The Ultimate Guide to the 2.7 EcoBoost Engine. The Ford EcoBoost tale began in 2009 with the 3.5 V6 engine that powered the Ford Taurus SHO, and it has now developed into an engine series with eight separate families and 11 specific engines. The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost is a newer member of the gang, having debuted in 2015 as the standard engine for the Ford F-150. The 2.7 Ford EcoBoost received a second generation in 2018, with more modifications and torque.
In its first version, the 2.7L EcoBoost produced between 315 and 335 horsepower. The second generation 2.7L EcoBoost engine provides 325 to 330 horsepower. The 2.7 EcoBoost engines, like the majority of the EcoBoost engine family, are twin-turbo and direct/port injected. The 2.7 EcoBoost engine is well-known for its power potential, dependability, smoothness, and abundance of torque.
We’ll go over all you need to know about the first and second-generation Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engines, including specs, reliability, and typical modifications, in this article.
Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Specifications
The following are the specifications for the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine:
*The compression ratio in the first generation EcoBoost engines is 10.0:1. For the second generation 2.7L engines, this was increased to 10.3:1.
Before delving deeper into the 2.7 EcoBoost engine, let’s define some engine nomenclature. Unlike other manufacturers (including Toyota), Ford chose a straightforward naming scheme. In essence, ‘2.7’ signifies the engine’s displacement, which is 2.7 liters. Following the ‘2.7’ comes the phrase EcoBoost, which refers to Ford’s family of turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engines. Despite the fact that they are all turbocharged, direct-injected engines, they differ significantly in terms of overall design. The Ford 2.7 has a 60° V6 engine with two turbos and a DOHC valvetrain with variable cam timing (VCT). The 2.7 EcoBoost was also the first mass-produced engine to use a compacted graphite iron cylinder block, which helps to reduce weight while maintaining optimum strength.
In stock configuration, the two Ford JT4Z-6K682 turbos produce roughly 17-18 psi of boost, which is a large amount for a factory engine. The 2.7 EcoBoost’s high horsepower figures demonstrate the benefits. Despite its modest displacement, the Ford 2.7 produces between 315 and 335 horsepower out of the box. That is equivalent to the majority of Ford V8s from earlier generations.
The usage of a combination of direct injection and port injection is one distinguishing aspect of the Gen 2 Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engines. Carbon buildup on the intake valves was a typical issue with prior EcoBoost engines, which was due to direct injection. Ford utilizes a hybrid direct/port injection system as a solution, which keeps the intake valves in considerably better form.
What Vehicles Make Use of the Ford 2.7L V6?
The following Ford and Lincoln cars use first-generation 2.7L EcoBoost engines:
- Ford F150 (325 horsepower) 2015-2017
- Lincoln Continental (335 hp) 2017-2020
- Lincoln Nautilus (335 Horsepower) (2019+)
- Ford Edge Sport (315 HP) 2015-2018
- Ford Edge ST (335 HP) (2019+)
- 2011-2016 Ford F-150
- Ford Fusion Sport (325 HP) (2017-2019)
The 2.7L twin-turbo V6 from the second generation is available in the following models:
- Ford F-150 models from 2018 to present
- Ford Bronco (from 2021 to the present)
Not only do the second-generation engines have higher power and torque, but Ford also improved reliability. If you want to buy a car with the 2.7 EcoBoost engine, you should understand the differences so you can make an informed decision. In the following part, we’ll look at some of the differences between the first and second generation 2.7L engines.
2.7 EcoBoost 1st versus 2nd Gen
The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost received a makeover around the same time as the Ford 2.7L twin-turbo V6. However, because the 3.5L was the first to be released, Ford had a reasonably solid baseline for the future upgrades and improvements to the EcoBoost formula. In general, many changes from the second generation 3.5L EcoBoost were carried over to the second generation 2.7 EcoBoost. That is not to diminish the first generation 2.7 EcoBoost, since both generations are outstanding. The update was just intended to improve on an already excellent engine.
The following changes have been made to the second generation Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine:
- It is now mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Port fuel injection has been added.
- Rapid updates
- Wastegates with electronic actuators
- turbine wheels that are lighter
- increased turbine vane angles
- Updates to the timing chain system
- System of two chains
- Camshafts that are lighter and hollow
- System for recirculating exhaust gases has been improved.
- Increase in the volume of the piston oil squirter
- Automatic start/stop
All of these changes result in a Ford 2.7 EcoBoost that is not only marginally more powerful, but also emits less carbon dioxide and is somewhat more reliable. In the following section, we’ll look more closely at how these adjustments have influenced the second-generation 2.7 EcoBoost.
