Is yours an extended HR? I want the NA motor but want to be sure a weight conscious camper build will be sufficient to go the speed limit. I could care less about drag racing or towing. The ski resort that I go to is 6000 feet elevation but the road is to get there off the freeway is only 35-40mph so can't speed up there anyway. Otherwise, regular driving to camp spots without significant elevator gain. Thanks a ton.
Perfect explanation of the differences. I avoid TURBOs whenever possible. Nothing good can come from pushing a motor twice as hard. I have over 400 000 miles on my T-250 (2017-- 3.7L medium height). I still have the same plugs, coils, water pump, Oh heck it would be easier and shorter of a list if I just tell you what I have repaired. HVAC blower motor, alternator, rear brakes x3, front brakes once, small coolant line from the overflow bottle, coolant bottle, front wheel bearings (not sure I really needed to do it though), now my transmission is slipping in 5th and overdrive. Considering the miles I have I am way ahead of the game at this point. **Update** Oct.05,2022 I am still driving my van. The same old motor is still going. The transmission was change at about 730 000 kms(450 000 miles). The torque converter clutch wore all the way down to the rivets. I am now at 905 000 KMs ( 560 000 miles). I just spent over 2000$ on some things. another 1800 to go to get ready for winter.
Hey The Plow Guys. I haven't heard from Med Tec67 (I totally understand since we are all busy). 400K miles is incredible. Can you please comment on my question below? I'm buying new and it's a lot of money so I want something that will last and I hate dealing with repair facilities so looking for reliability. I'm leaning towards the NA but want to be sure it will be compatible with a HR camper build. Also, I work from home now so it will sit during the week without driving much and more of a weekend warrior set up. I've heard the ecoboost motors don't like to sit much because of oil lubricating the turbos so another con. Thanks a ton. I really appreciate it. Erik
@@eo8513 OK let me tell you about two scenarios. I owned a 2012 ford F-250. I only used it for snow removal. It would sit all summer long. Lets face it the thing was a gas hog and there is no snow in the summer for it to make money. I am really not a grass guy so summer out door work is not my thing. The truck would need repairs related to sitting too long. Bearings, steering box seal, universals, anything related to moving parts will suffer when they don't move. I sold the truck with only 15000 miles on it in 2018. My van is used 6 days a week. The moving parts like fan belt lasted me over 300 000 mile. I only changed the belt cause the idler bearing started to squeak. I have never changed a universal bearing, hanger bearing, never opened the motor (Yet). Your question is To TURBO or to NA. All choices are up to the individual. I have no idea how you will treat your vehicle. I baby mine. Oil changes every two weeks (Full syn Oil). I just spent 2000 $ on it this week end. Tranny flush, Diff. flush, LOL another oil change. If you get a turbo don't drive it like a race car just because it feels peppy like a sports car doesn't mean it should be driven like one. If you go NA then don't try to pull power from it like a racehorse when all you have under the hood is a mule. In the end get what you really like and want despite what anyone says. You are the only person that matters when it comes to your money.
Great job on the video. Let me add my input here, as I have done on a few other websites. The 3.5L EB is a fine, powerful, fuel efficient, engine, but it is SIGNIFICANTLY more complicated, and expensive to maintain and repair than the naturally aspirated 3.7L. I am a mechanical engineer that worked at Ford on several turbo engine systems. One turbo added a lot of complication, two was even worse. If you have to have the additional power, go with the EB. Me, I will stay with the powerful enough for me, but significantly less complicated, naturally aspirated engines. Just ask anyone who has had to replace a turbo (or two). Let me add, that up to 80,000 to 100,000 miles the overall cost of ownership of the 3.7L and 3.5L EB are roughly the same. After that, the 3.5L EB CAN, AND PROBABLY WILL, end up costing you significantly more in repair costs related to valve deposits, timing chain stretch and turbo repairs. Like I said, if you need the power, go with the 3.5L EB. If you plan to keep your EB Transit more than 80,000 miles, please do yourself a favor and buy the Ford Protect Extended Warranty. I promise you will thank me later. You can buy this warranty even after you own the vehicle, but it will cost a little more then.
