Those of you with a 2017-2020 3.5L that have replaced the stock BOV with the TurboSmart BOV:

In the event you're unhappy with the new sound or otherwise want to return to a fully stock method of plumbing the air, is it possible with the hardware provided to simply vent this like factory and treat it as nothing more than a BOV upgrade to accommodate more boost?

 

I don't believe from looking at it that it is designed to vent like stock and recirculate unfortunately.

I looked at both the electronic one and the vacuum reference one, both don't seem to be able to hook to the tube for recirculation.

 

I didn’t think so either, but without everything sitting in front of me I wasn’t for sure. They could have an add on for all I know to allow a factory plumbing but I haven’t seen anything.

 

Someone should make one, because that's stupid obviously lol.

 

I installed my Turbosmart Smartport BOV today. I like it, and believe I will enjoy it going forward. The installation was very simple, just a little time consuming.
Pros: Solid construction that will last, and capable of handling more boost than the plastic factory BOV. Should regulate with improved efficiency as well. I enjoy the pissshhh sound expected from a vent to atmosphere BOV, and I appreciate really only getting the sound if I'm getting into the throttle so its not there all the time as an obnoxious or annoying noise. Realistically, I drive rather conservatively, but when I feel frisky I like to hear the performance as much as I do feeling it.

Cons: The only thing I really don't like is the BOV sound while idling. Note, you cannot hear it while in the cab, only outside. It's not loud, but it's there. To me, it sounds a bit like there is a lawn sprinkler under the hood. There is this constant pish pish pish pish in line with the normal "tic" idling sound of the engine. By no means a deal breaker, but a notably out of place and if it were something I could address with a simple manufacturer mod I would.

 

Your "con" is hilarious. Now that you have it installed and know what you're working with, do you think that you would be able to make it recirculate as you asked earlier?

 

Outside of a manufacturer modification, I don’t believe it’s possible. If Turbo smart were to make a version that did recirculate like factory, I would consider the replacement in order to maintain my upgrade but nix the odd noise.

 

So to follow up, I reached out to Turbosmart regarding the annoying noise and received a very helpful response. Our conversation is still ongoing to cover some specific questions I have, but I'll fill you in with what I have thus far as it will certainly assist others down the road.

So the sound isn't caused by the BOV itself. The sound is coming from the provided reinforced silicone hose that replaces the OE EVAP hose. Why you ask? The OE EVAP hose is hard plastic encased in rubber/foam and prevents the sound coming from the EVAP valve from resonating. The silicone hose is soft and able to expand and carries all the resonating sound.

Turbosmart addressed the issue in house on another F150. They omitted the provided boost reference adapter that connects to the OE EVAP Circuit and the BOV.

Instead, they modified the OE EVAP hose by cutting it and securing a metal T Fitting in line. Each end of the OE EVAP hose connects to it's original location. The remaining barb on the T Fitting is for the silicone vacuum hose that connects to the BOV itself.

Bingo, sound is gone.

When I have answers to my other questions, assuming I get them, I'll post any additional info here.

Install video for those that are interested in the installation process:

 

What size Tee is required for this version of the install?

 

Oh, my stock BOV is electronic, which is very different from this one.