3 Ford Ecoboost Upgrades to Boost Power and Efficiency

Ford’s EcoBoost line of engines has uprooted the car and truck market, offering better power, lower fuel use and engines that are just more efficient than their bigger, naturally aspirated siblings. Turbos do a marvelous job of generating more low-end torque and spinning the wheels faster.

Yes, the engines are more complicated, but there’s also more room for upgrades if you feel the factory power numbers are on the slim side. Launched in 2010, the turbocharged engines come in different displacements and with varying cylinder counts. More popular options are the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder in the Ranger, Mustang and Bronco, the 2.7-llter V6 in the F-150, Bronco and Edge and the 3.5-liter Cyclone in range-topping F-150s.

All can be modded with performance EcoBoost parts, including cold air intakes, intercoolers and exhausts to further improve engine efficiency and airflow. These set the scene for more serious and costly upgrades in the engine bay, such as forged internals or faster-spooling turbines.

Why Consider Cold Air Intakes?

Cold air intakes use revised plumbing, better materials and bigger filters to get the best out of any EcoBoost engine. Compared to Ford’s factory units, they push the air scoops and filters to the front of the engine bay and nearer the bumpers. This prevents heat soak from adjacent engine parts such as the manifold and turbo, and draws in cooler, denser oxygen-rich air for improved combustion.

Bigger, cone-shaped cotton gauze filters also remove intake restrictions, allowing more air in. The design additionally improves filtering, with benefits directly related to higher engine longevity. Real-world benefits range from higher power and torque compared to non-modded engines, instant throttle response and reduced turbo lag.

Moreover, the improved airflow at optimized volumes, speed and angles creates a deeper and louder engine sound. Lower consumption numbers at everyday engine speeds are another welcome bonus. Consider aftermarket intakes that are compatible with the EcoBoost engine in your Ford. This relates to piping length and width for simple installation. Also consider filter types and the materials in the plumbing to keep intake temperature cool. Lastly, straighter designs with fewer bends are preferred for more efficient airflow.

Pair Intakes with Exhausts

More air in means more air out. Performance exhausts are the other end of the equation in improved airflow. They too rework the stock piping slithering from the exhaust manifold, use better materials, and add a few goodies of their own. Aftermarket exhausts address backpressure and airflow restrictions as the main gripes in production systems. These hinder engine efficiency and subsequently how much power and torque the engines can produce.

By going with wider and more uniform diameters, straight-through designs and fewer bends, performance exhausts ramp up power numbers. Estimates are that full turbo-back systems can add up to 10 per cent more power, or roughly 20 to 30 horses in the engines mentioned above. Low-end torque is also higher, rectifying the missing pulling power from get-go, especially compared to the larger displacement 5-liter V8s. This means cars are eager from standstill, accelerate faster and have more torque for higher top speeds.

Exhausts aren’t just about power, though. Optimized designs directly translate to a bigger, badder exhaust sound with more character. Materials are also more durable, able to withstand higher temperatures in heat cycling, and more impact in everyday mishaps. The piping lasts longer in impact from road obstacles such as speed bumps and potholes, and the high-grade steel alloys do a better job of preventing rust.

Ford owners can additionally add a little style, with chromed or black powder-coated finishes and more variety in the tip shapes, designs and layouts. When buying, again consider vehicle compatibility, pipe widths and materials. 3″ steel is the entry to better performance, but buyers can also opt for carbon fiber, titanium, or Inconel for even higher strength and heat resistance, while skimming off quite a bit of weight.

Manage Excess Heat with Aftermarket Intercoolers

Early 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines had intercooler issues. Namely, the design with ineffective drainage channels caused condensation buildup, resulting in misfires, rough idling, power loss and stalling. For improved reliability across the board of different engine layouts, aftermarket intercoolers are the prime performance EcoBoost upgrade. They cool higher volumes of compressed air, help increase power and torque by preventing heat soak, and ensure more efficient turbo spooling.

The lower intake temperatures also ward off engine knock and premature detonation. The additional boost is also the prerequisite for more serious power mods with improved heat management. Consider front-mounted air-to-air types with bigger core, coil and fin layouts over top-mounted types as more affordable options. Or go with air-to-water intercoolers for a denser air charge and more efficient cooling in cars with limited space.

Both types surpass factory units with better materials for improved durability. A key differences are the aluminum end tanks instead of flimsy plastic types and the large inlet and outlet diameters for higher air volume. Both prevent clogging, leaks and reduced longevity, both in the turbo and engine as a whole.

Final Thoughts

Regardless if you’re buying suspension, bodywork or engine upgrades for your EcoBoost-powered Ford car or truck, consider trusted brands with parts that are compatible with your model. Air intakes, exhausts and intercoolers deal with the minor issues in production Fords. The parts, however provide a significant power boost, increase durability and style with better builds and materials and keep your EcoBoost maintenance-free for longer.