Here’s the latest by a popular Ford mechanic on some good to know info if you should ever be faced with an EcoBoost engine swap with your Ford F-150 that includes an important point about why you cannot totally rely on repair manual instructions.
Engine Swap for a Ford F-150
Sometimes that used Ford F-150 you might find on a lot or in a personal ad just might be worth junking the engine and starting fresh with either the same…or even better---an upgraded version of the same engine model type. Especially if the remainder of the truck is in pretty decent condition and has the esthetics of making it a keeper.
One example of the validity of doing this was recently discussed in a FordTechMakuloco YouTube channel episode where the host (Brian) does a show and tell of a 2017 Ford F-150 with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine that had seen better days and better performance after about 200,000 miles.
Related article: Two of The Most Commonly Misdiagnosed Noises in Ford 5.4L 3v Triton Engines
Should you be faced with a similar decision about whether or not an engine swap is worthwhile and what it takes to either DIY or have it done by another garage, the show and tell provides a lot of detail on what to expect and some decisions you will have to make along the way.
The Value of the Video
The value of the video can be found with Brian’s take on some of the issues/decisions:
• Should the body be raised or removed to make the swap easier?
• How your cab type needs to be considered before lifting the body.
• Important points about differences with an upgraded engine version.
• Other upgrades you may want to include.
• Why you have to watch out for aftermarket additions.
2017 Ford F-150 3.5L Ecoboost Engine Swap: Is Body Removal Really Necessary?
And finally…
In case you missed it, the point referred to earlier about why you should not rely totally on what a repair manual states describing engine removal or raising the body as demonstrated by Brian is that unexpected aftermarket parts installed by the previous owner, or another garage can get in the way---and if not watched for…result in damage or injury.
For additional articles related to engines, here are a few for your consideration:
• Ford EcoBoost Engine Replacement Issue with These Model Years You Need to Know
• Engine Swap, Rebuild and Conversion Warning for Beginners
• Engine Swapping Expert Reveals the Realities About Engine Replacement
Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.
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