en, the Ford EcoBoost engine has seen worldwide praise and has expanded into an engine series with eight different families and 11 individual engines. The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost is a newer member of the pack, with the first variant being released in 2015 as the base engine for the 2015 Ford F-150. The 2.7 Ford EcoBoost received a second generation in 2018, featuring additional changes and some additional torque.
The 2.7L EcoBoost developed between 315 and 335 horsepower in its initial form. The second generation engine produces between 325 and 330 horsepower. All 2.7 EcoBoost engines, among most other engines in the EcoBoost engine lineup, are twin-turbo and direct/port injected. The 2.7 EcoBoost is an engine notorious for its power potential, reliability, smoothness, and abundance of torque.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything that you need to know about the first and second-generation Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine, including specs, reliability, and common modifications.
Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Specs #
| Engine | Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Engine |
| Configuration | V6 EcoBoost |
| Displacement | 2.7L |
| Aspiration | Twin-Turbocharged |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) |
| Block/Head | Compacted Graphite Iron/Aluminium |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.27″ x 3.27″ (83.06 mm x 83.06 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3:1* |
| Weight | 440 lbs |
| Horsepower | 315-335 hp |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 350-415 lb-ft |
*1st gen EcoBoost engines use a compression ratio of 10.0:1. That was increased to 10.3:1 for the 2nd gen 2.7L engines.
Before going deeper into the 2.7 EcoBoost engine, let’s talk about what the engine terminology means. Unlike other manufacturers (looking at you, Toyota), Ford decided to keep their naming strategy simple. In essence, ‘2.7’ represents the displacement of the engine, which is 2.7 liters. Following is the term EcoBoost, which represents Ford’s line of turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engines. Despite all being turbo, direct-injected engines, they do vary substantially in terms of their overall design. The Ford 2.7 is a 60° V6 engine that utilizes twin turbos and has a DOHC valvetrain featuring variable cam timing (VCT). It was also the first mass-produced engine to feature a compacted graphite iron cylinder block, which reduces weight while also ensuring maximum strength.
The twin Ford JT4Z-6K682 turbos pump out around 17-18 psi of boost in stock configuration, which is a significant amount for a factory engine. The payoffs are evident in the 2.7 EcoBoost’s impressive horsepower figures. Even with such a small displacement, the engine is able to produce between 315 and 335 horsepower out of the box. That is comparable to most Ford V8s of the previous generations.
One notable feature of Gen 2 Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engines is their use of a combination of direct injection and port injection. On previous EcoBoost engines, carbon buildup on the intake valves was a common problem attributed to direct injection. As a solution, Ford uses a hybrid direct/port injection system that keeps the intake valves in much better shape.
What Cars Use the Ford 2.7L V6? #
1st Gen Engines:
- 2015-2017 Ford F150 (325 horsepower)
- 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental (335 horsepower)
- 2019+ Lincoln Nautilus (335 Horsepower)
- 2015-2018 Ford Edge Sport (315 Horsepower)
- 2019+ Ford Edge ST (335 Horsepower)
- 2011-2016 Ford F-150
- 2017-2019 Ford Fusion Sport (325 Horsepower)
2nd Gen:
- 2018-present Ford F-150
- 2021-present Ford Bronco
Not only do the 2nd gen engines offer more power and torque, but Ford also made some great reliability updates. If you’re looking to buy a car with the 2.7 EcoBoost it’s important to understand the differences to make an informed decision. In the next section, we’ll dive into some of the changes from the 1st to 2nd gen 2.7L engine.
1st Gen vs 2nd Gen 2.7 EcoBoost #
Around the same time, the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost received a refresh, the Ford 2.7L twin-turbo V6 also followed suit. However, with the 3.5L having launched first, Ford had a pretty solid benchmark as far as the new revisions and updates to the EcoBoost formula were concerned. Overall, quite a few updates from the second generation 3.5L EcoBoost also followed over to the second generation 2.7 EcoBoost. That isn’t to detract from the first generation engine, as both generations are exemplary. The update was simply meant to improve an already great engine.
Some updates to the 2nd generation Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine include:
- Now paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission
- Addition of port fuel injection
- Turbo updates
- Electronically actuated wastegates
- Lighter turbine wheels
- Sharper turbine vane angles
- Timing chain system updates
- Two chain system
- Lighter, hollow camshafts
- Revised exhaust gas recirculation system
- Piston oil squirter volume increase
- Auto start/stop
All of these updates culminate in a Ford 2.7 EcoBoost that is not only marginally more powerful, emits fewer carbon emissions, and is slightly more reliable. In the following section, we’ll delve a bit deeper into how these changes have made a significant impact on the second-generation 2.7 EcoBoost.