thanks for your input... what if I plan to keep it over 7-10 years, but won't be putting much mileage on it each year, approx. 7000 miles/year... will mostly be using it for transporting different products average weight 1 ton. Will the NA feel underpowered hauling that kind of load? and would the EB be similar in terms of overall cost of ownership since the mileage is so low even though the years of ownership is high? any feedback would be greatly appreciated :)
Great video. Well explained, good delivery. As a long time tree-shade mechanic I know I didn't want or need the turbo and this video explains exactly why. I have been very happy with the 3.7l, it has all the power I need in a van. It isn't a race car!
I’ve got a 2015 3.5 NA and it’s been bullet proof. I don’t tow and haul much as mine’s more of a city boy truck so there’s that. It’s not going to win any races, but I will say that if I put my 3.5 NA in sport mode, it’s plenty quick.
It depends on who buys the van. I drive my Ecoboost, I pay for it. If its going to go to your workers, Do not give the the Ecoboost. They will destroy it.
Hey Med Tec67. This video was amazing and I completely appreciate the explanation. I replied a while ago and I'm still struggling to figure out what motor to go with. Can you please let me know your thoughts on a Transit 350 High Roof Extended as a camper build. I'll do it as light as possible but say it is close to GVWR to be conservative. I'm not sure how heavy your ambulances are but assuming they are close to GVWR. I'm leaning heavily toward the NA motor because just easier/simple and a longer term motor as you mentioned in the pros/cons. I'll keep this forever. I don't really care about the power as I won't be towing and don't really care about driving in the slow lane. Just want to go the speed limit. This will be used for skiing and the resort is at 6,000 feet elevation but the access road is 35-40 mph so you can't race up there. Do you think the NA will have reasonable power to go up the ski resort with a camper build? I'm assuming that your ambulances are loaded and also the delivery trucks seem to be NA motors as well and they are loaded up pretty substantially. My friend has a work van mid roof non-extended and he said there is plenty of power but his is older and has the 6 speed transmission. Seems like a 10 speed would help with the power and some of the common complaints about old 6 speed hunting for gears on the NA models. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated since I'm totally stuck. Thanks a ton and love the channel. Have a good week. Erik
i haul freight in my 3.7 '15 model.it has 420kmiles and still going.very few issues.i had to replace that module that prevents the van from starting,tensioner pulleys,belts,and water pump and hoses but besides that just reg maint and full synthetic oil changes every 8k miles.
Ya I am loving mine too. I haul cargo to Canada daily and have about the same mileage as you. Down shifts in the hills and my tranny is slipping in 5th and overdrive. I am still going though. I will have to rebuild the tranny but I am prepared for a larger than normal bill cause of the design.
Excellent review, thanks very much! disagree that 5 yrs is more likely to have problems with Turbo. Maybe better stated as "100k+ miles begins to be more likely" or something of that nature? Not many issues on the forums that I've noticed at all, and the ones that do are usually up in that range fwir.
Good video wish it had been out when I first started looking into my 2018 transit. I had planned on going with the 3.7 but then changed my mind thinking the 3.5EB would help me with the mountains after I get my conversion build done. I've not into needing to feel the power just want enough to constantly haul the extra weight up the passes and mountain back roads. I do plan on keeping this for 10 years as I'm 68 so don't figure I need another rig. So other then installing the catch can setup I've been hearing about can you offer any more inside tips to keep it on the road, mechanic to retired mechanic ;-) ? Thanks again for the great info, it's hard to find a tech today that's willing to talk to owners like back in my day.
