The 3.5 EcoBoost is the engine that convinced truck buyers a V6 could out-pull a V8. It’s in millions of F-150s, Expeditions, Raptors and SUVs, and when one fails, the owner usually wants the same engine back. We have a Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale, tested and matched to your VIN, with shipping to buyers anywhere in the world.
Ready to buy? See the price, photos and stock for our fairly used Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale in the shop.
We’re an engine supplier, and a Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale is one of the engines we’re asked about most. If you already know what you need, send your VIN through our contact page or look through the Ford engines in our shop.
This guide covers the specs for both generations, which vehicles use it, the big difference between truck and car engines, the known problems, what we check, and how ordering works.
Table of Contents
Why a Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Engine for Sale Makes Sense
Ford launched the 3.5 EcoBoost in 2010 and put it in the F-150 for 2011. People were sceptical. Twin turbos in a work truck? Within a few years it was the most popular engine in the F-150 line-up. It makes big torque low in the rev range, it tows hard, and it’s lighter than a V8.
There are a huge number of them on the road, which means two things. First, there are plenty of trucks worth saving with a replacement engine. Second, there’s a good supply of donor engines, so a tested Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale is easier to find than you might think.
Replacing the engine also costs far less than replacing a truck. If your F-150 or Expedition has a good body, frame and transmission, a Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale is usually the smart way to keep it.
Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Engine Specifications
The 3.5 EcoBoost is based on Ford’s Cyclone V6 family, with direct injection and two turbochargers added. The Ford EcoBoost engine article on Wikipedia gives the history of the whole range. Here’s what applies to any Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale.
| Engine type | 60-degree V6, twin-turbocharged, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (24 valves) |
| Displacement | 3,496 cc (213 cubic inches) |
| Bore x stroke | 92.5 mm x 86.7 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 (Gen 1), 10.5:1 (Gen 2) |
| Block and heads | Aluminium block and heads |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Gen 1), port plus direct injection (Gen 2) |
| Valve timing | Twin independent variable cam timing |
| Turbochargers | Two, one per cylinder bank, with air-to-air intercooling |
| F-150 output | 365 hp / 420 lb-ft (2011 to 2016), 375 hp / 470 lb-ft (2017 to 2020), 400 hp / 500 lb-ft (2021 on) |
| Raptor and Navigator output | 450 hp / 510 lb-ft |
| Car and crossover output | About 365 hp / 350 lb-ft (Taurus SHO, Flex, Explorer Sport) |
| Oil capacity | About 6 quarts |
The high-output version in the Ford GT supercar makes far more, but that’s a different engine in almost every detail and not something you’ll find in a pickup.
Gen 1 vs Gen 2
There are two main generations, and you need to know which one you have before you buy a Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale.
Gen 1 (2010 to 2016)
Direct injection only. Used in the 2011 to 2016 F-150, 2015 to 2017 Expedition and Navigator, and the transverse cars and crossovers. Known for timing chain stretch and carbon build-up on the intake valves, but strong at the core.
Gen 2 (2017 onward)
Port and direct injection, a higher compression ratio, revised turbos with electronic wastegates, a new timing chain design and a lighter overall build. Paired with the ten-speed automatic in trucks. More power, more torque and fewer carbon problems.
A Gen 1 and a Gen 2 aren’t interchangeable without changing the wiring, fuel system and computer, so match the generation to your vehicle.
Which Vehicles Use the 3.5 EcoBoost?
Trucks and large SUVs (longitudinal engine)
- 2011 to present Ford F-150, including the Raptor from 2017
- 2015 to present Ford Expedition
- 2015 to present Lincoln Navigator
- 2015 to 2019 Ford Transit (around 310 hp)
Cars and crossovers (transverse engine)
- 2010 to 2019 Ford Taurus SHO and Police Interceptor Sedan
- 2010 to 2019 Ford Flex
- 2013 to 2019 Ford Explorer Sport and Platinum, plus the Police Interceptor Utility
- Lincoln MKS, MKT and Continental
The Ford F-Series trucks account for most of the 3.5 EcoBoost engines out there. If you drive an F-150, our F-150 engine buying guide and the article on the best F-150 engines are worth reading too.