2nd Gen Changes Continued #
While all of the changes to the second-generation Ford 2.7 EcoBoost are significant, there are a couple that stand above the rest in terms of importance. For one, the new Ford 10-speed automatic transmission, released in 2017, became the standard transmission option for the 2.7 Ecoboost. As a result of that change, the acceleration characteristics also changed, for the better. The Ford 10-speed is a better transmission for city driving, overall acceleration, and towing. Due to the inclusion of more gears, the 2.7 EcoBoost 10-speed has a gear for almost every situation.
The original EcoBoost 2.7 uses direct injection (DI) only. The benefits of direct injection are numerous. IDI fuel systems allow for improvements in power, emissions, and fuel economy compared to traditional port injection (PI). However, direct injection doesn’t come without a couple of its own flaws. We’ll elaborate on this topic in the Common Ford 2.7L EcoBoost Problems section. Ultimately, port injection eliminates many of the issues associated with direct injection.
Port injection is also the way to go when it comes to big power upgrades in the future. Due to the complexity of direct injection, it can be very costly to repair or replace. Port injection, on the other hand, is simple to work on and relatively inexpensive to repair should something go wrong. It makes it easy to support the demanding fuel flow of E85, turbo upgrades, and other big mods.
Turbo updates allow the Ford 2.7L V6 twin turbos to spool faster and deliver more peak boost. Ford also opted to revise the timing chain system due to an ongoing EcoBoost issue with timing chain rattle. The EcoBoost cams were replaced with lighter, hollow-constructed cams to save weight.
Ultimately, the 2nd gen EcoBoost includes a lot of great updates. The 1st Gen 2.7 EcoBoost still delivers good reliability, but Ford improved a lot of the most problematic areas with the updates. Turbo updates and the addition of port injection are also great for those looking to tune and upgrade the Ford 2.7L V6 to take things to the next level.
Ford 2.7L EB Performance #
Stock performance for the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost is hard to discuss in one article. Of course, performance depends on what car or truck is in question. It is important to keep in mind that the Ford 2.7 V6 is the lowest-tier engine available in modern Ford F150s. Even at the bottom of the totem pole, the engine produces some very respectable performance.
If we are comparing the performance of 2.7L EcoBoost-powered cars, it is also important to remember that AWD, 4WD, transmission, features, and a lot more can affect things like 0-60, 1/4 mile, and more. Nonetheless, let’s lay out some performance data for the 2.7 EcoBoost:
2021 F-150 2.7 EcoBoost 4×4: 6.1 seconds 0-60mph / 14.7s @ 94.7mph 1/4 mile
2021 Ford Bronco 2.7 EcoBoost: 6.3 seconds 0-60mph / 15.0s @ 91mph 1/4 mile
Both the F-150 and Ford Bronco were tested with the second-generation 2.7L EcoBoost engine. From such little displacement, it is impossible to argue with those performance figures. However, the 2021+ 2.7 EcoBoost delivers 325hp and 400 lb-ft in the Ford F-150 and 330hp and 415 lb-ft in the Bronco. Despite the difference, the heavier Bronco is slightly slower to 60 and in the quarter mile than the F150.
With that being said, 0-60 and ¼ mile times aren’t all that matter. Overall, the Ford engine is known for its smooth power delivery and strong launch. Due to the fact that the 2.7 V6 has so much torque on hand, it can mask most of the off-the-line boost lag.
Towing Capacity #
When it comes to the towing capacity provided by the Ford 2.7L EcoBoost engine, there are some considerations to take into account. For instance, there is a discrepancy in towing capacities between first and second-generation engines. There is also a difference in towing capacity between the models that utilize the 2.7l EcoBoost. In a single umbrella statement, Ford and Lincoln vehicles with a second-generation 2.7L Ecoboost under the hood can tow slightly more than their first-gen counterparts. Some of that does boil down to the inclusion of the new Ford 10-speed auto. How a 2.7 EB Ford is optioned also plays a part in the maximum payload that you can tow.
Let’s first look at the discrepancy in maximum towing capacity between a first gen F-150 2.7L EcoBoost and a second-generation F-150 2.7 EcoBoost.
