2017 Ford F150
The 2017 Ford F150 undergoes its first refresh since the 2015 debut featuring it's all-aluminum body. Part of this 2017 refresh includes the introduction of the second generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6. It receives direct injection and a resulting 10 horsepower bump and massive 50 lb-ft torque increase, bringing the total numbers to 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque! Also released with this iteration of F150 is a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Developed co-jointly with GM, this new close-ratio gearbox can shift non-squentially, employs adaptive-shift monitoring over 12 various parameters and is the first ever transmission implemented by Ford with absolutely zero cast-iron parts. The remaining engines carry over: the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6, 2.7L EcoBoost and 5.0L Coyote V8. Perhaps more exciting than all of this is the return of the F150 Raptor. Disappearing back in 2014, the Raptor returns with vengeance for 2017, sporting a 6" wider track, 2" more of ground clearance and a tuned up 3.5L EcoBoost throwing down 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Vengeance indeed.
Complete Induction Overhaul
If you're impressed with the numbers the new 2017 Raptor puts down and want similar, overhauling the intake system is a good way to begin down that path. Starting with a combo cold air intake and tuner package, this one-two punch can net 30-40 horsepower on the naturally aspirated 5.0L and upwards of 40 on the EcoBoost turbocharged engines.
- 5.0L Coyote: 30-40 horsepower
- 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost: 40+ horsepower gain
The cold air intake helps power production by improving flow and eliminating restriction, allowing cool, oxygen dense air to reach the combustion chamber with less effort. Coupled with a tuner that reprograms the engine with more aggressive fuel, spark and timing settings, another benefit of purchasing a tuner/cold air intake combo is the tuner will already be programmed to account for the new flow parameters brought by the performance air intake. Working together, these two components complement each other extremely well and allow for maximum power and torque to be achieved versus installing each piece separately.
Matching Throttle Body
Contining on the gain train, installing a larger throttle body will further performance and get you that much closer to Raptor-like levels. EcoBoost motors use a 68 mm unit and the larger 5.0L V8 Coyote is equipped with an 80 mm unit from the factory. Increasing the size of the throttle body will improve air flow, particularly at the top end, and mesh well with a cold air intake and tuner package as discussed above. While generally not a piece to produce outright power on their own, throttle bodies are considered more of a supporting modification, allowing for big power to be made instead of acting as a bottleneck. On its own, this will be the case, adding maybe 4-7 horsepower on the top end. That said, however, when taken into account and paired with a tuner and large intake, these results are magnified. Coyote engines can upgrade to a 85 mm or 90 mm size (this size does require a tune), with the former being more optimized for street/work duties. In regards to the EcoBoost engines, jumping up to a 73 mm throttle body will aid in air flow without dropping the velocity too much to lose low end torque. When selecting a throttle body, the smoothness of the bore will play a large role in performance. Thus, opt for throttle bodies that have machined surfaces, as they will provide smooth air flow. Jagged edges and the like will create turbulence, which can hamper performance. Cheaper versions may not do a good on the bore or throttle plate, creating inefficiencies and possibly excessive noise (whistling) as the air rushes over.