The best advise i can give is to run a good synthetic oil and keep it changed every 5000 miles. The ecoboost valvetrain uses whats called a bucket over shim design instead of cam and follower which is a simpler design but has a bit more friction. It also has a high-pressure fuel pump on the driver side head that runs off the cam so needless to say the timing chain has a big job ahead of it and by running a good synthetic oil it reduces the amount of wear and tear on the timing chain and related components. Other than that just do your regular maintenance and try to avoid using all that power if you don't need it and it will treat you well.
@@HikerBiker they are all virtually the same they all help slow down the carbon build up and most are pretty good quality. Fordtechmakuloko does a great video on catch can installs showing nice tips on reusing old factory connectors for the PCV systems
THANK YOU!!! I really appreciate this explanation. I have been down this rabbit hole for a while as I decide to drop big money (for me) on a Transit for a camper conversion. The NA version seems like a better fit for me as long as it can handle a modest weight conscious build. Not full timing but weekends and vacations. If there are any other considerations zi should be thinking about, please let me know. Transmission cooler since it will have some weight? What do you run in your ambulance fleet? Take care.
I was thinking of a tranny cooler. I was told NOT to install one by both my garage and my tranny shop. Transmissions are meant to heat up and the provided cooler should be good enough. Flush the system more often. This will help clear the clutch debris from the torque converter out. Start the van once a day. If you have a remote starter let it run for the 15 min. timer that most auto starter are set too. maybe every two days. Even better just drive it around the block every two days. The NA version can haul the weight of a camper conversion with ease. Like I said before "A NA motor can be a mule so don't drive it like a racehorse and you should be fine. I wish you all the best.
You think a transit is bad. Try a mkx. :) frame rail in the way. 7.3 were de tuned for ford. Thus why they last and have less power. Mine has 330k on it and runs like a champ, no smoke no leaks. I bought the 3.7 na specifically because of my lead foot if it had a turbo. The 6 speed transmission does a great job with utilizing the power.
From me it would be merely academic as I haven't had any wrench time with them. I can tell you they are a design concept that several manufacturers have utilized to combat the common GDI issues and its a proven concept but as far as their implementation they are too new for me to give an experienced opinion on. Bottom line is GDI is pretty much the only viable way for gasoline engines to progress and the more experience ford gets with them hopefully the better they will get.
Why does anyone need turbos. The 3.3l or the coyote 5.0 is plenty enough to do what the average pickup truck driver need. I think the vanity of knowingly choosing turbos is very unnecessary. I mean think about, companies using the 3.3 for fleet is proof enough.
You are looking at 100$ per injector, another 75 for the reseal kit, 130$ for the high pressure fuel tube (has to be thrown away if removed) and about 40$ in gaskets and another 40$ for the coolant.
I tried saving your video “Transit Coolant Woes” to my playlist but is unable to because “content is made for kids”, also unable to comment on that video 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
100,000 miles on a commercial vehicle? I’d expect 400,000 miles on a commercial vehicle. We run Toyota Hiace vans up to 700,000kms same engine, same gearbox, no oil burn, no fuss. You guys in the US are being scammed.
Keep in mind it's an ambulance that is being driven by people who don't really care about it and it is started cold flogged out the door, idles forever then gets parked, cold soaked and repeat
This is a useful opinion by a technician which, it appears, is speaking from experience. But let's be clear, this is not the voice of an engineer. A comment, the EcoBoost has been in production for more than a decade and is the primary engine in the number one sold vehicle (F150) in the US. It is not an new engine.
I really enjoy my 3.7L. I have no need for a turbo. I live in my Transit 250 full time. It is truly a blessing.
Is yours an extended HR? I want the NA motor but want to be sure a weight conscious camper build will be sufficient to go the speed limit. I could care less about drag racing or towing. The ski resort that I go to is 6000 feet elevation but the road is to get there off the freeway is only 35-40mph so can't speed up there anyway. Otherwise, regular driving to camp spots without significant elevator gain. Thanks a ton.
