The Ford 2.3 EcoBoost vs. 2.7 EcoBoost. Since their introductions in 2015, the Ford 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoost engines have earned solid reputations. Some Ford fans were initially sceptical about their reduced displacement and turbocharged aspiration. However, the 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoosts have mostly silenced their detractors by providing smooth and effortless power while retaining high levels of reliability and longevity.
The 2.3 L EcoBoost engine is most famously linked with the Ford Mustang 2015+ and the Ford Focus RS 2016-2018. The 2.7L EcoBoost, on the other hand, powers both the 2015 and later Ford F-150 and the 2021 and later Ford Bronco. The 2.3L is an inline-4 and the 2.7L is a V6, yet they share a surprising lot of similarities. They both use modern technology such as direct injection and twin-scroll turbos and have similar performance specifications.
This tutorial will teach you all you need to know about Ford’s 2.3L and 2.7L EcoBoost engines. We’ll look at their history, dependability, performance, and, of course, potential tweaks and improvements below. Prepare to dig in and take a close look at both of Ford’s high-performance EcoBoost engines.
Ford 2.3 vs. 2.7 EcoBoost Comparison
Ford began developing EcoBoost engines in the late 2000s, and their concept was straightforward. They intended to create smaller engines with direct injection and turbochargers that could produce the same amount of horsepower and torque as their larger displacement predecessors. Furthermore, the smaller engines and direct injection offered improved fuel economy while lowering emissions outputs.
The Ford 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoost engines debuted for the 2015 model year. They each had over 300 horsepower, and critics quickly praised their outstanding power delivery and wider power band. Ford initially only offered the 2.3L in Mustang and Lincoln MKC vehicles, while the 2.7L was available in F-150 and Edge Sport variants. Both engines are produced at Ford factories in Cleveland and Lima, Ohio, making them entirely American-made.
In 2018, Ford made minor changes to both engines, increasing power and making internal upgrades to the 2.7L. Both the 2017 Dallara Stradale and the 2016+ Zenos E10 R have updated versions of the 2.3L engine, which has found its way into some fairly interesting race cars. Both engines are still operational in 2022 and show no signs of slowing down.
Ford EcoBoost Specifications
Applications for Ford EcoBoost
Applications for the 2.3L EcoBoost
- Ford Mustang EcoBoost 2015+
- Ford Explorer 2016 and later
- Ford Focus RS* (2016-2018)
- Ford Focus ST (2019+)
- Ford Ranger 2019+
- Ford Everest 2020+
- Ford Bronco 2021+
- MKC 2015-2019 Lincoln
- Lincoln Corsair 2020+
* For maximum cooling, the Ford Focus RS employs a slightly modified version of the 2.3 EcoBoost engine with altered coolant passageways.
Applications for the 2.7L EcoBoost
- 2015+ Ford F-150
- Ford Edge Sport 2015-2018
- Ford Fusion Sport (2017-2019)
- Ford Edge ST (2019+)
- MKX (Lincoln MKX) 2016-2018
- Lincoln Continental 2017-2020
- Lincoln Nautilus 2019
Ford 2.3 EcoBoost Concept
There are parallels and variations between the Ford 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoost engines. The Ford 2.3L EcoBoost engine is based on the previous generation 2.0L engine seen in the Ford Focus ST and Fusion. It has the same bore as the previous model, but Ford extended the stroke, giving it the bigger 0.3L displacement. It’s an inline-4 aluminium block with direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger producing 17-20 PSI of boost. The 2.3L engine has a forged crankshaft and connecting rods, a high pressure oil pump, piston cooling jets, and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.
In addition, the 2.3L boasts bigger exhaust valves and high flow cylinder heads with an integrated exhaust manifold. Ford combines this with a redesigned intake manifold to significantly boost throughput over the previous 2.0 L. The 2.3L is Ford’s largest displacement four-cylinder engine, as well as its most powerful.
Ford 2.7L EcoBoost Concept
The 2.7L EcoBoost engine was designed by Ford to be a one-of-a-kind engine. It has the same direct injection and twin-scroll turbocharged aspiration as the 2.3 L, but it has a slew of other significant enhancements. For one thing, it has a twin-turbo design instead of a single turbo, although they both produce 17-19 PSI of boost. The 2.7’s block is likewise extremely different. It’s a two-piece block with a top composed of compacted graphite iron, the same material used in Ford’s 3.0 and 6.7 Power Stroke engines. The bottom block is die-cast aluminium with ladder-frame reinforcement for cylinder reinforcement.
