Both the 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoost engines that Ford introduced in 2015 have become widely regarded as among the best in their respective categories. Some Ford loyalists were suspicious of the company’s initial reduced engine displacement and turbocharged aspirations. Most naysayers have been silenced by the 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoosts, which provide effortless power while also being extremely dependable and long lasting.
The 2015+ Ford Mustang and the 2016-2018 Ford Focus RS are the most well-known vehicles powered by the 2.3 L EcoBoost. However, the 2.7L EcoBoost is used in both the 2015 and newer Ford F-150s, as well as the 2021 and newer Ford Broncos. Even though the 2.3L is an inline-4 and the 2.7L is a V6, they share a lot of characteristics in common. Modern technologies like direct injection and twin-scroll turbos are shared between the two, as are similar performance characteristics.
Ford’s 2.3L and 2.7L EcoBoost engines are thoroughly covered, as is everything else relevant to these power plants. Below, we’ll take a look at their background, dependability, performance, and, of course, modifiability. Prepare to delve deep as we examine both of Ford’s powerful EcoBoost motors in detail.
Ford 2.3 vs 2.7 EcoBoost History
Ford’s original concept for their EcoBoost engines dates back to the late 00s and was rather elementary. The goal was to develop compact engines with direct injection and turbochargers that could match the performance of their larger-displacement ancestors in terms of both horsepower and torque. Better fuel economy and lower pollutants were other benefits of the smaller engines and direct injection.
Ford introduced its 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoost motors for the 2015 model year. Each one of them had an output of more than 300 horsepower, and they were quickly hailed for their superior power distribution and wider power band. Ford initially only offered the 2.7L in the F-150 and the Edge Sport, while the 2.3L was standard in the Mustang and the Lincoln MKC. Ford’s factories in Cleveland and Lima, Ohio, produce both engines, making the entire vehicle 100% American.
Ford made minor changes to both engines in 2018, with the 2.7L receiving internal upgrades and an increase in power. The 2017 Dallara Stradale and the 2016+ Zenos E10 R are just two of the exciting race cars that use ultra high performance variants of the 2.3L. Both of these drivers are still firing on all cylinders as we head into 2022 with no signs of slowing down.
Ford EcoBoosts: Specs
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost | 2.7L EcoBoost |
| Displacement | 2.3 L (2, 253 cc) | 2.7 L (2,694 cc) |
| Configuration | Inline-4 | V6 |
| Aspiration | Single-Turbo | Twin-Turbo |
| Compression | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Head/ Block Material | Aluminum | Aluminum/Graphite Iron |
| Bore & Stroke | 87.5mm x 94mm | 83mm x 83mm |
| Fuel System | Direct Injection | Direct Injection/Port Injection |
| Valve Train | 16V DOHC | 24V DOHC |
| Horsepower Output | 270-350 hp | 315-330 hp |
| Torque Output | 305-350 tq | 350-415 tq |
Ford EcoBoosts: Applications
2.3L EcoBoost Applications
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- 2015+ Ford Mustang EcoBoost
- 2016+ Ford Explorer
- 2016-2018 Ford Focus RS*
- 2019+ Ford Focus ST
- 2019+ Ford Ranger
- 2020+ Ford Everest
- 2021+ Ford Bronco
- 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC
- 2020+ Lincoln Corsair
* The Ford Focus RS uses a slightly modified version of 2.3 EcoBoost with different coolant passages for optimal cooling.
2.7L EcoBoost Applications
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- 2015+ Ford F-150
- 2015-2018 Ford Edge Sport
- 2017-2019 Ford Fusion Sport
- 2019+ Ford Edge ST
- 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX
- 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental
- 2019 Lincoln Nautilus
Ford 2.3 EcoBoost Design
There are some similarities and some variations between the Ford 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoost motors. The 2.0L engine used in the Ford Focus ST and Fusion is the progenitor of the 2.3L EcoBoost found in newer Ford vehicles. Ford kept the bore the same but lengthened the stroke to increase the displacement by 0.3L. It’s an inline-4 with an aluminum block, direct injection, and 17-20 PSI of boost from a twin-scroll turbocharger. The 2.3L is equipped with a forged crankshaft and connecting rods, a high-pressure oil pump, piston cooling jets, and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.
The 2.3L boasts high-flow cylinder heads that double as exhaust manifolds, as well as bigger exhaust valves. In addition to these, Ford also installed a new intake manifold to significantly improve the velocity over the previous 2.0 L. When it comes to Ford 4-cylinder engines, the 2.3L offers the greatest displacement and most power.
