jake17201

does anyone know of some high HP ecoboosts yet? I am kind of concerned about the bottom end. Hypereutectic pistons and powder metal rods dont seem like a good recipe for high boost and high hp. Just looking back at a few boosted cars and there bottom ends.

gen 2 lightning- forged pistons powdered rods ( 450rwhp and they liked to chunk rods)
03-04 cobra were forged all the way through and handle 500rwhp plus with ease

Maybe im old school and behind the times on technology but silicone pistons/powder rods and boost were always a no no. Just looking to hear your thoughts.

EBinMT

while testing ethanol injection, ford modified an EB to have both ethanol direct injection and gas port injection. Dyno numbers stock were 300hp, 350tq. Modified was 315hp, 553tq. "The experimental engine was limited by the engine block’s ability to handle higher compression ratios." looks like the limiting factor was the block, not pistons. I think the hyper pistons got a bad rap from their lesser ability to withstand detonation. I believe the new ford engines all have knock sensors that, if working as intended, should prevent detonation. This is how they get away with using cheaper internals vs forged. Detonation is the killer of these parts. However, I think some 5.0 mustang owners are finding that a knock sensor isn't 100% fool proof.

Silver Streak

The pm rods manufacturing process is not the weak link in the process. It is the ingredients used. PM rods are getting better all the time. Ford is specifying better ingredients to make rods stronger for these engines plus some changes in the design. The combustion process is closely controlled by the direct injection to lessen the "shock" that these engines experience during the power stroke. These engines have very strong blocks and cranks. I think the 3.5 could handle much higher power levels and we will find out for sure in the coming years as hot rodders push the envelope.
My guess is that we will find the 3.5 EB is a wonderful engine.

TJPlatinumEB

Granted it was a straight 6 and not a V6, but the 2JZ-GTE in the 93.5-98 Supra's had Hyper pistons and powder rods same as EB. That motor has made over 1000rwhp on the STOCK bottom end. It won't last long at that level, but there are MANY MANY 600-700rwhp cars with stock bottom ends running around without difficulty and reliably all day long.

Bottom line, I wouldn't be worried about the pistons.

jcain

No doubt its the turbos at this point.

DieselDawg

It will likely be limited more by what cylinder pressures it can handle...in the Otto Cycle.

engineermike

I've posted this before, but four basic inputs go into determining if something will fail.

1. Load
2. Geometry
3. Lifespan (if in fatigue service)
4. Material

Material is only one part of the equation and geometry has a very large influence.

For example, aluminum rods are popular in ultra-high hp engines, but if you look at them you can see the geometry is modified to keep the stress low, and the lifespan is limited also. Powdered metal is generally much stronger than aluminum.

Its never as simple as saying, "material A is stronger than material B, so parts made from material A will not fail as much".

jake17201

I think the ecoboost will live to be a great motor in near stock form. But hyper pistons with tight wall clearances, high compression and high boost in stock form will limit its potential. I dont think it will develop the hp reputation that the LC2 GN motor or 2JZ's have.

As others have mentioned I have heard as well that the ecoboost's have a very well developed knock sensor system. Id be curious to hear more about it. That would be the key to keeping these things together with big fuel big air.

Does anyone have any information about the auto adjustment for octane rating? Ive heard that they will adjust if you had 93 and vice versa. How is this possible?

NASSTY

I've seen Grand Nationals make between 500-600hp on the stock block. Usually beyond that people move up to a Stage 2 block.
The Ecoboost block and mains seem to be more stout than the stock GN block and 2 bolt mains.
I think the EB can handle at least 500hp, but it will probly take larger turbos and high octane or methanol injection to get there.

jcain

Watching my dynos tank on the high side leads me to think that ~20psi is all these snails can pump out without being off the maps