Ford made significant changes to the 2.7L EcoBoost in 2018. They increased port fuelling, installed a new EGR system, and made design and additive improvements to reduce cylinder friction. Ford also fitted new camshafts, a new dual chain camshaft drive system, and new turbochargers with electronically activated wastegates to the revised 2.7 EcoBoosts.
Fuel Injection Direct Injection (GDI)
One of the most noteworthy differences between the 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoost engines is direct injection. Petrol direct injection, or GDI or DI for short, is a relatively new technology developed by Bosch in Germany in the 1950s. It did not, however, become widespread in mass-produced vehicles in North America until the mid-2000s.
GDI fuel systems operate at significantly higher pressure levels than port fuelling systems. High pressure gasoline pumps pressurise fuel at 2-3,000 PSI, which is 50 times more than port fuelling systems. Instead of injecting atomized fuel upstream, GDI injects it directly into the combustion chamber. This enables extremely precise fuel injection timing, which significantly cuts emissions while improving fuel efficiency and performance.
The disadvantage of GDI is the significantly greater production costs, as well as the increased complexity of the systems. GDI fuel injectors are significantly more expensive than regular counterparts, and GDI systems include an additional fuel pump. The typical in-tank fuel pump is included, as well as a high-pressure fuel pump located directly upstream of the injectors and fuel rails. Unfortunately, these high pressure gasoline pumps have not always been reliable, and they are costly to replace. Furthermore, DI engines are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves.
Ford 2.3 EcoBoost vs. 2.7 EcoBoost: Reliability
Overall, the 2.3L and 2.7L EcoBoost engines are quite dependable. Although they have only been available for seven years, they have proven to be extremely durable. Neither engine has major problems, and we rate them as above-average in terms of reliability. 200,000 miles or more should not be ruled out for either engine.
Proper maintenance and following the OEM maintenance schedule are essential for a long-lasting EcoBoost engine. To compensate for the additional stress, those with modded or tuned engines should do maintenance at even shorter intervals. There have been a few isolated occurrences of catastrophic engine failure with minimal mileage, but those are quite rare. Anyone who has a properly maintained and cared for EcoBoost should be quite confident in its dependability and endurance.
Previously, we looked at frequent issues with the 2.3L EcoBoost and the 2.7L EcoBoost, so make sure to read those tutorials as well. We’ll just summarise both of those guides below.
Common Issues with EcoBoost
The most serious faults with the 2.3L EcoBoost include excessive underbody heat, carbon buildup, and head gasket failure. The high underbody temperatures and head gasket failures affected just roughly 23,000 2015 and 2016 models, and Ford promptly resolved the issues.
Carbon buildup is a natural and expected side effect of the EcoBoost’s DI system. Carbon buildup will have no effect on 95% of EcoBoost engines. However, in extreme circumstances, it might result in misfiring, harsh idling, and power loss. The cure to carbon accumulation is walnut blasting the valves, but the problem will reoccur regardless.
The most common issues with the 2.7L EcoBoost include oil pan leaks, spark plugs and ignition coils, and carbon buildup. The turbocharged aspiration causes the spark plug and ignition coil problems. High cylinder pressures in turbo engines increase stress and wear on ignition components such as coil packs and spark plugs. These EcoBoosts are known to degrade quickly, making them a typical concern.
With the 2018 revisions, Ford addressed both the oil pan leaks and the carbon buildup on the 2.7. They improved the oil pan design to improve sealing and added extra port injection to prevent carbon buildup on the intake valves.
Ford 2.3 EcoBoost versus. 2.7 EcoBoost Performance
We’ve already discussed the design and reliability of the EcoBoost engines, so let’s move on to their most essential feature: performance. Both of these EcoBoost engines are well-known for their smooth and efficient power delivery.
Depending on the model and performance choices, the 2.3L EcoBoost can produce 270-350 horsepower and 305-350 tq. The DI and twin-scroll turbo work together to generate very early peak torque, causing the car to fly off the line and hurl you back in your seat from the moment you push the gas pedal. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and cover the 14 mile in 13.8 seconds at 99 mph. Even in non-performance variants, the 2.3l EcoBoost is quite responsive and easily matches its larger displacement forebears.
