brulaz wrote:
Our 2005 VW Passat TDI definitely has turbo lag. Our F150 Ecoboost definitely does not, and you are the first person I've ever heard complain of it. Have you ever driven an Ecoboost or are you just extrapolating from older turboed engines? The Ecoboost uses a dual turbo or something like that to reduce lag, essentially eliminating it for me.
Turbo's are common in diesels and high performance gas engines. Like all components, some are more reliable than others. I have heard of no problems with the Ecoboost turbo, and the motor has been around for since the beginning of 2011.
The intercooler condensation issue apparently can occur after driving for a long-time in 100% humidity conditions and then stomping on the throttle. Built-up condensation in the intercooler is forced into the engine possibly causing it to stumble and stall. The vast majority of Ecoboost owners never experience it. I never have, perhaps because I rarely stomp on the throttle especially when it's wet.
An advantage of turboed over naturally aspirated engines is that they maintain their power at high elevations. Anybody who intends to tow in the Rockies will find this useful.
The Ecoboost definitely has turbo lag, it's a common complaint on all the F150 forums. It was there on all 3 of the Ecoboost trucks I've driven, just as with the turbo cars I've driven.
There are turbo failures stated on the F150 forums as well. So there is turbo failures associated with the Ecoboost.
I also wouldn't buy a truck to drive it like a grandpa so it won't stall or go into limp mode.
Each to their own, but I won't be owning an Ecoboost anytime soon until it's design changes.
BTW, a twin turbo does not eliminate turbo lag, it only reduces it. A dual turbo system with one smaller turbo to spool up quickly, and a larger turbo to create more boost, is the design to rid turbo lag.
Turbo lag is the result of no boost. It's hard to have boost when there's such a small amount of exhaust, sitting at a stop light. Once the Ecoboost truck is going, the lag is barely noticeable.
BTW, if someone wants the Max Tow package without the Ecoboost, Ford now offers in 2013, the 6.2L in packages starting with the XLT. Previously was only the Luxury Lariat model.