Truck Engine vs Car Engine: This Matters
This is the mistake we see most. In the F-150, Expedition and Navigator, the engine sits lengthways (longitudinal). In the Explorer, Flex, Taurus and Lincoln crossovers, it sits sideways (transverse). They share a name and a lot of internal design, but they are not the same engine assembly.
The oil pan, turbos, exhaust manifolds, intake, accessory drive, water pump setup and mounts are all different. A Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale from an Explorer will not drop into an F-150, and the other way round. Give us your VIN and we’ll make sure you get the right one.
Known 3.5 EcoBoost Problems
It’s a good engine, but you should know where it tends to wear.
Timing chain stretch (mainly Gen 1)
Gen 1 engines are known for timing chains that stretch with mileage, especially if oil changes were stretched too. You’ll hear a rattle on cold start and see cam timing codes. Replacing the chains, guides, tensioners and often the cam phasers fixes it, but it’s a big job.
Cam phaser rattle (Gen 2)
Some 2017 to 2020 engines rattle for a second or two on cold start because of the cam phasers. Ford issued service bulletins with updated parts.
Carbon build-up
Gen 1 engines only have direct injection, so fuel never washes the back of the intake valves. Carbon builds up and causes rough running and misfires over time. Walnut blasting cleans it. Gen 2 engines have port injection too, which largely solves it.
Intercooler condensation misfire
Early 2011 to 2012 F-150s could stumble under hard acceleration in humid weather because water collected in the intercooler. Ford revised the intercooler to fix it.
Turbo wear and wastegate rattle
Turbo shafts wear on high-mileage engines, and wastegate linkages can rattle. Turbo coolant and oil lines can leak too.
Internal water pump on transverse engines
On the Explorer, Flex, Taurus and similar models, the water pump sits inside the engine and is driven by the timing chain. When it fails, coolant can get into the oil. If it isn’t caught early, it can wreck the bearings. That’s one of the most common reasons a car-based 3.5 EcoBoost ends up needing replacing.
Our page on common Ford F-150 engine problems covers more truck-specific issues.
How We Test Every Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Engine for Sale
Twin turbos and direct injection mean there’s more to check than on an older engine. Every Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale we list goes through:
- Compression test on all six cylinders
- Leak-down testing where readings are low or uneven
- Borescope look at the cylinder walls and, where possible, the intake valves
- Oil inspection for metal, coolant or fuel dilution
- Turbo shaft play on both turbos and a look for oil in the intake tract
- Timing chain check for slack and wear
- Crank rotation by hand to feel for binding
- Mileage records and donor VIN where we have them
We send photos of the actual engine with the results. You can read more about our process in how we test used engines.
Expedition, Navigator and the PowerBoost Hybrid
The Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator use the same longitudinal 3.5 EcoBoost family as the F-150, but the accessory brackets, oil pan, exhaust routing and calibration can differ to suit the bigger SUV chassis. The 2015 to 2017 models used the Gen 1 engine, and 2018 onward uses Gen 2. If you’re shopping for a Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale for an Expedition or Navigator, tell us the exact model year and trim so we match the correct version.
The F-150 PowerBoost hybrid from 2021 is another one to watch. It uses a 3.5 EcoBoost paired with an electric motor inside the transmission, and the engine has its own parts and calibration. A standard truck engine is not a straight replacement for a hybrid. We’ll check this for you from the VIN.
Tuning and Power Upgrades
The 3.5 EcoBoost responds well to tuning. A good tune, better intercooler and intake can add a lot of power on a stock engine. The trouble comes from aggressive tunes on worn engines, cheap fuel, or tunes that run the engine lean. If your old engine failed after tuning, take that into account before you tune the replacement. We’re happy to help you choose a Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale that suits your plans, and we’ll tell you honestly if a high-mileage engine isn’t a good base for big power.