Perfect explanation of the differences. I avoid TURBOs whenever possible. Nothing good can come from pushing a motor twice as hard. I have over 400 000 miles on my T-250 (2017-- 3.7L medium height). I still have the same plugs, coils, water pump, Oh heck it would be easier and shorter of a list if I just tell you what I have repaired. HVAC blower motor, alternator, rear brakes x3, front brakes once, small coolant line from the overflow bottle, coolant bottle, front wheel bearings (not sure I really needed to do it though), now my transmission is slipping in 5th and overdrive. Considering the miles I have I am way ahead of the game at this point.
**Update**
Oct.05,2022 I am still driving my van. The same old motor is still going. The transmission was change at about 730 000 kms(450 000 miles). The torque converter clutch wore all the way down to the rivets. I am now at 905 000 KMs ( 560 000 miles). I just spent over 2000$ on some things. another 1800 to go to get ready for winter.
Hey The Plow Guys. I haven't heard from Med Tec67 (I totally understand since we are all busy). 400K miles is incredible. Can you please comment on my question below? I'm buying new and it's a lot of money so I want something that will last and I hate dealing with repair facilities so looking for reliability. I'm leaning towards the NA but want to be sure it will be compatible with a HR camper build. Also, I work from home now so it will sit during the week without driving much and more of a weekend warrior set up. I've heard the ecoboost motors don't like to sit much because of oil lubricating the turbos so another con. Thanks a ton. I really appreciate it.
Erik
@@eo8513 OK let me tell you about two scenarios. I owned a 2012 ford F-250. I only used it for snow removal. It would sit all summer long. Lets face it the thing was a gas hog and there is no snow in the summer for it to make money. I am really not a grass guy so summer out door work is not my thing. The truck would need repairs related to sitting too long. Bearings, steering box seal, universals, anything related to moving parts will suffer when they don't move. I sold the truck with only 15000 miles on it in 2018. My van is used 6 days a week. The moving parts like fan belt lasted me over 300 000 mile. I only changed the belt cause the idler bearing started to squeak. I have never changed a universal bearing, hanger bearing, never opened the motor (Yet). Your question is To TURBO or to NA. All choices are up to the individual. I have no idea how you will treat your vehicle. I baby mine. Oil changes every two weeks (Full syn Oil). I just spent 2000 $ on it this week end. Tranny flush, Diff. flush, LOL another oil change. If you get a turbo don't drive it like a race car just because it feels peppy like a sports car doesn't mean it should be driven like one. If you go NA then don't try to pull power from it like a racehorse when all you have under the hood is a mule. In the end get what you really like and want despite what anyone says. You are the only person that matters when it comes to your money.
Great job on the video. Let me add my input here, as I have done on a few other websites.
The 3.5L EB is a fine, powerful, fuel efficient, engine, but it is SIGNIFICANTLY more complicated, and expensive to maintain and repair than the naturally aspirated 3.7L. I am a mechanical engineer that worked at Ford on several turbo engine systems. One turbo added a lot of complication, two was even worse. If you have to have the additional power, go with the EB. Me, I will stay with the powerful enough for me, but significantly less complicated, naturally aspirated engines. Just ask anyone who has had to replace a turbo (or two).
Let me add, that up to 80,000 to 100,000 miles the overall cost of ownership of the 3.7L and 3.5L EB are roughly the same. After that, the 3.5L EB CAN, AND PROBABLY WILL, end up costing you significantly more in repair costs related to valve deposits, timing chain stretch and turbo repairs. Like I said, if you need the power, go with the 3.5L EB.
If you plan to keep your EB Transit more than 80,000 miles, please do yourself a favor and buy the Ford Protect Extended Warranty. I promise you will thank me later. You can buy this warranty even after you own the vehicle, but it will cost a little more then.
thanks for your input... what if I plan to keep it over 7-10 years, but won't be putting much mileage on it each year, approx. 7000 miles/year... will mostly be using it for transporting different products average weight 1 ton. Will the NA feel underpowered hauling that kind of load? and would the EB be similar in terms of overall cost of ownership since the mileage is so low even though the years of ownership is high? any feedback would be greatly appreciated :)
I vote for NATURALLY ASPIRATED with emphasis on the word Naturally.