Changes to the 2nd Generation EcoBoost Continue
While all of the changes to the second-generation Ford 2.7 EcoBoost are substantial, there are a few that stand out above the rest. For example, in 2017, the new Ford 10-speed automatic transmission became the standard transmission option for the 2.7 Ecoboost. As a result of the modification, the acceleration characteristics improved. The Ford 10-speed transmission is superior for city driving, overall acceleration, and hauling. The 2.7 EcoBoost 10-speed offers a gear for practically every eventuality thanks to the addition of more gears.
The original EcoBoost 2.7 only has direct injection (DI). There are various advantages to direct injection. IDI fuel systems outperform traditional port injection (PI) in terms of power, emissions, and fuel efficiency. Direct injection, on the other hand, has a few faults of its own. This problem will be expanded on in the section Common Ford 2.7L EcoBoost Problems. Finally, port injection avoids many of the drawbacks of direct injection.
Port injection is also the way to go in the future for large power improvements. Repairing or replacing a direct injection system can be quite expensive due to its intricacy. Port injection, on the other hand, is simple to use and relatively cheap to repair if something goes wrong. It makes it simple to meet the high fuel flow requirements of E85, turbo upgrades, and other major modifications.
The Ford 2.7L V6 dual turbos now spool faster and generate greater peak boost thanks to turbo upgrades. Due to an ongoing EcoBoost issue with timing chain rattle, Ford also decided to change the timing chain system. To minimize weight, the EcoBoost cams were replaced with lighter, hollow-constructed cams.
Finally, the second generation EcoBoost boasts a slew of noteworthy improvements. The first-generation 2.7 EcoBoost continues to be reliable, although Ford’s revisions have rectified many of the most problematic areas. Turbo upgrades and the addition of port injection are also beneficial for those wishing to modify and upgrade the Ford 2.7L V6 to the next level.
2.7L EB Ford Performance
The stock performance of the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost is difficult to cover in a single article. Of course, performance varies depending on the vehicle in question. It’s vital to remember that the Ford 2.7 V6 engine is the base engine available in modern Ford F150s. Even at the bottom of the totem pole, the 2.7 V6 produces respectable results.
When comparing the performance of 2.7L EcoBoost-powered vehicles, keep in mind that AWD, 4WD, transmission, amenities, and other factors can all effect 0-60, 1/4 mile, and other metrics. Nonetheless, here is some performance information for the 2.7 EcoBoost:
2021 Ford F-150 2.7 EcoBoost 44: 6.1 seconds 0-60mph / 14.7 seconds at 94.7mph 1/4 mile
2021 Ford Bronco 2.7 EcoBoost: 6.3 seconds to 60 mph / 15.0 seconds at 91 mph in the quarter mile
The second-generation 2.7L EcoBoost engine was tested in both the F-150 and the Ford Bronco. It is impossible to argue with those performance results based on such a small displacement. The 2021+ 2.7 EcoBoost, on the other hand, produces 325hp and 400 lb-ft in the Ford F-150 and 330hp and 415 lb-ft in the Bronco. Regardless, the heavier Bronco is somewhat slower reaching 60 mph and in the quarter mile than the F150.
That being said, 0-60 and 14 mile timings aren’t everything. Overall, the Ford 2.7L EcoBoost is noted for its robust launch and smooth power delivery. Because the 2.7 V6 has so much torque, it can cover most of the off-the-line boost lag.
F-150 Towing Capacity 2.7
There are numerous factors to consider when it comes to the towing capacity given by the Ford 2.7L EcoBoost engine. Towing capacity, for example, differ between first and second-generation 2.7L EB engines. There is also a difference in towing capability between the vehicles powered by the 2.7l EcoBoost. In a nutshell, Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a second-generation 2.7L Ecoboost engine can haul slightly more than their first-generation counterparts. Some of this is due to the adoption of the new Ford 10-speed automatic transmission. The maximum payload that a 2.7 EB Ford can tow is also affected by how it is optioned.
Let’s start with the difference in maximum towing capacity between the first-generation F-150 2.7L EcoBoost and the second-generation F-150 2.7L EcoBoost.
2.7L EcoBoost XL 4WD 2016 F-150: 7,100 pounds
2022 F-150 2.7L EcoBoost XL 4WD: 8200 lbs
Of course, additional structural changes to the new Ford F-150 affect towing capacity, but generally, the 2nd Gen 2.7L EcoBoost engine exceeds the previous generation engine in terms of pulling capacity. The extra torque and 10-speed transmission provided by the second generation EcoBoost make a big impact overall.