How to Confirm Your Engine From the VIN
The eighth digit of your VIN is the engine code, and Ford has used different codes for the 3.5 EcoBoost across model years and vehicles. The 5.0 V8 and the non-turbo V6 options have their own codes too. Rather than guessing, send us the full VIN. We’ll decode it, confirm the generation and layout, and make sure the Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale we quote is the right one for your vehicle.
Used, Rebuilt or Remanufactured?
Shopping for a Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale, you’ll see these options.
Used
From a donor vehicle, tested and sold with a warranty. The best value by far, especially for a Gen 2 engine with reasonable miles.
Rebuilt
Repaired with new parts where needed. Ask exactly what was replaced, especially the timing components and turbos.
Remanufactured
Fully machined and rebuilt to spec. The most expensive, and sometimes sold without turbos or other parts.
Our guide to rebuilt vs used F-150 engines breaks down which suits different budgets.
7 Checks Before You Buy Any Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Engine for Sale
1. Truck or car engine?
Longitudinal for the F-150, Expedition, Navigator and Transit. Transverse for the Explorer, Flex, Taurus and Lincoln crossovers. Get this right first.
2. Gen 1 or Gen 2?
Match the generation to your model year. They don’t swap without major changes.
3. Ask about the timing chain
Has it been replaced? Any rattle or cam timing codes before removal? A Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale with fresh timing parts is worth more.
4. Check the turbos
Ask about shaft play and any oil in the intercooler pipes. Turbos aren’t cheap.
5. Get compression numbers
All six cylinders, written down.
6. Read the warranty
Know what’s covered. Our used engine warranty article explains the details that matter.
7. Confirm what’s included
Turbos, intake, injectors, high-pressure fuel pump, coil packs, sensors, wiring? Get the list on the quote.
What Comes With Our Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Engine for Sale
Our 3.5 EcoBoost engines usually ship complete or as a long block with the main parts fitted. Every Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale comes with a written list of what’s attached. A typical complete engine includes:
- Block, heads and rotating assembly
- Timing chains, guides and cam phasers
- Both turbochargers, where included
- Intake manifold and throttle body
- Direct injectors, fuel rails and high-pressure fuel pump
- Coil packs, oil pan and valve covers
Accessories like the alternator and A/C compressor vary. Ask and we’ll check.
Repair or Replace?
A stretched timing chain, a leaking turbo line or a bad coil pack doesn’t need a new engine. Fix those. But if the engine has a rod knock, a spun bearing, low compression from damaged rings or pistons, coolant in the oil from a failed internal water pump, or a turbo that came apart and sent pieces into the engine, replacement usually makes more sense. A tested Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale often costs less than rebuilding one, and you’ll be back on the road faster. Our replacement engine cost guide helps you work out the numbers.
Signs Your 3.5 EcoBoost Is Finished
- A knock from the bottom end that gets louder with load
- Low oil pressure warnings
- Metal in the oil
- Coolant disappearing with no outside leak, or milky oil
- Constant misfires with low compression on a cylinder
- Heavy smoke and oil use after a turbo failure
If you’ve got one or more of these, it’s worth getting a quote on a Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale before you spend more on the old one.
Towing With a 3.5 EcoBoost
The 3.5 EcoBoost is a strong tow engine. Properly equipped F-150s are rated to pull well over 10,000 lb, and the torque comes in low, so it doesn’t need to rev hard. What it needs is clean oil, a healthy cooling system and good spark plugs. Turbo engines are hard on plugs, and worn ones cause misfires under load. Look after those basics and a Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale will tow like it did when it was new.
What Affects the Price
- Gen 1 or Gen 2
- Truck or car version
- Mileage and history
- Complete engine or long block
- Turbo and timing chain condition
- Shipping distance
Watch out for a cheap Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale with no turbos, no photos and no test results. Once you add turbos and labour, it often isn’t cheap at all.