Great video. Well explained, good delivery. As a long time tree-shade mechanic I know I didn't want or need the turbo and this video explains exactly why. I have been very happy with the 3.7l, it has all the power I need in a van. It isn't a race car!
I’ve got a 2015 3.5 NA and it’s been bullet proof. I don’t tow and haul much as mine’s more of a city boy truck so there’s that. It’s not going to win any races, but I will say that if I put my 3.5 NA in sport mode, it’s plenty quick.
Very helpful!!! This is exactly what I needed to learn to make my decision. Thank you!
Excellent review !!
Thank you !!!!!!!!
Great video! I got the 2021 ecoboost with AWD, Im gonna drive like a grandma but i intend to keep the maintenance tight on it. great vid
I hope the AWD doesn't bite you in the butt. I would change the fluid in the transfer as often as possible.
It depends on who buys the van. I drive my Ecoboost, I pay for it. If its going to go to your workers, Do not give the the Ecoboost. They will destroy it.
Great video, thanks!
I got 18.1 mpg over the last 100k miles on my Ecoboost 2015 Transit. I guess I'm driving it gently haha.
Hey Med Tec67. This video was amazing and I completely appreciate the explanation. I replied a while ago and I'm still struggling to figure out what motor to go with. Can you please let me know your thoughts on a Transit 350 High Roof Extended as a camper build. I'll do it as light as possible but say it is close to GVWR to be conservative. I'm not sure how heavy your ambulances are but assuming they are close to GVWR. I'm leaning heavily toward the NA motor because just easier/simple and a longer term motor as you mentioned in the pros/cons. I'll keep this forever. I don't really care about the power as I won't be towing and don't really care about driving in the slow lane. Just want to go the speed limit. This will be used for skiing and the resort is at 6,000 feet elevation but the access road is 35-40 mph so you can't race up there. Do you think the NA will have reasonable power to go up the ski resort with a camper build? I'm assuming that your ambulances are loaded and also the delivery trucks seem to be NA motors as well and they are loaded up pretty substantially. My friend has a work van mid roof non-extended and he said there is plenty of power but his is older and has the 6 speed transmission. Seems like a 10 speed would help with the power and some of the common complaints about old 6 speed hunting for gears on the NA models. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated since I'm totally stuck. Thanks a ton and love the channel. Have a good week.
Erik
i haul freight in my 3.7 '15 model.it has 420kmiles and still going.very few issues.i had to replace that module that prevents the van from starting,tensioner pulleys,belts,and water pump and hoses but besides that just reg maint and full synthetic oil changes every 8k miles.
Ya I am loving mine too. I haul cargo to Canada daily and have about the same mileage as you. Down shifts in the hills and my tranny is slipping in 5th and overdrive. I am still going though. I will have to rebuild the tranny but I am prepared for a larger than normal bill cause of the design.
@@ThePlowGuys yes my buddy tranny slips and hes still running at 590k miles.lol.run that bad boy and stay safe!!
Excellent review, thanks very much! disagree that 5 yrs is more likely to have problems with Turbo. Maybe better stated as "100k+ miles begins to be more likely" or something of that nature? Not many issues on the forums that I've noticed at all, and the ones that do are usually up in that range fwir.
Good video wish it had been out when I first started looking into my 2018 transit. I had planned on going with the 3.7 but then changed my mind thinking the 3.5EB would help me with the mountains after I get my conversion build done. I've not into needing to feel the power just want enough to constantly haul the extra weight up the passes and mountain back roads. I do plan on keeping this for 10 years as I'm 68 so don't figure I need another rig. So other then installing the catch can setup I've been hearing about can you offer any more inside tips to keep it on the road, mechanic to retired mechanic ;-) ? Thanks again for the great info, it's hard to find a tech today that's willing to talk to owners like back in my day.
