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Machining the Ecoboost?

Started by Spenser281, August 17, 2016, 09:25:52 PM

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Spenser281

Has anyone had any experience (good or bad) with having machine work done to their 3.5 Ecoboost?  Can the blocks be bored if needed?  And is someone making larger pistons for those situations?  Any special procedures specific to the block during machining?  Since Ford has theses engines on back order, my only option may be to have mine re-ringed.

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glock-coma

2010 red candy metallic non PP 402B
AJPTURBO 2 BAR Tune Stock 14.1@100.3 / Tuned 12.83@107.7
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J-Will

Super Six Motorsports is also an option, though I have yet to hear of anyone using their offerings

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2014 Factory Order SHO (non pp) Deep Impact Blue
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Spenser281

Yeah, I had looked at the Livernois set up.  Hard to swallow $5500 foe just a short block when Ford "only" wants $4700 to replace the short block, parts and labor.  I may have to find out if I can send them my block to Livernois and have them re-ring it.  I have no idea if they do basic, non-performance work or not.  I'm sure they'd charge an arm and a leg to do it.

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Work in progress....

sholxgt

How long is the backorder?  Think your motor can last long enough to wait for a factory short block?  I ask because it looks like the short block new from Ford is "only" about $1300.  That seems like a definite winner for budget reasons.
Current - 2019 F150 Platinum FX4 3.5 EB
Formerly -2013 MKS Ecoboost Premium
PPE Catted DP's, 170 Reische TS, K&N Drop In, AJP Tune only at track - 12.87@106

Spenser281

Not sure on how long.  My parts guy told me he has contacted his zone rep.  But I haven't heard anything back yet.  That was just yesterday.  I agree.  I think the short block from Ford, which comes with a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty, is the way to go.

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Work in progress....

Livernois Motorsports

To compare a purposely built performance upgrade to a stock component is not apples to apples. All performance upgrades are more expensive. Even when you look at more rudimentary parts like springs. You can get stock springs inexpensively compared to an aftermarket upgrade. Does that mean that the factory spring is as good or responsive as OE? No, similar principal.

What makes Livernois different from the competition, and why do we feel so strongly about our products? Simply put, we pride ourselves on putting in the extra time to engineer and design packages and products that will do more than just meet the requirements; we want to exceed those requirements in every possible way.

At Livernois Motorsports we take great pride in the fact that we offer something engineered and designed to be the best for a given application. Unlike our competition we don't use off the shelf parts for engine builds. In most cases we have our own parts that are engineered and designed to go above and beyond what other companies offer with off the shelf parts. A great engine is designed with each and every part built to work in conjunction with the other components. Just selecting a piston off the shelf and sticking it with a rod and piston doesn't cut it.

Most of our competitors use off the shelf parts, which isn't a knock on the components, they're usually adequate for most applications. At Livernois Motorsports though, good enough or adequate isn't acceptable. We take our decades worth of engine building, racing, design and engineering experience, and we leverage that knowledge, experience and expertise to design and build engines that go far above and beyond just being adequate.

Every aspect of our engines and their components are carefully thought out and designed to work as a package. We develop our own piston, rod, crankshaft, fasteners, and much more, right in house. We sometimes we work with leading manufacturers in the racing industry to have these designs developed into finished components. This means when you buy a Livernois engine, you're not buying a bunch of off the shelf parts that have just been "assembled", you're buying a meticulously crafted precision engine with custom designed components built from decades of racing and engineering knowledge.

Spenser281

Agreed.  You get what you pay for.  And of I were going for upgraded turbos, meth injection, cat less down pipes, exhaust, and an aggressive tune, no doubt would you guys have the best option.  However, for someone simply looking at a 3 bar tune, and the massive difference in price, I believe the Ford short block will suffice.....if I can get one....

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midnightSun

Quote from: Spenser281 on August 17, 2016, 09:25:52 PM
Can the blocks be bored if needed?  And is someone making larger pistons for those situations?

I was looking a while back and a new block costs less then $900. Not sure of your comfort level building engines but yes, you can do everything you asked to these engines. I noticed ford had oversized pistons so a machine shop could bore the cylinders. Another route would be to find a used engine from a recycle center. Most of the time they are pulled working and will drop right in for possibly less then ford would charge to rebuild one.
Also your local service center might remove and install the engine for a fixed price, way cheaper then a ford service center would. Hell A Ford tech might also agree to be paid a flat feel to do the swap in his spare time.

So you had a ring fail or something worse? 

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Spenser281

I am about 99% sure it is a ring or ring land.

I've already bought another used engine off of eBay and sent it to Livernois.

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2010 SHO

Work in progress....

midnightSun

Quote from: Spenser281 on September 03, 2016, 12:02:55 AM
I am about 99% sure it is a ring or ring land.

What are the symptoms you're having?
Have you diagnosed which piston / cyl is having the issue?
"I'm 30 min away, i'll be there in 10"
2016 Explorer Sport 3bar 93 tune.
Continental ZRY summer tires.
I pull a 30' race trailer with this little SUV at times.
2x Regional Champ!

Spenser281

2010 SHO

Work in progress....