Depending on the model and generation, the 2.7L EcoBoost may produce 315-330 horsepower and 350-415 tq. The horsepower remained constant from the first to the second generation, however Ford increased the torque on the EcoBoost to 400 for the first time. The first generation 2.7L EcoBoost has a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, and the second generation has a capacity of 10,100 pounds. The 2.7’s second turbo enhances the engine’s torque output and curve, allowing for maximum towing capacity while being reliable.
Turbocharged Twin-Scroll Performance
Speaking of turbos, the twin-scroll design of the 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoost turbos improves performance. The twin-scroll design separates the exhaust gas pulses coming out of the exhaust manifold into two ports, or scrolls, that feed into the compressor wheel separately. This results in a smoother flow of exhaust into the turbo, allowing for improved cam timing and more pulse energy. Ford’s tune takes advantage of this, in conjunction with DI, to significantly enhance power output and efficiency on the EcoBoost. It results in a flatter curve and earlier peak torque, while enhancing horsepower throughout the power band.
Upgrades between the Ford 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoost engines
Let’s look at some application-specific modifications now that we’ve looked at the performance of the EcoBoost engines. The 2.3L EcoBoost can produce around 350 whp and 425 wtq, while the 2.7L EcoBoost can produce significantly more, closer to 450 whp and 475 wtq. So, when modding, bear those limitations in mind.
Upgrades for the Ford 2.3L Ranger and Mustang EcoBoost
The 2.3 L EcoBoost engine may be found in the 2015+ Ford Mustang EcoBoost and the 2019+ Ford Ranger. The most significant component of upgrading the 2.3L is increasing turbo efficiency and flow, which is what these mods focus on. Fortunately, we have already thoroughly investigated upgrading both the Mustang EcoBoost and Ranger with the 2.3 engine. Because we already have multiple tutorials on the subject, I’ll just link to them and summarise them here.
Top Ford Mustang EcoBoost performance upgrades for 2015+:
- Tuning
- Intake
- Downpipe
- Intercooler
- Pipe Chargers
Top 2019+ Ford Ranger performance mods:.
- Tuning
- Intake for cold air
- Downpipe with a High Flow Rate
- Intercooler
Full bolt-ons (FBO) combine all of these changes and easily push the Mustang past 350-whp and 375-wtq, and the Ranger past 325-whp and 350-wtq. Check out our guides on how to improve the intake, downpipe, tune and intercooler on the Mustang. Also included are instructions for improving the Ranger’s downpipe and intercooler.
Related : The Guide to the Ford 2.3 EcoBoost Engine
Upgrades for the Ford 2.7 L EcoBoost
While the 2.7 L EcoBoost engine is wonderful, it is a little underpowered out of the box. The fact that its smaller, single-turbocharged sibling, the 2.3 L, produces the same horsepower out of the box suggests that it may be detuned from the factory. In any case, here are the top five performance mods for the 2.7 L EcoBoost:
- Cold Air Intake / Intake
- Downpipes
- Flash Tuning
- FMIC (Fluid-Mounted Intercooler)
- Injection of E85/93 Octane/Methanol
Putting these mods together will result in an extraordinarily powerful 2.7L with excellent reliability – at least until you start pushing too much power. Check out our F-150-specific guides on intercoolers, intakes, and downpipes as well. Check out our FAQ guide for the F-150 2.7 L EcoBoost as well.
Ford 2.3 vs. 2.7 EcoBoost Comparison
Overall, the 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoost engines are packed with cutting-edge technology that delivers excellent performance and dependability. With proper maintenance and care, they are both capable of exceeding 200,000 kilometres. Which one is best for you? It all depends on your requirements and the application you prefer.
The 2.3L engine is more prevalent in performance vehicles such as the Mustang and Focus ST, and it is the ideal option for individuals who want to go fast. Although it lacks the torque of the larger displacement and twin-turbo 2.7L, it still delivers excellent power and response. It also provides better gas mileage than the 2.7L and offers more aftermarket upgrade options.
Ford used the 2.7L in SUVs and trucks that are less focused on performance and more focused on towing capacity. As a result, customers searching for more work-oriented or family-oriented vehicles capable of towing trailers and RVs should check into the 2.7 EcoBoost. Lots of towing capabilities, up to 10,000 lbs for the second generation 2.7L, while still giving rapid power delivery around town.