Shipping Worldwide
We ship to buyers across North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania. F-150s and Expeditions are exported to a lot of countries, and owners there need engines too.
Every Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale is drained, sealed, bolted to a pallet and wrapped before it ships. For export orders we handle the paperwork and work with your freight forwarder or ours. Details are on our shipping policy page.
How to Order a Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Engine for Sale
- Send us your VIN and location.
- We confirm the right version and generation and send photos, test results and a written quote with freight.
- You approve the quote and pay by bank transfer, which is the only payment method we accept.
- We crate and ship the engine and send tracking.
- You install it and keep your paperwork for the warranty.
You can also browse our used engines catalogue, the used SUV engines page, or the main shop.
Install Tips
- Replace the turbo oil feed and return lines and their seals if they came off the old engine.
- Clean or replace the intercooler and intercooler pipes, especially if the old engine had a turbo failure. Debris left in there will go straight into the new engine.
- Change the oil and filter, and prime the oil system before the first start.
- Fit new spark plugs gapped to spec.
- Fill and bleed the cooling system properly.
- Check that the computer calibration suits the engine and clear old codes.
- Drive gently for the first few hundred miles, then recheck fluids.
Take your time with the install, especially the intercooler clean-out. It’s the step people skip, and it’s the one that kills a good Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale.
When Your Engine Arrives
Inspect the crate before you sign for it, photograph any damage and note it on the delivery paperwork. Check the engine against the list on your quote. Keep it covered and dry until it goes in, and keep the turbo inlets and outlets sealed so nothing gets inside.
Keeping It Healthy
Change the oil every 5,000 miles or so with the oil Ford specifies. That’s the single best thing you can do for the timing chain and turbos. Let the engine idle for a few seconds before shutting it off after a hard tow so the turbos cool. Replace spark plugs on time. Use good fuel. Do that and your Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale will have a long life.
Who Buys a Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Engine for Sale From Us?
F-150 owners who want to keep a good truck. Expedition and Navigator owners with a family hauler worth saving. Explorer and Flex owners after an internal water pump failure. Contractors and fleets who can’t afford a truck off the road. Repair shops that need a tested engine for a customer. Exporters rebuilding trucks for overseas markets. They want an honest description and an engine that runs right.
Other Engines We Supply
Besides the Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale, we stock the Ford 5.0 Coyote, the Chevy LS3, and diesels including the 6.0 Powerstroke, the 7.3 Powerstroke and the 6.7 Powerstroke. If you’re comparing F-150 options, our article on F-150 engine fuel efficiency and durability is useful. New to buying engines online? Read how to buy a used engine online and low-mileage used engines.
Why Buy From NJ Global Auto Parts
We only sell engines. We test them, describe them honestly and ship them worldwide. We confirm the fit before you pay, so you don’t end up with a transverse engine for a truck. Every Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale from us comes with real photos, a written quote, tracking and a written warranty. You can read our refund and returns policy before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 3.5 EcoBoost reliable?
Yes, with regular oil changes. Gen 2 engines solved most of the Gen 1 complaints.
Will an Explorer 3.5 EcoBoost fit my F-150?
No. The Explorer engine is transverse and the F-150 engine is longitudinal. You need a truck engine.
Does your Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale include the turbos?
Complete engines usually do. The quote lists exactly what’s included and the condition of each part.
How many miles does a 3.5 EcoBoost last?
Well-maintained engines regularly go past 200,000 miles.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, with export paperwork handled for you.
How do I pay?
Bank transfer only. The details come with your quote.
How do I get a quote?
Send your VIN through our contact page, call +1 (209) 733-0882, or WhatsApp +1 209 690 5983.
Get Your Truck Pulling Again
A good truck or SUV is worth keeping, and the right engine is what keeps it going. If you need a Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine for sale that’s been tested, matched to your VIN and shipped with tracking, get in touch today. We’ll confirm the fit, send photos and give you a straight price, wherever you are.