Ford 2.7L EcoBoost Design
For something truly special, Ford designed the 2.7L EcoBoost. Compared to the 2.3 L, this one is a significant improvement thanks to its direct injection and twin-scroll turbocharged aspiration. They use a twin-turbo setup instead of a single turbo, although the resulting boost pressure is still at 17–19 psi. The 2.7’s block is also noticeably unique. The top of the block is constructed from compressed graphite iron, just as that found in Ford’s 3.0 and 6.7 Power Stroke motors. The cylinders in the bottom block are protected by a die-cast aluminum construction and a ladder-frame reinforcement.
Several improvements were made to the 2.7L EcoBoost engine by Ford in 2018. They modified the design and used friction-reducing additives to cut down on cylinder wear. In addition to the electronic wastegates on the turbochargers, Ford modified the 2.7 EcoBoosts with new camshafts, a new dual chain camshaft drive system, and new turbochargers.
Direct Injection Fueling (GDI)
One of the most notable differences between the 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoost is the use of direct injection. Gasoline direct injection, sometimes known as GDI or DI, is a technique that was pioneered by Bosch in 1950s Germany. However, it was not until the mid-2000s that it was widely installed in mass-produced cars in North America.
Higher pressure rates are used in GDI fuel systems compared to port fuelling systems. High pressure gasoline pumps pressurize fuel to levels between 2,000 and 3,000 PSI, which is 50 times higher than port fuelling systems. For GDI to function, atomized fuel is injected downstream into the combustion chamber. This enables extremely precise fuel injection timing, which greatly improves efficiency and performance while also drastically decreasing emissions.
Production costs are substantially greater for GDI, and the systems are more complicated. The cost of GDI fuel injectors is significantly higher than that of conventional injectors, and GDI systems require an additional fuel pump. A high-pressure fuel pump is situated upstream of the injectors and fuel rails, in addition to the conventional in-tank fuel pump. These high-pressure gasoline pumps have not consistently shown to be reliable and are quite costly to replace. The intake valves of DI engines are also vulnerable to carbon buildup.
Ford 2.3 vs 2.7 EcoBoost: Reliability
All things considered, the EcoBoost 2.3 and 2.7 are rock-solid choices for an engine. While they have only been on the market for seven years, their durability has been impressive thus far. Neither engine is particularly flawed, and both are rated as more reliable than average. It is plausible that both engines could last for over 200,000 kilometers.
The longevity of your EcoBoost engine is directly proportional to how well you care for it and how closely you stick to the OEM maintenance schedule. People who have modified or tuned their engines should do maintenance more frequently. While there have been extreme examples of engine failure at low miles, these are the exception rather than the rule. If you take good care of your EcoBoost, you can expect it to last a long time and perform reliably for many years.
Both the 2.3L EcoBoost and the 2.7L EcoBoost have been examined in depth, so if you have any of the most typical issues, please refer to the corresponding instructions. Just a quick overview of both manuals is provided here.
EcoBoost Common Problems
Too much underbody heat, carbon buildup, and head gasket failure are the most common 2.3L EcoBoost problems. Nearly 23,000 2015 and 2016 models experienced excessive underbody temperatures, and about the same number experienced head gasket failures; Ford rapidly found and fixed both issues.
Carbon accumulation is an inevitable side effect of the EcoBoost’s DI system. As much as 95% of EcoBoost engines, this carbon accumulation won’t have any noticeable effect. Misfiring, harsh idling, and loss of power might result in extreme circumstances. Walnut blasting the valves may temporarily remove carbon buildup, but carbon will eventually reappear.
Oil pan leaks, spark plugs/ignition coils, and carbon buildup are the most common issues with the 2.7L EcoBoost. The turbocharged aspiration causes problems with the spark plugs and ignition coils. Components of the ignition system, such as coil packs and spark plugs, are subjected to greater stress and wear in turbo engines because of the high cylinder pressures they operate under. These EcoBoosts are notorious for their short lifespan and frequent need for replacement.
Ford’s 2018 upgrades fixed both oil pan leaks and carbon buildup in the 2.7. In order to prevent carbon buildup on the intake valves, they modified the oil pan design for improved sealing and implemented additional port injection.
Ford 2.3 vs 2.7 EcoBoost: Performance
We have examined the engineering and dependability of the EcoBoost engines; now let’s move on to their primary selling point: how well they run. Both of these EcoBoost engines are well-known for their streamlined and effective power delivery.
Depending on the model and performance choices, the 2.3L EcoBoost may produce anywhere from 270 to 350 horsepower and 305 to 350 tq. The DI and twin-scroll turbo work together to provide peak torque at an extremely early time, allowing the car to launch off the line and launch the driver back into the seat from the first moment they step on the throttle. It takes only 5.0 seconds to go from 0-60 mph, and 13.8 seconds to cover the quarter mile at 99 mph. Even in non-performance variants, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost is surprisingly quick to respond and can successfully imitate its larger displacement forebears.
