5.0GN tow

There is a large long thread on the problem in the towing section and it's mostly related to towing in hot humid climates where the CAC is not large enough to handle the heat soak put on by sustained boost induced heat. There are at least a few aftermarket CAC products now to address the issue. I hope they addressed it for the 2.7 as I see it being in boost even more than the 3.5 especially when towing. Even the article quoted earlier in this thread mentioned the size of the CAC being too small for adequate cooling under load.

BobSchuman

Heat is an issue for all engines and turbos generate heat. Ford may be on the way to solving it.

5.0GN tow

I sure hope so. I tow heavy loads with my trucks and that is why I have steered clear of the eco for now in the trucks.

GriffFX4

Well, yeah heat is an issue on any engine but especially in forced induction. It's not the engine overheating that hurts these as much as pre-detonation on the pistons compression stroke. High compression causes the air to heat and if you are using low octane fuel, combustion will happen like a Diesel engines (before TDC and ignition) This is why in the owner's manual Ford recommends using high octane fuel when doing heavy towing with the EB.

GriffFX4

I didn't say you couldn't be skeptical. I was referring to people who are skeptical without basis and relying on misinformed generalizations.

I believe a small engine can crank out power and last if it's built for that purpose. I disagree with it being physics and common sense. Internal combustion engines are very inefficient by nature, especially NA engines.

Technology is not static. Engineers are always finding better ways to do things. One example is the fact 87 octane can be used in either the 5.0 or EcoBoost. In the past high compression engines had to run high octane, especially forced induction engines but technology and engineering has found a way.

elfiero

Well I'm not misinformed and I don't generalize. While I'll agree that in the short term, a purpose built small, forced induction engine is as good as a larger NA engine for a specific task. I do not agree however with the insinuation that the little engine will last as long or longer. Forced induction relies on many highly variable components being controlled in a relatively static state. What is the chances of these conditions remaining static for 20 or more years? NA engines are much more forgiving of changes in environment, fuel, humidity, etc. Think about this: you can drag an old '79 corvette out of your grandpa's garage- change the battery, oil, belt's, and pour some gas down the carb and it will start. Would you like to try the same thing in about 30 years on a '11 Ecoboost F150 that has 150,000 miles on it? You could say the V8 version might not start either, but the turbo's wouldn't be rusted up and there wouldn't be critters living in the CAC. For day to day use, by folks that keep their trucks for a few years and trade them, Ecoboost's are just fine! Keep that sucker for more than ten years and/or about 120,000 miles and I guarantee it will eat you out of house and home.

GriffFX4

Neglect will kill any engine. We are talking wear and tear.

GriffFX4

Ok, since I brought up generalizations, let's get more in detail in our cordial discussion/debate.

What components specifically are you guys concerned with in the EcoBoost not being durable enough for a Turbo application?

HardcoreOffroading

Idk making a v6 even tho it has the turbos produce as much power as a v8 just doesnt sound good. The 5.0 doesnt even work that hard and I think the 5.0 will last a lot longer IMO but only time will tell.

GriffFX4

I don't think I would say the EB is working harder, it's just more efficient power-wise. I get what your saying though. Its reasonable to think that.

Now, if we are talking about whether Ford is capable of building a reliable FI engine, or whether they can build reliable FI engines for a reasonable cost, is another topic.

Im just wondering what specifically everyone is scared of? The turbos longevity itself? Bottom end? Intercooler? Bearings?