While the 2.7L EcoBoost cannot compete with larger engines in the class, such as the 5.7L HEMI and Chevy 6.2L V8, the twin-turbo EcoBoost provides adequate hauling capacity for most individuals.
Modifications and Upgrades for the 2.7 EcoBoost Engine
It’s time to go into some of the more interesting aspects of the Ford 2.7 twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine. Turbo engines frequently leave a lot of power on the table, and this 2.7L engine is no exception.
With standard internals and turbos, a few easy bolt-ons can boost the 2.7 V6 to 400-450whp. Keep in mind that we’re talking about a 2.7L V6 here. The Ford 2.7 is a powerful engine for its size. The 450-horsepower mark is the moment at which you should consider upgrading your turbos. While there isn’t nearly as much power potential as there is with the 3.5 EcoBoost, there is still plenty of possibility for growth. In the following sections, we’ll go through some of the greatest 2.7 EcoBoost performance tweaks for achieving these outstanding results.
However, we’ve covered engine improvements for the 2.7 EcoBoost in a number of other posts. The goal of our Ultimate 2.7 EcoBoost Guide is to take a comprehensive look at the 2.7L V6. As a result, we’ll take a 30,000-foot look of some of the top Ford 2.7 engine enhancements. If you want to understand more about Ford 2.7L V6 modification, check out our dedicated Ford 2.7L V6 EcoBoost Performance Mods Guide.
Basic Bolt-On Mods for the Ford 2.7 V6
There is a reasonably strong recipe for Ford 2.7L engine mods previously established. An EcoBoost basic bolt-on arrangement will produce a significant amount of horsepower without breaking the bank. With the following modifications, your 2.7 V6 will produce 400-415 horsepower. The following are the greatest starting points for power improvements on the Ford 2.7L EcoBoost:
- Tune
- Intake
- Downpipes
- Intercooler
This list applies to virtually every EcoBoost engine, including the 2.7 V6. Because the 2.7 Ecoboost is such a popularly adapted engine, there is a sizable aftermarket community dedicated to the EcoBoost family. For additional information on these mods, see our post on the Best Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Bolt-on Performance Upgrades. The links in the bullet list above take you to mod instructions for each of the mods.
Even on pump gas, the 2.7L twin-turbo engine can produce 400-450whp with these bolt-ons. The first generation EcoBoost will produce less power, whereas the second generation will produce 40-60whp more with the same upgrades.
To take things to the next level, more aggressive tuning and higher-quality fuels are required. Running methanol injection, racing gas, or ethanol (E85) are among fueling possibilities. E85 is the ultimate fuel for producing massive power, and it is with this fuel that the EcoBoost can produce 450+whp.
However, ethanol places a strain on the fuel system. Full E85 requires approximately 30% more fuel flow, requiring costly fuelling modifications on the 1st gen DI-only engine. The port injection system on the newer 2017+ 2.7 EcoBoost is much easier to replace.
Upgrades for the 2.7 EcoBoost Turbocharger
It’s difficult to envision requiring more power than what 2.7L EcoBoost bolt-ons can deliver. Having said that, there are extra, more intensive changes you can do to a 2.7L EcoBoost that will take you into completely wild area. Here come the 2.7 EcoBoost turbo improvements.
In addition to increased power, upgrading your Ford 2.7 F150 turbos has other advantages. While the stock turbos produce plenty of power, they do run out of gas near the top end. Making 450+whp on standard turbos puts a lot of strain on them, so upgrading is an excellent method to ease the power. Upgraded turbos might provide more alternatives in terms of turbo sizing and turbo manufacturer.
While enhanced 2.7 EcoBoost turbos are a viable improvement if you want to create more than 450 horsepower, they are not inexpensive. You should think about further cooling tweaks, tires, axles, and much more. Because everyone like our 3.5 twin turbo upgrade guide, we’ll create one for the Ford 2.7.
Another significant factor to examine is the condition of the 2.7 engine itself. Just because an engine can achieve an outrageous power target doesn’t guarantee it can accomplish so consistently. Despite the fact that the 2.7 EcoBoost F150 has a highly sturdy block and rotating assembly, any unprepared engine may suffer damage from heavy boost. Is the 2.7L twin-turbo V6 up to the task, or will you need to upgrade the internals? Let’s get started and talk about it.
