is only getting a 14.6 average with a 3.55 rear end, putting roughly 1500 miles on so far. I know a lot of it has to do with it being new and him putting his foot in it all the time but honestly that number is dissapointing to me. I own a 2000 F350 with the 7.3 diesel and i average 15 mpg. As far as longevity, no one knows and time will be the tell all. If you watch the torture test videos on Fords website, it seems that they have done their homework though.
I spoke with a guy filling his F-150, 4 door 4x4 this morning. He had what appeared to be a well used trailer hitch ball mount on it so I asked about towing and overall impressions of the truck. Aside from the typical "I love it!" that you generally hear he said he tows a great deal, better than 1/2 his miles are with a trailer attached. On the heavy side he tow's a bobcat that with trailer is right about his rated max weight (didn't ask which rear end he has) and the truck does a great job, doesn't feel like you are pushing the limits and he doesn't see a need for a diesel for sub 10k loads. He did say that when he straps his 4 place steel enclosed trailer behind it he hardly knows it is back there until there is a strong side wind, then he wishes he had a little more truck to help stabilize it.
I'm also interested in this truck, ford has really done a nice job with all their models. I currently have a 1500hd GMC with a 6.0 and it tows just fine, I get about 15 mpg in the summer and about 8-12 towing in the winter. The new 5.0 is also suppose to be a great motor so we'll see. Turbos are in right now but I'm not so sure about the long life span and the cost of repairs. might stick with a none turbo and pay it at the pump.
heckler56
Active member
I will answer your question indirectly, but hopefully give you more to think about.
Have i towed with mine yet, no, but have made a couple long trips with a load. After running with the diesel crowd for the last 12 yrs I read up on several Ford forum sites about people's likes and dislikes on this engine (F150 , etc). I concur it performs like a diesel and has a smooth power curve. I believe it runs under the same principal that Audi's twin turbo motors in the early 2000's used. Two smaller turbos with one kicking in at lower rpm and then the second spooling up once the rpms move up. This gives a smooth, no turbo lag effect.
Turbos have been around for years and many of the road racing series saw small 4 bangers in the mid 70's around the oil embargo setting the pace in speed, power, and mileage.
A turbo engine needs to be built with components that can take the abuse, like a diesel. The diesel will run at a lower rpm throughout it's life giving it the longevity we hear about. That is not to say that a gas engine won't last as long. I think many of the manufacturers tune the boost down so the engine with last just as long.
The downside can be that it is two turbos and if one goes, there are people that say you replace both of them. Turbos spin at over 200,000 rpm and need to be cooled to counter act that heat output. I am old/new school and always let the motors idle anywhere between 1/2 min to 5 mins after running to let the turbos spool down and provide some lubrication to the bearings before shutting it off. Another thing to consider is what gas you run in the engine. Ford says it can go with 87, but when under load consider premium fuel. All the turbo gas cars I have owned used strickly premium fuel. I think Ford figured it out and you can switch based on how you will be driving.
I have 1900 miles on mine with the 3.73 rear and it feels as torquey as the diesels I have had.
Good luck.
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Guest
My buddy just got done pulling a fair sized travel trailer about 400 miles. This was through some hills and with a headwind and sidewind. He said at first he tried to pick a gear himself but had trouble getting up to speed. He then put it in 'D' and let the computer do the shifting. If you let the computer do its thing everything works really well. It is not like Tow/Haul. He was really impressed. I am thinking that when my old Chev finally gives up the ghost I will spring for one of these things.
eagle1
Well-known member
Good to hear some positives about the towing. Been searching the ford forums and hearing positives also, just nice to hear it on a forum (JD) where I trust peoples opinions a little more.
Heckler- I hear ya on turbo, that was my initial concern, especially when the motor first came out.
Yes turbos do go out, but look at turbo diesels and the daily abuse they take, don't see it being a problem on the ecoboost for the way I would use it. Guess I would worry more about it when the warrenty was up.
Heckler- I hear ya on turbo, that was my initial concern, especially when the motor first came out.
Yes turbos do go out, but look at turbo diesels and the daily abuse they take, don't see it being a problem on the ecoboost for the way I would use it. Guess I would worry more about it when the warrenty was up.
heckler56
Active member
Eagle1 - I think practical operation should give us years of good service. Use common sense, let them spool and cool down. When running them in the winter, if it is not plugged in, give the oil a chance to warm up before allowing the turbos to spin hard.