- 2016 F-150 2.7L EcoBoost XL 4WD: 7,100 lbs
- 2022 F-150 2.7L EcoBoost XL 4WD: 8,200 lbs
Of course, there are other structural changes to the new Ford F-150 that also make a difference in terms of towing capacity, but overall, the 2nd Gen 2.7L EcoBoost wildly outperforms the previous generation engine in terms of towing capacity. The additional torque and 10-speed transmission present with the 2nd generation EcoBoost make a significant difference overall.
While the 2.7L EcoBoost can’t compare with larger engines in the segment, like the 5.7L HEMI and Chevy 6.2L V8, the twin-turbo EcoBoost still delivers enough towing capacity for most people.
2.7 EcoBoost Engine Mods & Upgrades #
Now, it’s time to dive into some of the more exciting topics about the Ford 2.7 twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine. Turbo engines often leave a lot of power on the table, and that’s very true when it comes to this 2.7L engine.
A few simple bolt-ons can push the 2.7 V6 to 400-450+whp on stock internals and turbos. Keep in mind that this is a 2.7L V6 that we’re talking about. For such a small engine, the Ford 2.7 packs a punch. The 450-horsepower threshold is the point where you’ll have to start thinking about upgrading your turbos. While there might not be quite as much power potential as there is with the 3.5 EcoBoost, there is still some significant growing room. In the next sections, we discuss some of the best 2.7 EcoBoost performance mods to achieve these impressive numbers.
That said, engine upgrades for the 2.7 EcoBoost are topics we’ve discussed in multiple different articles. The purpose of this Ultimate 2.7 EcoBoost Guide is to look at the engine from a holistic view. As such, we’ll cover some of the best Ford 2.7 engine upgrades with a 30,000-foot view. If you are interested in learning about modifications in more detail, check out our dedicated Ford 2.7 V6 EcoBoost Performance Mods Guide.
Basic Bolt-On Mods #
When it comes to Ford 2.7L engine mods, there is a pretty solid recipe already established. An EcoBoost basic bolt-on setup will net a substantial amount of horsepower without breaking the bank too badly. Overall, with the following mods, you’ll be approaching 400-415 horsepower from your 2.7 V6. The best starting point for power upgrades on the Ford 2.7L EcoBoost include:
This list applies to pretty much every engine in the EcoBoost family, including the 2.7 V6. Since the 2.7 Ecoboost is such a commonly modified engine, there is a very large aftermarket community providing aftermarket support for the EcoBoost family. Check out our article on the Best Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Bolt-on Performance Upgrades for more info on these mods. The links in the bullet list above go to mod guides for each of the individual mods.
Even running pump gas the 2.7L twin-turbo engine can make about 400-450whp with just these bolt-ons. The earlier generation EcoBoost will fall on the lower end while the 2nd gen will make about 40-60whp more with the same mods.
Taking things to the next level requires more aggressive tuning and higher-quality fuels. Some fueling options include running methanol injection, race gas, or ethanol (E85). E85 is the ultimate fuel to make huge power and this is where the EcoBoost can make 450+whp.
However, ethanol is demanding on the fuel system. Full E85 requires about 30% additional fuel flow, which means you’ll need costly fueling mods on the 1st gen DI-only engine. It’s a lot easier to upgrade the port injection system on the newer 2017+ 2.7 EcoBoost.
Turbocharger Upgrades #
It’s hard to imagine needing any more additional power than what 2.7L EcoBoost bolt-ons can provide. With that being said, there are additional, more intensive modifications that you can do to a 2.7L EcoBoost that can push you into truly insane territory. Enter 2.7 EcoBoost turbo upgrades.
There are additional benefits to upgrading your Ford 2.7 F150 turbos in addition to the extra power. While the stock turbos provide a solid amount of juice, they do run out of breath nearing the top end. Making 450+whp on the stock turbos also puts a lot of stress on them, so upgrading is a good way to make the power easier. Upgraded turbos can open up additional options in terms of turbo sizing and the make of the turbos themselves.
While upgraded 2.7 EcoBoost turbos are a solid upgrade if you are looking to make more than 450 horsepower, it’s not a cheap way to get there. You’ll likely want to consider additional cooling mods, tires, axles, and much more. Check out our 2.7 EcoBoost turbo upgrade guide for more.
Another important consideration is the health of the 2.7 engine itself. Just because an engine can make a certain insane power goal doesn’t mean that it can do it reliably. Despite the fact that the 2.7 EcoBoost F150 has a very strong block and rotating assembly, excessive boost will do damage to any unprepared engine. Can the 2.7L twin-turbo V6 handle the abuse or do you need to upgrade the internals? Let’s jump in and discuss.