How much power can the 2.7L Twin Turbo V6 handle?
There are several reasons why the 2.7L EcoBoost is a suitable option for individuals looking to make a lot of power. The Ford 2.7 V6 is notable for its strong block and rather durable rotating assembly. The compressed graphite iron block of the 2.7 is unique in that there aren’t many other instances of an engine manufactured from that composition. Finally, CGI is approximately 75% stronger and somewhat stiffer than ordinary cast iron. When combined with the fact that the Ford 2.7L V6’s block is built with 6-bolt mains, it’s clear that the block isn’t the engine’s weak point.
The 2.7 EcoBoost’s rods and pistons are cast, which limits its performance. In terms of genuine horsepower, the 2.7 EcoBoost produces roughly 450 hp with standard internals. According to Livernois Motorsports, the 450 horsepower mark is when you should start seriously considering upgrading to forged rods and pistons due to the increased strain and engine temperatures that are attained at that power level.
This is also where high-quality supporting mods come into play. Throwing 450+whp at the engine without a quality setup is not a good idea. We strongly advise running hefty E85 mixtures at that power level with all fuelling mods to support the fuel flow.
Having said that, there are examples of Ford 2.7 V6s exceeding 500 horsepower with the correct upgrades. With improved turbos and bolt-ons, the TFLTruck.com team was able to boost its 2.7 EcoBoost F150 to 530 horsepower. There are no other internal changes. As previously said, just because you can generate so much electricity does not imply that it is reliable power. All things being equal, higher boost and power will put more strain on the 2.7L V6.
With enhanced turbos and bolt-ons, the 2.7 EcoBoost F150 produces 540 horsepower.
Typical Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Issues
We’ve been talking a lot about the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost up to this point. And, to be honest, it deserves it. Are there any drawbacks to the large amount of power potential, smooth power delivery, and extensive modifiability? To be honest, there are no major downsides or costly typical difficulties with the 2.7 twin-turbo V6.
The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine also has a high level of dependability. Having saying that, a couple of faults have been proven to occur more frequently on the 2.7 EcoBoost. That is not to suggest that these concerns are prevalent in the traditional meaning of the word; they are not. No internal combustion engine is immune to a few problems. Among these issues are the following:
- System of ignition
- Carbon buildup (2.7 EcoBoost First Generation)
- Problems with the timing chain
- 2.7 EcoBoost Oil Pan Leak / Engine Oil Leaks
Problems with the Ford 2.7L Twin Turbo V6
Each of these difficulties will be discussed briefly in the following sections. Again, the purpose of this book is to provide an overview of the 2.7L EcoBoost engine. If you want more information about these issues, read this 2.7 EcoBoost common problems article.
1. Carbon Accumulation in the 2.7L EcoBoost
This issue is not exclusive to the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. In fact, practically any direct-injected engine that does not additionally use port injection is prone to carbon accumulation. This problem arises because fuel is never allowed to clean the ports or valves as it would in a port-injected engine. DI immediately sprays fuel into the cylinders. All engines create some natural oil blow-by, which enters the intake ports and frequently adheres to the back of valves. Port injection sprays fuel into these intake ports, cleaning away any carbon deposits.
With the launch of the Gen 2 2.7 EcoBoost, this issue has been almost totally resolved. As a result, this issue affects just the first generation 2.7L twin-turbo V6. Walnut blasting is one solution for cleaning the 2.7’s intake valves. Every 40,000-60,000 miles, Ford suggests walnut blasting the intake valves.
2. Timing Chain Issues
Another notable issue with older EcoBoost engines is the timing chain. Timing chain rattle is the most prevalent timing chain problem on the Ford 2.7 V6. When this happens, a distinct rattling sound can be heard inside the engine compartment. This issue has been recorded as early as 20,000 miles, however it is most common around 100,000 miles. If you have a timing chain rattle problem, you will very certainly need to replace the chain, tensioner, guides, idler, crank gear, and intake phasers. The timing chain rattle issue appears to have been resolved in the 2nd Gen revision, as timing chain difficulties are uncommon in later engines.
3. Oil Leaks in a Ford 2.7 EcoBoost
Finally, oil leaks are a very regular issue on older Ford 2.7L EcoBoost engines. That isn’t an issue that is exclusive to EcoBoost engines. The same could be stated for nearly any older engine with 100,000 or more miles. Engines, as most people are aware, use a large number of seals, gaskets, o-rings, and other parts that wear and tear over time.