Jeff - Manufacturers have mutated autos to lure the younger crowd into their cars with figital devices. Us baby boomers have always loved cars but my kids generation loves their phones. The truck does have a manual "button" to select gears up and down, something that I will never use. My son bought a new pickup a week after me and called a couple days later to tell me all about the manual shift.
Jeff - Manufacturers have mutated autos to lure the younger crowd into their cars with figital devices. Us baby boomers have always loved cars but my kids generation loves their phones. The truck does have a manual "button" to select gears up and down, something that I will never use. My son bought a new pickup a week after me and called a couple days later to tell me all about the manual shift.
One or Two?
If two turbo's are the way of the future, then why did Ford remove one on their 2012 diesels? Must be something in the $$ crunch? Read 17 pages on this new Echo engine by Ford. Sounds like they want to make a statement to the World that they make the top bullit! Time will tell: I love my 5.4 for pulling, gas mileage. Just came back from the Fairlane Nats.[Springfield Illinois] pulling a 67 FL on a open trailer. About 4600#'s. Our loaded 2010 Expedition averaged 14.4 MPG with air cond. running. There's probably gassers out there that could do better but for my towing enjoyment the 5.4 is tits.
If two turbo's are the way of the future, then why did Ford remove one on their 2012 diesels? Must be something in the $$ crunch? Read 17 pages on this new Echo engine by Ford. Sounds like they want to make a statement to the World that they make the top bullit! Time will tell: I love my 5.4 for pulling, gas mileage. Just came back from the Fairlane Nats.[Springfield Illinois] pulling a 67 FL on a open trailer. About 4600#'s. Our loaded 2010 Expedition averaged 14.4 MPG with air cond. running. There's probably gassers out there that could do better but for my towing enjoyment the 5.4 is tits.
I just purchased a 2011 F150. Had the choice between the Eco-Boost and the new 5.0 Coyote V8. Stuck with the V8 simply due to the rebate at the time. With the V8 I am getting 17.3 all around driving and 21 (3.55 gear) on the highway according to the in dash computer at 70 with the cruise set..
I do not think the savings in mpg with the Eco-Boost is living up to the hype from what I have heard and seen talking to other owners. I believe the real saving in mpg will be when towing as I have heard from a few people the mileage is not affected too much when under load.
The engine has been tested and seen some time in the Taurus SHO and there have not been any major issues I can remember.
Either way it is a great truck. I cannot remember enjoying a truck as much as I have with this one. The ride is very smooth and quiet and the backseat is HUGE for the kids and dog.
I did not get the sattelite option but with my bluetooth phone I can play music thru the Sync system without a cord which makes those trips up north really nice.
I do not think the savings in mpg with the Eco-Boost is living up to the hype from what I have heard and seen talking to other owners. I believe the real saving in mpg will be when towing as I have heard from a few people the mileage is not affected too much when under load.
The engine has been tested and seen some time in the Taurus SHO and there have not been any major issues I can remember.
Either way it is a great truck. I cannot remember enjoying a truck as much as I have with this one. The ride is very smooth and quiet and the backseat is HUGE for the kids and dog.
I did not get the sattelite option but with my bluetooth phone I can play music thru the Sync system without a cord which makes those trips up north really nice.
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Guest
More EcoBoost on the way.
My local dealer told me Ford will be putting some kind of a twin turbo Eco Boost system on the next generation Ford Edges for 2013. He also said he is having trouble getting the Eco Boost pickups. Demand is high hype or not. That is why there are rebates on the 8 bangers - folks want the turbo 6. As far as wearing out the turbos - sure it could happen. Not a concern as long as warranty is on. All the electronic stuff they are hanging us with can puke just as easily. I try to keep the little lady's vehicle fresh and on warranty. When it's time for tires its time to trade.
My local dealer told me Ford will be putting some kind of a twin turbo Eco Boost system on the next generation Ford Edges for 2013. He also said he is having trouble getting the Eco Boost pickups. Demand is high hype or not. That is why there are rebates on the 8 bangers - folks want the turbo 6. As far as wearing out the turbos - sure it could happen. Not a concern as long as warranty is on. All the electronic stuff they are hanging us with can puke just as easily. I try to keep the little lady's vehicle fresh and on warranty. When it's time for tires its time to trade.
This is what I'd like to hear, what the real numbers are, calculated by fill ups, not the on board.
I'm sure that V6 Turbo has PLENTY of towing power.