Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Engine for Sale | Twin Turbo V6 (1st and 2nd Gen)

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:

What Is Included, What Is Not Included

Vehicle Compatibility, Direct Fit

Direct factory applications:

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.

Common Names and Search Terms

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.

FAQs

What is the difference between 1st gen and 2nd gen 3.5 EcoBoost?