The best advise i can give is to run a good synthetic oil and keep it changed every 5000 miles. The ecoboost valvetrain uses whats called a bucket over shim design instead of cam and follower which is a simpler design but has a bit more friction. It also has a high-pressure fuel pump on the driver side head that runs off the cam so needless to say the timing chain has a big job ahead of it and by running a good synthetic oil it reduces the amount of wear and tear on the timing chain and related components. Other than that just do your regular maintenance and try to avoid using all that power if you don't need it and it will treat you well.
@@medtec6747 Do you recommend one brand catch can over others?
@@HikerBiker they are all virtually the same they all help slow down the carbon build up and most are pretty good quality. Fordtechmakuloko does a great video on catch can installs showing nice tips on reusing old factory connectors for the PCV systems
THANK YOU!!! I really appreciate this explanation. I have been down this rabbit hole for a while as I decide to drop big money (for me) on a Transit for a camper conversion. The NA version seems like a better fit for me as long as it can handle a modest weight conscious build. Not full timing but weekends and vacations. If there are any other considerations zi should be thinking about, please let me know. Transmission cooler since it will have some weight? What do you run in your ambulance fleet? Take care.
I was thinking of a tranny cooler. I was told NOT to install one by both my garage and my tranny shop. Transmissions are meant to heat up and the provided cooler should be good enough. Flush the system more often. This will help clear the clutch debris from the torque converter out. Start the van once a day. If you have a remote starter let it run for the 15 min. timer that most auto starter are set too. maybe every two days. Even better just drive it around the block every two days. The NA version can haul the weight of a camper conversion with ease. Like I said before "A NA motor can be a mule so don't drive it like a racehorse and you should be fine. I wish you all the best.
My 2019 Ecoboost gets me an average of 13.4 MPG on the Ford dash.
So in other words, go for ecoboost because... POWER!!!
That true
You think a transit is bad. Try a mkx. :) frame rail in the way.
7.3 were de tuned for ford. Thus why they last and have less power. Mine has 330k on it and runs like a champ, no smoke no leaks.
I bought the 3.7 na specifically because of my lead foot if it had a turbo. The 6 speed transmission does a great job with utilizing the power.
How about reviewing the new 2020, 3.5 PFDI engine.
From me it would be merely academic as I haven't had any wrench time with them. I can tell you they are a design concept that several manufacturers have utilized to combat the common GDI issues and its a proven concept but as far as their implementation they are too new for me to give an experienced opinion on. Bottom line is GDI is pretty much the only viable way for gasoline engines to progress and the more experience ford gets with them hopefully the better they will get.
@@medtec6747 Thanks
Why does anyone need turbos. The 3.3l or the coyote 5.0 is plenty enough to do what the average pickup truck driver need. I think the vanity of knowingly choosing turbos is very unnecessary. I mean think about, companies using the 3.3 for fleet is proof enough.
How is the cost for change the inyector in Ecoboost
You are looking at 100$ per injector, another 75 for the reseal kit, 130$ for the high pressure fuel tube (has to be thrown away if removed) and about 40$ in gaskets and another 40$ for the coolant.
I tried saving your video “Transit Coolant Woes” to my playlist but is unable to because “content is made for kids”, also unable to comment on that video 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Fixed
Don't listen to anyone who tells you that EcoBoost is a good engine. It's absolute garbage.
100,000 miles on a commercial vehicle? I’d expect 400,000 miles on a commercial vehicle. We run Toyota Hiace vans up to 700,000kms same engine, same gearbox, no oil burn, no fuss. You guys in the US are being scammed.
Keep in mind it's an ambulance that is being driven by people who don't really care about it and it is started cold flogged out the door, idles forever then gets parked, cold soaked and repeat
This is a useful opinion by a technician which, it appears, is speaking from experience. But let's be clear, this is not the voice of an engineer.
A comment, the EcoBoost has been in production for more than a decade and is the primary engine in the number one sold vehicle (F150) in the US. It is not an new engine.