I'm looking to start a new project with my 2015 3.5L EB 4WD, but I'm pretty new to this stuff so was hoping I could get help with a few questions. The truck is completely stock right now. I'll leave my list of parts/plan at the bottom for reference

1. I'm inclined to use Livernois for my tuner because of their reputation, but I don't know how this stuff works when it comes to doing dyno tunes since I don't live near Livernois I obviously won't be on their dyno. Do I just find a local dyno shop and use whatever tuner they like?
2. At what point do the stock IWE's and/or transfer case reach their torque limit? I've already had both IWE's replaced from street driving, the tech told me they're plastic? Are there aftermarket options for either?
3. Catch can? I read somewhere something about vacuum leaks when using them?
4. I won't have access to 93 octane locally, 91 is all there is, is that -2 octane going to rob me of much?
5. Why are there exhaust header options for the 5.0 and the NA 3.5, but not the ecoboosts? It seems like there's a simple answer that's going to make me look dumb.

Build list and rough timeframes, please critique, if I'm installing something pointless or need to re-prioritize, please let me know

• First stage
  • Cold Air Intake -- JLT Cold Air Intake
  • Catback -- Borla Touring 2 Side Exit Exhaust
  • Downpipe -- Stainless Works Catted Downpipe
  • Thermostat -- Livernois Evenflo Thermostat
  • Tuner -- Livernois MyCalibrator Touch
• Second stage
  • Throttle Body -- https://www.stage3motorsports.com/1822-1-2011-2013-F150-37L-BBK-73MM-Throttle-Body.html $449.00]BBK 73MM Throttle Body
  • Intercooler -- Moshimoto Intercooler
  • Exhaust Manifold -- CRP Full Bore Exhaust Manifolds
  • Fuel Pump -- Livernois Firestorm High Pressure Fuel Pump
• Third stage
  • Turbos -- Garrett Power Max

 

You can get 'headers' for your truck, they're just called manifolds like you have listed in stage two.

Cold air: waste of $$
Cat back: waste of money, sounds like ****
Downpipe: read good things about them.
Thermostat: No power but helps keep temps in check
Tuner: best bang for the buck
Throttle body: I've heard tuning for them can be a pain
Intercooler: not much if any gain in power but will keep intake temps in check
Exhaust Manifolds: Same as the headers you mentioned before
Fuel pump: probably not needed depending on the type of fuel yo're going to run
Turbos: No comment/answer.

 

You are absolutely going to HATE that borla exhaust. They do not engineer their systems for the ecoboost, and with the downpipe it's going to just sound terrible, awful, no-good, very-bad when driving. It may even sound terrible idling.

As for the tuner....meh, if it were me I'd go n-gauge and 5 star tunes.
Honestly, even with turbos I don't think you'll need a throttle body.

 

Not the first time I've heard that about cold air intakes, I guess I'll axe that one. I'm surprised though to hear it about catbacks, I would have figured they'd contribute at least something.

Sounds like my plan needs work. Are there any good upgrades I missed?

Borla exhaust--really? All I have to go off of is youtube videos with sound clips and the Borla Touring sounded the best to me. Are there any exhausts that work well with the ecoboost? And what is the downpipe going to do to the exhaust note by itself? Couldn't find a sound clip for that one

And same question, any upgrades I missed that I should get?

 

go to AmericanTrucks' website. they actually have video of the exhausts when driving, not just idle revving. Truck's true nature is when it's under load. Even then, it'll be a crapshoot for you because you're doing a catted downpipe, which will change tone and volume.

Honestly, I recommend as big a cat back as you can get, since you're going after flow. 3" or larger, and whatever you get, you'll need a twister muffler in there to decrease drone and volume.

I ended up getting the heartthrob 4" cat back in mild steel,but they have stainless available. It sounds great IMO, but I added the twister muffler to decrease drone and volume and now it's just about perfect.

 

My quick thoughts. Please remember that this is only my opinion and yours is the one that matters here.

• First stage
  • Cold Air Intake -- Not needed, but can aid in easier cleanings and more turbo noise if you like.
  • Catback -- I like the videos of the SPD exhaust. All the other ones are meh at best and horrible at worst.
  • Downpipe -- I am a big fan of the AMS downpipe or most likely the soon to be released CVF downpipe. I am waiting on their specs.
  • Thermostat -- Just be sure to only go as low as a 170 if you are in colder climates.
  • Tuner -- I have an SCT. I kinda wish I went with an Ngauge. Ngauge would be better for your build.
• Second stage
  • Throttle Body -- Seems unnecessary based on feedback on this site. However, if yours fails maybe then?
  • Intercooler --The CVF intercooler pricing cannot be beat. Otherwise, I am considering a Garrett or Wagner IC. THIS SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR FIRST ROUND.
  • Exhaust Manifold -- OK. But why not do this when you do the turbos?
  • Fuel Pump -- Some will say yes, some no. If you're going E30+ then definitely yes! Otherwise, this is good but expensive insurance against fuel starvation. However, you should probably start with the in-tank pump first.
• Third stage
  • Turbos -- Most of the "bolt on" turbos are good. Seems like CRP bored turbos have been used more on this site.

By the time you get to stage 2 or 3, you will want to consider the below:

• Traction Bars
• Driveshaft
• Blow off valve. the stock electronic valve will not hold against the boost and will leak.

The amount of HP you'll be making is too much for the stock setup and will create some nasty wheel hop.

 

Just my thoughts,

Why are there exhaust header options for the 5.0 and the NA 3.5, but not the ecoboosts? It seems like there's a simple answer that's going to make me look dumb. Turbos are mounted directly to the manifold and need water and oil from the engine, large port manifolds are available

Build list and rough timeframes, please critique, if I'm installing something pointless or need to re-prioritize, please let me know

• First stage
•  
  • Cold Air Intake -- JLT Cold Air Intake OEM is CAI and flows pretty well
  • Catback -- Borla Touring 2 Side Exit Exhaust sound is up to you, I like as big as possible in diameter and a single large straight thru muffler single exhaust
  • Downpipe -- Stainless Works Catted Downpipe
  • Thermostat -- Livernois Evenflo Thermostat no improvement
  • Tuner -- Livernois MyCalibrator Touch your choice of a large selection of reputable choices
• Second stage
  • Throttle Body -- https://www.stage3motorsports.com/1822-1-2011-2013-F150-37L-BBK-73MM-Throttle-Body.html $449.00]BBK 73MM Throttle Body not really needed
  • Intercooler -- Moshimoto Intercooler move to first stage
  • Exhaust Manifold -- CRP Full Bore Exhaust Manifolds
  • Fuel Pump -- Livernois Firestorm High Pressure Fuel Pump high pressure pumps fall in when using alcohol and have large potential
• Third stage
  • Turbos -- Garrett Power Max more air affects the whole system power tread carefully

 

Where should I start? Best bang/buck performance (other than a tuner), what should I be installing first?

 

I don't have an EB motor but I've owned a turbo vehicle with mods. My suggestion for your first mod is a tune. The intercooler will come into play in the warmer months and I would expect a reduction in power gains from your tune with heat soak after some romping. The IC would be my second mod if I had an EB motor but ideally as another poster suggested, I would do both at once. More boost makes more heat and that's what most any power increasing tune is going to do. 5 star or other tuners like MPT or Omega should be able to help you figure this out.

 

I’d start with a tune and intercooler. If you want to keep going after that (because you are stuck with 91 octane) personally I’d find an intake manifold from the junkyard and drill/tap it for direct port meth injection.