How Much Power Can the EcoBoost Handle? #
There are multiple reasons that the 2.7L EcoBoost is a good option for those that want to make a significant amount of power. The engine is known for its block strength and reasonably tough rotating assembly. The 2.7’s compacted graphite iron block is unique in the fact that there aren’t many other examples out there of an engine made from that compound. Ultimately, CGI is around 75 percent stronger than traditional cast iron and around the same amount stiffer. Combined with the fact that the Ford 2.7L V6’s block uses 6-bolt main construction, it is pretty obvious that the block isn’t the engine’s shortcoming.
Where the 2.7 EcoBoost is limited is its rods and pistons, which are cast. In terms of a true horsepower ceiling, the 2.7 EcoBoost taps out at around 450 horsepower on stock internals. Livernois Motorsports states that the 450 horsepower barrier is when you need to start taking a serious look at upgrading to forged rods and pistons due to the added strain and engine temperatures that are reached at that power threshold.
That is also where quality supporting mods enter the picture. It isn’t a good idea to throw 450+whp at the engine without a quality setup. We highly recommend running heavy E85 mixtures at that power with all of the fueling mods to support the fuel flow.
With that being said, there are examples of Ford 2.7 V6s extending above the 500-horsepower barrier with the right modifications. The team at TFLTruck.com was able to get their 2.7 EcoBoost F150 to 530 horsepower with upgraded turbos and bolt-ons. No additional internal mods. As we said earlier, just because you can make that much power doesn’t necessarily mean that it is reliable power. All else equal, more boost and power are going to put more stress on the 2.7L V6.
2.7 EcoBoost F150 pushing 540 horsepower with upgraded turbos and bolt-ons:
Common Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Problems #
To this point, we’ve been talking the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost up pretty high. And, truth be told, it deserves it. Between the massive amount of power potential, smooth power delivery, and vast modifiability, are there any downsides? To tell you the truth, the 2.7 twin-turbo V6 really doesn’t have any major drawbacks or costly common problems either.
The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine also delivers pretty impressive reliability. With that being said, there are a couple of issues that have been shown to occur more commonly on the 2.7 EcoBoost. That isn’t to say that these issues are common in the normal sense of the word because they’re not. No internal combustion engine is immune to at least a few issues. A few of those problems include:
- Ignition system
- Carbon build-up (First Gen)
- Timing chain issues
- Engine oil leaks / Oil pan leak
Ford 2.7L Twin Turbo V6 Issues #
In the next sections, we will briefly dive into each of these issues. Again, this guide is meant to be an overview of the 2.7L EcoBoost engine. If you’re looking for detailed info on these issues then check out this 2.7 EcoBoost common problems article.
1. Carbon Build-Up #
This problem is nowhere near unique to the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. In fact, almost any direct-injected engine that doesn’t also utilize port injection is likely to face carbon buildup issues as well. This issue occurs due to the fact that fuel never has a chance to clean the ports or valves as it normally would in a port-injected engine. DI sprays fuel directly into the cylinders. All engines produce some natural oil blow-by that makes its way into the intake ports where it often sticks to the back of valves. With port injection, fuel is sprayed into these intakes ports and cleans away any carbon deposits.
Once again, this issue has been almost entirely solved with the introduction of the Gen 2 2.7 EcoBoost. For that reason, only the first generation is affected by this problem. One solution is walnut blasting, which cleans the 2.7’s intake valves. Ford recommends walnut blasting the intake valves every 40,000-60,000 miles.
2. Timing Chain Problems #
The timing chain is another known issue with earlier EcoBoost engines. The most common timing chain issue on the Ford 2.7 V6 is timing chain rattle. When this occurs, a notable rattling sound can be heard inside the engine bay. This problem has been reported as soon as 20,000 miles, but occurs most often around the 100,000-mile mark. If you do encounter a timing chain rattle issue, you’ll likely have to replace the chain, tensioner, guides, idler, crank gear, and intake phasers. The 2nd Gen revision seems to have remedied the timing chain rattle issue, as the later engines don’t often run into timing chain problems.
3. Oil Leaks #
Last but not least oil leaks are another fairly common issue on older Ford 2.7L EcoBoost engines. That certainly isn’t an issue exclusive to EcoBoost engines either. The same could be said for just about any older engine with 100,000+ miles. As most people know, engines use a lot of seals, gaskets, o-rings, and other parts subject to wear and tear over the years.