While oil leaks are a prevalent issue on many engines, some typical sources of 2.7L EcoBoost oil leaks have also been found. Ford issued a technical service bulletin in August 2019 citing difficulties with the oil pan’s RTV seal, primarily affecting the 2015 Ford F150. According to the notice, the problem is caused by a lack of RTV adhesive between the plastic oil pan and the block itself.
The service bulletin indicates unequivocally that 2nd generation EcoBoost press-in gasket oil pans are incompatible with 1st generation usage. Unfortunately, because to the frequency of the problem, oil pans for first-generation 2.7 EcoBoosts are hard to come by. OEM 1st Gen 2.7 EcoBoost oil pans are on backorder as of the writing of this article, with no ETA. Even aftermarket producers are having difficulty keeping them in stock, indicating that there are no obvious answers to the problem at this moment. If you want to look at the bulletin for yourself, you can do so here:
Technical service bulletin for the first generation Ford EcoBoost 2.7L oil pan leak
While there have been instances of Gen 2 2.7L EcoBoosts experiencing the same problem, it is not as widespread because the Gen 2 switched to a press-in gasket that did not have sealing issues.
Is the 2.7 EcoBoost a dependable engine?
Looking at the engine as a whole, the Ford 2.7L twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine provides good overall reliability. Despite a few small shortcomings, even the early 2.7 EcoBoost engines provide good reliability. The most expensive potential issue is timing chain rattle, which can be costly to repair and may cause other damage if severe. That’s pretty much the only criticism leveled regarding the Ford 2.7L V6 engine.
Carbon buildup isn’t a huge issue and rarely creates serious difficulties if left unchecked. Remember that walnut basting is a critical maintenance item that should be performed every 50,000-60,000 miles if you own an older 2.7 EcoBoost F150. Finally, oil leaks are caused by the nature of older, high-mileage engines rather than any recognized design defects.
Finally, other from the timing chain, the 2.7 EcoBoost has no severe defects or concerns. This is especially true for the newer Gen 2 2.7 EcoBoost engines.
Related : The FAQs on the Ford F-150 2.7L Ecoboost
How Long Will the Ford 2.7 V6 Engine Last?
The lifespan of the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost is around 250,000 miles. That’s impressive for a high-performance 2.7L twin-turbo V6 engine. Of course, the lifetime of EcoBoost is dependent on a variety of things. The prospect of gaining huge power through upgrades may appear appealing at first. Constant abuse and higher-than-stock power, on the other hand, can limit the 2.7 EcoBoost’s lifespan.
With basic bolt-on mods and adequate tuning, it shouldn’t be a major issue. However, the possibility of increasing boost and power is always present. Remember this before unleashing 450+whp on the Ford EcoBoost engine.
Otherwise, one of the fundamental keys to the 2.7 EcoBoost’s high life expectancy is maintenance. Replace fluids on schedule, address problems as they arise, and use high-quality oils. If you do all of this, the Ford 2.7L V6’s lifespan may approach 250,000 miles.
The luck of the draw does influence life expectancy, but we have little control over that. Maintain and repair your vehicle as needed, and hope for the best.
Summary of the Ford 2.7L V6 EcoBoost Engine
When it comes to modern Ford engines, it’s difficult to argue with the EcoBoost engine series’ performance, dependability, and aftermarket support. The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine is amazing from beginning to end. The Ford twin-turbo V6 engine produces excellent horsepower and torque despite its small displacement of 2.7L. Despite its low ranking on the Ford engine totem pole, the 2.7L EcoBoost is a remarkably efficient engine, producing an astounding 120 hp/L. While Ford hasn’t always been recognized for its V6 engines, the EcoBoost engine series is changing that.
Ford improved the engine considerably more in 2018 with the 2nd Gen upgrades. The original 2.7 EcoBoost engine is still a fantastic engine. The upgrades, on the other hand, made the 2.7L V6 even more powerful and dependable. If you want the most dependable and capable EcoBoost engine, you should definitely select the upgraded engine.
While the 2.7 EcoBoost gives excellent performance out of the box, there is plenty of room for improvement with a few modifications. With E85 gasoline, a tune and cheap bolt-ons can boost the twin-turbo V6 to 400+whp. Turbo upgrades can boost the engine’s performance even more, but these pricey improvements are not for the faint of heart.
Despite the yin and yang theory, all of the positive characteristics of the EcoBoost engine are not accompanied by any significant negatives. The 2.7L EcoBoost also has good durability and is free of major design flaws or concerns. The 2.7 EcoBoost may travel 250,000 miles or more with proper care.
