F150 vs SHO rotating assembly

[Spenser281]

Forgive me if this has already been answered else where, but between searching here and Google, I couldn't find the answer I was looking for.

Does anyone know the differences between the rotating assemblies on the F150 EB and the SHO?  I can't seem to nail down the material of the F150 connecting rods and pistons.  I've seen some sources say our SHO components are a forged crank, powdered metal rods, and cast aluminum pistons, while the F150 EB features forged connecting rods and forged pistons.  Can anyone confirm or deny this?  Also, say the F150 internals ARE forged, would they be interchangeable with the transverse platform?  Any ideas?

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[SHOdded]

This article series should answer your questions as far as the F150 specs:
http://www.full-race.com/articles/inside-the-ecoboost-f-150.html

[Spenser281]

I saw that article.  I also saw the article on the Cyclone series engine from Super Six Motorsports.  http://www.supersixmotorsports.com  The article is called Cyclone Tech.  I couldn't figure out how to post the link to the actual article.  http://www.supersixmotorsports.com/_pdf/2016/cyclone-tech-v2.pdf

Anyway, the Super Six article states that the Cyclone series engine, which must be the transverse version of the ecoboost, has powdered metal rods.

From this, would it be safe to draw the conclusion that the F150 rods would be an upgrade for the SHO platform?

It seems that the pistons in both applications are of the hypereutectic type,  and, probably not interchangeable.  Correct?

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[glock-coma]

I just checked livernois website. The same part number for their connecting rods fits all ecoboost 3.5 applications.

[EcoPowerParts]

FYI, the pistons are definitely different, I sent pistons from a SHO to CP to copy, they sold them to MPT for their truck and Cavelli turbos and they didn't work.

[Spenser281]

I called one of the local Ford dealerships.  They tell me that both applications (a 2010 SHO and a 2011 F150) show the same part number for the connecting rod......but they can't tell me if they are forged or powdered metal.

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[Spenser281]

According to Lakeland Ford parts website, the rods are the same from 2010-2015 on all of the 3.5 Ecoboost platforms.  Part #BL3Z6200A.  Anyone have any idea who would know if these are forged or not?  I am trying to find a less expensive (though inferior) option on forged rods than paying $1300+ for aftermarket ones.

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[Livernois Motorsports]

There are 2 main families of the 3.5L, and they are NOT interchangeable. The longitudinal (F150 based vehicles) and the transverse (Taurus based vehicles) are completely different from each other. We post them together for ease of searching. However, post inquiry or purchase your designated salesperson will collect all of your vehicle specific information from you prior to fulfilling your order.

[sholxgt]

I can pretty much guarantee you that they are not forged.  Outside of the Terminator Cobra and Ford GT's, I can't think of a modern Ford with forged connecting rods.  I'm sure there are others, but they are that rare.

[glock-coma]

There are 2 main families of the 3.5L, and they are NOT interchangeable. The longitudinal (F150 based vehicles) and the transverse (Taurus based vehicles) are completely different from each other. We post them together for ease of searching. However, post inquiry or purchase your designated salesperson will collect all of your vehicle specific information from you prior to fulfilling your order.

Thank you for the clarification.

[Vortech347]

I can pretty much guarantee you that they are not forged.  Outside of the Terminator Cobra and Ford GT's, I can't think of a modern Ford with forged connecting rods.  I'm sure there are others, but they are that rare.

Boss's do.   

[sholxgt]

I can pretty much guarantee you that they are not forged.  Outside of the Terminator Cobra and Ford GT's, I can't think of a modern Ford with forged connecting rods.  I'm sure there are others, but they are that rare.

Boss's do.

I didn't know that. Thanks!  That makes 3.  Maybe the GT350 also?  Still shows how rarely Ford uses forged rods.  All of these examples are specialty cars.  Not that an SHO isn't special, but a 3.5 EB is not exactly into the realm of special on it's own merits.

Not sure of your plans, but I wouldn't think forged rods are exactly necessary unless you're thinking of going BIG!

[Vortech347]

V8 Mustangs from 87-92 had forged pistons.  I don't think the rod's were but the OEM parts will withstand enough HP that the block will break before they do.

[sholxgt]

V8 Mustangs from 87-92 had forged pistons.  I don't think the rod's were but the OEM parts will withstand enough HP that the block will break before they do.

532whp from the bone stock original short block in the Fox body in my garage   It's on borrowed time, but has been for many years.  Have had several.  The parts look weak, but hold up pretty darn well considering they only made 200ish whp stock.

[Spenser281]

I can pretty much guarantee you that they are not forged.  Outside of the Terminator Cobra and Ford GT's, I can't think of a modern Ford with forged connecting rods.  I'm sure there are others, but they are that rare.

Boss's do.

I didn't know that. Thanks!  That makes 3.  Maybe the GT350 also?  Still shows how rarely Ford uses forged rods.  All of these examples are specialty cars.  Not that an SHO isn't special, but a 3.5 EB is not exactly into the realm of special on it's own merits.

Not sure of your plans, but I wouldn't think forged rods are exactly necessary unless you're thinking of going BIG!

Not really thinking of going big, BUT....brand new rods from Ford are just under $40/each.  So if mine were powdered metal, and the F150's were forged, I'd spend the extra $250 for forged rods.  However, it would appear they are the same.  So no use in making a change.  Thanks for the help here guys!

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