While oil leaks are a prominent issue on many engines out there, some common sources of 2.7L EcoBoost oil leaks have been identified as well. In August 2019, Ford released a technical service bulletin, concerning the 2015 Ford F150 as the primary model of issue, regarding issues with the oil pan’s RTV seal. The bulletin states that the issue arises due to a lack of RTV adhesion between the plastic oil pan and the block itself.
The service bulletin explicitly states that 2nd gen EcoBoost press-in gasket oil pans are not compatible with 1st gen use. Unfortunately, due to the frequency of the issue, it is difficult to find oil pans for 1st gen 2.7 EcoBoosts. As of the time of this article, OEM 1st Gen 2.7 EcoBoost oil pans are on backorder with a non-specified ETA. Even aftermarket manufacturers are struggling to keep them in stock, meaning that there aren’t any apparent solutions to the issue at this time. If you are interested in checking out the bulletin for yourself, it can be seen here:
1st Gen Ford EcoBoost 2.7L oil pan leak technical service bulletin
While there have been some reports of Gen 2 2.7L EcoBoosts having the same issue, it is not as common, as the Gen 2 switched to a press-in gasket that didn’t have sealing issues.
Is the 2.7 EcoBoost Reliable? #
Once again looking at the engine wholistically, the Ford 2.7L twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine delivers good overall reliability. Even the early 2.7 EcoBoost engines offer good reliability despite a few minor flaws. The most expensive potential problem is timing chain rattle, which can be a costly repair and potentially cause other damage if the failure is severe. That’s pretty much the one ding against the Ford 2.7L V6 engine.
Carbon build-up isn’t a major concern and rarely causes any serious problems if it’s not addressed. Just remember that if you do own an older 2.7 EcoBoost F150, walnut basting is an important maintenance item that should be performed every 50,000-60,000 miles. Lastly, oil leaks aren’t due to any known design flaws but instead the nature of older, high-mileage engines.
Ultimately, outside of the timing chain, the 2.7 EcoBoost doesn’t have any serious flaws or problems. That is even more the case for newer Gen 2 engines.
How Long Can the Engine Last? #
Ford 2.7 EcoBoost longevity is about 250,000 miles. That’s pretty good longevity for a high-performance 2.7L twin-turbo V6 engine. Of course, EcoBoost longevity depends on many factors. The thought of making massive power with upgrades may seem exciting at first. However, constant abuse and higher-than-stock power can shorten the 2.7 EcoBoost longevity.
It shouldn’t be a huge concern with basic bolt-on mods and proper tuning. However, the risk is always there when increasing boost and power. Keep this in mind before you go throwing 450+whp at the Ford EcoBoost engine.
Otherwise, maintenance is one of the main keys to a long life expectancy of the 2.7 EcoBoost. Change the fluids on time, repair issues in a timely manner if they occur, and use good oils. Do all of this and the Ford 2.7L V6 longevity may exceed 250,000 miles.
Luck of the draw does play into life expectancy but that’s out of our control, unfortunately. Keep up with maintenance & repairs and hope you have a bit of luck on your side.
Ford 2.7L V6 EcoBoost Engine Summary #
When it comes to modern Ford engines, it is hard to argue with the performance, reliability, and aftermarket support of the EcoBoost engine series. The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine is impressive from top to bottom. With only 2.7L of displacement, the Ford twin-turbo V6 design delivers impressive horsepower and torque. Despite the engine being pretty low on the Ford engine totem pole, it is a very efficient engine, producing an impressive 120 hp/L. While Ford isn’t exactly historically known for their V6 engines, the EcoBoost engine series is changing that permanently.
Ford also took the engine even further in 2018 with their 2nd Gen updates. The original 2.7 EcoBoost is still a great engine. However, the updates made the 2.7L V6 even more powerful and reliable. If you’re looking for the most reliable and most capable EcoBoost then you should certainly consider the updated engine.
While the 2.7 EcoBoost delivers great performance from the factory there’s plenty more potential with a few upgrades. A tune and basic bolt-ons can take the twin-turbo V6 to 400+whp with E85 fueling. Turbo upgrades can push the engine even further, but these costly upgrades aren’t for the faint of heart.
Despite the yin and yang philosophy, all of the good aspects of the EcoBoost engine aren’t met with any serious drawbacks. The 2.7L EcoBoost also delivers good reliability and doesn’t suffer from any major design flaws or issues. With good maintenance, the engine is capable of making it to 250,000+ miles.
