Description
About This Engine
The Ford 3.5L EcoBoost is the twin turbocharged 3.5 liter V6 that has powered the F-150 since 2011, the Raptor since 2017, the Expedition since 2018, the Lincoln Navigator since 2018, the Transit van since 2015, and the Ford GT supercar (in modified form). Built around an aluminum block with forged crankshaft, forged steel rods, and Ti-VCT cam timing, the 3.5 EcoBoost combines twin parallel turbochargers (one per cylinder bank) with direct injection (1st gen) or dual fuel injection (2nd gen) to deliver V8 levels of power and torque from a 3.5 liter package.
The 1st generation (2011 to 2016) was Ford's first volume production EcoBoost in a full size truck. It produced 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque in stock F-150 trim. The Raptor (2017 onward) used the high output 3.5 EcoBoost producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. The 2nd generation (2017 onward) introduced dual fuel injection (port + direct) to address the well-known carbon buildup issue of pure direct injection engines, along with revised cylinder heads, updated intake, and improved cam timing.
The 3.5 EcoBoost is the workhorse of Ford's modern truck and SUV lineup. A documented used OEM unit with verified generation, timing chain status, and turbocharger condition is the right path for high mileage F-150, Raptor, Expedition, or Navigator owners replacing a tired or failed engine. We document the generation, donor vehicle, and known service issues on every unit before shipping.
Signs You Need a Replacement Engine
- Timing chain rattle on cold start (well known 1st gen issue, TSB 14-0194)
- Cam phaser tick or rattle, especially at idle
- Coolant loss without visible leak (water pump driven internally by timing chain, common 1st gen issue)
- Turbocharger whine, hiss, or shaft play indicating bearing wear
- Carbon buildup misfire on 1st gen direct injection units (P0301 to P0306 codes)
- Loss of power and boost, indicating wastegate or BOV failure
- Oil consumption beyond 1 quart per 2,000 miles
- Spark plug fouling on cylinders 1, 3, or 5 (passenger bank indication)
Known Issues With This Engine
- Timing chain wear: 1st gen 3.5 EcoBoost has a well documented timing chain wear issue. Ford issued TSB 14-0194 outlining a chain replacement procedure. By 100,000 to 150,000 miles many 1st gen units need a chain set, water pump, and tensioner refresh. We document chain condition and any rework history.
- Internal water pump: The water pump is driven by the timing chain on 1st gen units. When it fails, coolant enters the oil. This is a major service item and requires removing the engine front cover. We inspect for coolant in oil on every unit.
- Carbon buildup on 1st gen direct injection: Pure direct injection (1st gen) leads to carbon buildup on intake valves. Symptoms appear around 80,000 to 120,000 miles. Walnut blasting or chemical induction service is the standard fix. 2nd gen units do not have this issue due to dual injection.
- Cam phaser tick: Both generations can develop cam phaser noise, especially at idle. Updated phasers are available from Ford and aftermarket. We listen for cam phaser noise on running units.
- Turbocharger wastegate rattle: A common cold start sound on aged turbos. Not always failure, but disclosed on inspection.
- Spark plug change interval: 60,000 miles, not 100,000. Worn plugs cause misfires that can damage catalytic converters.
- Generation matters: 1st gen and 2nd gen are NOT direct swaps. ECU, intake, and head differences make swaps complicated.
3.5 EcoBoost Variants by Year and Output
Verified output figures sourced from Ford technical data:
| Variant | Years | Application | HP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 1st gen | 2011 to 2016 | F-150, Expedition | 365 hp | Original 3.5 EB. 420 lb-ft. |
| Standard 2nd gen | 2017 onward | F-150 | 375 hp | Dual injection. 470 lb-ft. |
| HO 2nd gen (Raptor) | 2017 onward | F-150 Raptor, Limited | 450 hp | Higher boost, forged pistons. 510 lb-ft. |
| Raptor R replacement | 2023 onward | F-150 Raptor | 450 hp | Continued HO 3.5 EB option. |
| Expedition / Navigator | 2018 onward | Expedition, Navigator | 400 hp | Tuned for SUV calibration. |
| Transit van | 2015 onward | Transit | 310 hp | Detuned for van duty. |
| Ford GT (modified) | 2017 to 2022 | Ford GT supercar | 660 hp | Heavily modified. Not interchangeable with truck units. |
| The Raptor HO 3.5 EcoBoost (450 hp, 510 lb-ft) is the highest output factory 3.5 EB in trucks. Standard F-150 and Expedition units are interchangeable within their generation but the HO unit has unique pistons and ECU calibration. We confirm HO status before shipping. |
|---|
What Is Included, What Is Not Included
| INCLUDED, Long Block | Block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, cylinder heads, valve train, oil pan, valve covers, timing cover, water pump (internal, on 1st gen), turbocharger pair as configured. |
|---|---|
| NOT INCLUDED | Intake manifold (often donor specific), fuel rails and injectors, ignition coils, accessory drive components, ECU, harness, flywheel or flexplate, charge air cooler, exhaust manifolds (sometimes). |
| Short Block Option | Call (240) 301-0095 if you need a short block only. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
Vehicle Compatibility, Direct Fit
Direct factory applications:
| Ford F-150 | 2011 to present (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited) |
|---|---|
| Ford F-150 Raptor | 2017 to present (HO 3.5 EcoBoost) |
| Ford F-150 Tremor | 2021 to present |
| Ford F-150 Limited | 2018 to present (HO 3.5 EcoBoost) |
| Ford Expedition | 2018 to present |
| Ford Expedition Max | 2018 to present |
| Ford Transit | 2015 to present (heavy duty applications) |
| Ford Flex | 2013 to 2019 (1st gen only) |
| Lincoln Navigator | 2018 to present |
| Lincoln MKT | 2010 to 2019 |
| Lincoln MKS | 2010 to 2016 |
| Police Interceptor (Taurus / Explorer based) | 2013 to 2019 |
Transmission compatibility: Ford 6R80 6-speed automatic (1st gen 2011 to 2016 trucks). Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic (2nd gen 2017 onward and most current applications). The 3.5 EcoBoost was never offered with a manual transmission in any factory vehicle.