Again, the exact output of the 2.7L EcoBoost varies by model and generation, but it typically produces 315-330 horsepower and 350-415 tq. From its first to its second generation, the EcoBoost’s horsepower stayed the same, but Ford increased its torque to over 400 for the first time. First-generation 2.7L EcoBoost vehicles have a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, whereas the newer second-generation vehicles can haul 10,100 pounds. The 2.7’s second turbocharger vastly increases the engine’s torque output and curve, allowing for maximum towing capacity without sacrificing dependability.
Twin-Scroll Turbo Performance
If we’re talking about turbos, the twin-scroll design of the EcoBoost’s 2.3 and 2.7 turbos is a big deal for performance. The twin-scroll design is intended to divide the exhaust gas pulses leaving the exhaust manifold into two streams that are then fed into the compressor wheel in a sequential fashion. In doing so, the exhaust flow is facilitated into the turbo, enhancing the cam timing and the pulse energy. Ford’s tune makes use of this in conjunction with DI to significantly improve the EcoBoost’s power and efficiency. In addition to improving power across the board, this strategy also brings about an earlier peak in torque and a flatter power curve.
Ford 2.3 vs 2.7 EcoBoost: Upgrades
After analyzing the EcoBoost engines’ efficiency, we may move on to the more niche enhancements. The 2.3L EcoBoost can manage around 350 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.7L EcoBoost can take on considerably more, in the neighborhood of 450 hp and 475 lb-ft. When modding, it’s important to remember these restrictions.
Ford 2.3 L Ranger and Mustang EcoBoost Upgrades
The Ford Mustang EcoBoost (2015+) and the Ford Ranger (2019+) are the most renowned vehicles to feature the 2.3 L EcoBoost. These modifications focus mostly on enhancing the 2.3L’s turbo efficiency and flow, which is the most crucial part of the upgrade. Fortunately, we have researched the 2.3-liter Ford Mustang EcoBoost and Ranger extensively. Rather than repeat what has already been said elsewhere, I will provide a summary and provide links to the several resources we have available on the subject.
Top 2015+ Ford Mustang EcoBoost performance mods:
- Tuning
- Intake
- Downpipe
- Intercooler
- Charge Pipes
Top 2019+ Ford Ranger performance mods:.
- Tuning
- Cold-air Intake
- High-flow Downpipe
- Intercooler
Combining all of these mods together is known as full bolt-ons (FBO), and will easily push the Mustang past 350-whp and 375-wtq, and the Ranger past 350-whp and 400wtq. Check out our guides on upgrading the Mustang’s intake, downpipe, tuning, and intercooler. As well as our guides on upgrading the Ranger’s downpipe and intercooler.
Ford 2.7 L EcoBoost Upgrades
The 2.7 L EcoBoost, while a fantastic engine, is a bit underpowered from the factory. The fact that its smaller, single-turbo brother, the 2.3 L, makes the same horsepower stock, implies that it may be detuned from the factory. Regardless, here are the top 5 performance mods for the 2.7 L EcoBoost:
- Intake / Cold Air Intake
- Downpipes
- Flash Tune
- Intercooler (FMIC)
- E85 / 93 Octane / Methanol Injection
Putting these mods together will combine performance with reliability to make an incredibly powerful 2.7L that should not lack reliability – until you start pushing too much power. In addition, check out our F-150 specific guides on intercoolers, intakes, and downpipes. We also have a F-150 2.7 L EcoBoost FAQ guide, so check that out too.
Ford 2.3 vs 2.7 EcoBoost Summary
The 2.3 and 2.7 EcoBoost engines, in general, are packed with cutting-edge technology that results in tremendous performance and outstanding dependability. With regular servicing and care, they can easily reach a mileage of over 200,000 kilometers. Which one do you feel is the most suitable? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the nature of the task at hand.
The 2.3L is the top choice for speed, and it’s featured more extensively in performance vehicles like the Mustang and the Focus ST. It may not have the twin-turbo 2.7L’s displacement or torque, but it makes up for it with excellent power delivery and response. Plus, it boasts greater fuel economy than the 2.7L and is easier to customize because to a wider selection of aftermarket parts.
Ford equipped SUVs and trucks with the 2.7L since it is less important for the vehicle’s performance and more important for the vehicle’s ability to pull a heavy load. The 2.7 EcoBoost is an excellent choice for people in need of a work-oriented or family car capable of pulling trailers and recreational vehicles. The second-generation 2.7-liter engine’s towing capacity is up to 10,000 pounds, and it still provides brisk acceleration for daily driving.
Do you currently own a vehicle with a 2.3 or 2.7 EcoBoost engine, or are you in the market for one? Do you have any experience with performance enhancements or are you just curious?
Leave your thoughts in the section below!