Not sure if this fits your truck or SUV? Call (240) 301-0095 with your year, model, and trim. We confirm generation and HO status before every order ships.
Common Names and Search Terms
| 3.5 EcoBoost | Most common technical search |
|---|---|
| 3.5L EcoBoost | Liter format |
| F-150 EcoBoost | Vehicle specific search |
| Ford twin turbo V6 | Architecture search |
| GTDI 3.5 | Direct injection format |
| Raptor 3.5 EB | Raptor specific |
| 1st gen EcoBoost | 2011 to 2016 search |
| 2nd gen EcoBoost | 2017 onward search |
| Expedition EcoBoost | Expedition specific |
| Navigator EcoBoost | Navigator specific |
Used OEM vs Rebuilt vs Built 3.5 EcoBoost
A documented used OEM 3.5 EcoBoost from a known donor (low mileage F-150 or Expedition) with verified compression, timing chain status, and turbocharger condition is the most cost effective replacement option for high mileage trucks and SUVs. Pricing is roughly one third of a Ford reman or aftermarket built unit. Our 3.5 EcoBoost engines are compression tested, generation confirmed, and timing chain status disclosed.
A Ford reman 3.5 EcoBoost long block typically runs $7,500 to $11,000 plus core charge. The reman includes new chain, water pump, gaskets, and updated cam phasers (1st gen). This is the right path for warranty work or for owners who want a backed factory replacement.
A built 3.5 EcoBoost from a performance shop (Livernois, Whipple, Hennessey) targeting 600 to 800 plus horsepower runs $11,000 to $20,000 plus. Built makes sense for tuned Raptor builds, drag race F-150 projects, or boosted Ford GT replicas.
Condition and Inspection Process
- Compression test across all 6 cylinders, pressure per cylinder recorded
- Visual inspection of block for cracks and oil leaks
- Generation confirmed via casting and intake identification (1st or 2nd gen)
- Timing chain inspection: stretch measured, tensioner condition recorded
- Water pump leak inspection (internal water pump on 1st gen)
- Cam phaser noise check on running units
- Both turbochargers inspected: shaft play, oil leak, wastegate function
- Spark plug condition documented across all 6 cylinders
- Donor vehicle and mileage disclosed where available
Mileage on 3.5 EcoBoost engines is documented from the donor vehicle when available. We document timing chain condition and any prior chain rework history because that is the single biggest concern for buyers of 1st gen units.
Buyer Tips, What to Know Before You Order
- Confirm generation first. 1st gen (2011 to 2016) and 2nd gen (2017 onward) are not direct swaps. ECU, intake, and head architecture differ.
- 1st gen units: Plan for a complete timing chain refresh at install regardless of indicated condition. Chain, tensioner, water pump, and front cover gaskets are all wear items to address together.
- 2nd gen units: Generally more reliable. Dual fuel injection eliminates the carbon buildup issue. Plan for spark plugs and a fluid service at install.
- Raptor HO units have unique pistons and calibration. Do not substitute a standard 3.5 EB into a Raptor without ECU re flash and acceptance of lower output.
- Turbocharger inspection is critical. Both turbos should spin freely with minimal shaft play and no visible oil leakage.
- Oil change interval: 5,000 miles maximum, full synthetic only. The 3.5 EcoBoost is hard on oil under boost and tow duty.
Why Buy From Vaz Auto Solutions
- Generation confirmed before you pay (1st or 2nd gen)
- HO status documented (Raptor / Limited variants)
- Timing chain condition disclosed (critical for 1st gen buyers)
- Both turbochargers inspected, shaft play and wastegate function documented
- Donor vehicle and mileage disclosed where available
- All 6 cylinders compression tested, results shared before order is confirmed
- Fitment verified for your specific F-150, Raptor, Expedition, or Navigator
- No core charge, keep your old engine
- Free crated freight delivery to all 50 states
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal engine defects
- Call (240) 301-0095, talk to someone who actually understands the 1st gen timing chain TSB and the 1st vs 2nd gen differences
Greg M., Phoenix AZ –
Bought a 1st gen 3.5 EB from Vaz to replace mine after the timing chain destroyed itself at 178,000 miles. Vaz confirmed this was a 2015 unit with a documented chain refresh at 95,000 miles, plus all 6 cylinders compression tested at 175 to 185 psi. Both turbos verified healthy. Engine arrived crated and undamaged. Truck has been running clean for four months and pulling our 7,500 lb camper without issues.
Jennifer Lee (verified owner) –
Got the F150 3.5 EcoBoost engine from Find Auto Parts Online for my 2019 F-150. It arrived fast and delivers amazing torque and responsiveness. Great upgrade!
Matthew Evans (verified owner) –
Bought the F150 3.5 EcoBoost engine from Find Auto Parts Online for my F-150 Platinum. It’s boosted my truck’s performance with strong acceleration and fuel efficiency. Very happy!
Sarah T., Bozeman MT –
Replaced the 3.5 EcoBoost in our family Expedition after a major coolant intrusion event. Vaz had a 2nd gen unit available, confirmed dual injection, and pulled it from a 2019 Navigator with verified low mileage. The 2nd gen reliability has been excellent. Two months in, no issues, no oil consumption, runs strong. Vaz also called me back twice to confirm the year matched my truck before processing the order.