The F150 EcoBoost engine is one of Ford’s best inventions to date. Offering an unrivaled balance of fuel economy and power, there’s no wonder it’s so sought-after by many.
But to keep your Ecoboost engine in excellent shape, you’ll want to invest in a solid intercooler.
An intercooler keeps your fuel consumption low while upping the engine’s power. It basically removes the negative effects and regulates the temperature of the inlet gas to give you optimum performance.
Here, we’ll review the market’s top options to help you choose the best intercooler for F150 Ecoboost.
The Best Intercoolers for F150 Ecoboost
When choosing your intercooler, you’ll want to consider its end tank structure. Welded intercoolers make for fewer failure points, so they should be your priority. At the same time, you’ll want to confirm where you want to mount the intercooler before buying it.
With these considerations in mind, we compiled the top three options on the market.
1. Mishimoto MMINT-F150-15BK Performance Intercooler
You can’t fail with Mishimoto when it comes to intercoolers. The US-based manufacturer has been specializing in cooling products for a long time, and its intercoolers are to speak of.
The MMINT-F150-15BK features a bar-and-plate construction that offers unrivaled resistance to external elements. Bar-and-plate cores are generally far more tolerant of abuse, and they stay efficient for a long time, even with repeated heating.
Not to mention, the design allows for better heat transfer because a thinner material contains the airflow.
Like all Mishimoto intercoolers, this one features an offset fin, which offers plenty of surface area for air contact. In turn, this improves the heat exchange process and reduces its effects on the engine.
The manufacturers claim that this intercooler increases the external fin surface area by 163%. Not only that, but it also offers a 77% increase in internal core volume.
The MMINT-F150-15BK fits directly on Ford F-150 trucks from 2015 and up, which means you don’t have to worry about mounting it. On top of that, it’s available in two colors, so you can match yours to the car’s insides.
The intercooler’s end tanks are made of cast aluminum, which is known for its durability. The fact that they’re made in one piece also reduces the chances of failure points.
Pros
- The bar-and-plate construction optimizes heat transfer
- The offset fins offer plenty of surface area for airflow
- Direct fit for easier mounting on your truck
Cons
- On the expensive side of the market
2. Mishimoto MMINT-F150-11SL Performance Intercooler
If you can’t afford the MMINT-F150-15BK but you don’t want to sacrifice quality, the MMINT-F150-11SL is a considerable alternative. However, it’s only compatible with F150 trucks from 2011 to 2014, so it’s suitable for folks who’ve owned the truck for a while now.
Like the previous Mishimoto intercooler, this one has a direct fit to make your life easier. Mounting it shouldn’t take a lot of you.
The 11SL offers a 40% increase in external fin surface area, which is pretty decent for optimizing heat exchange. It also offers a 66% increase in internal core volume, allowing the engine to work more powerfully and efficiently.
It comes with air diversion plates that work to direct the air through the core. As a result, the intercooler keeps working efficiently while reducing fuel consumption.
Like all Mishimoto intercoolers, this one comes with a lifetime warranty, so you don’t have to worry about the money you’re paying.
Pros
- Direct fit design for easy and quick mounting
- Angled design to make more advantage of the surface area
- Air diversion plates to optimize performance
Cons
- Some users complained of the tight fit.
3. Rev9 ICK-075 Front Mount Intercooler Upgrade
If you’re on a tight budget, the Mishimoto intercoolers may not work for you. Instead, you can consider this Rev9 intercooler that costs far less than the previous options. However, it’s worth noting that it’s only compatible with Ford F-150 from 2015 to 2020, so if you have an older model, you’ll have to consider an alternative.
The Rev9 is a front-mount intercooler that you can install in a few minutes, thanks to its direct fit bolt-on design. Some users complained that it’s hard to fit the blow-off valve with the Rev9 in place, but it can be done with some minor modifications.
With substantial internal volume, the Rev9 offers plenty of uninterrupted airflow. It ups your engine’s power and regulates the heat exchange like a pro, thanks to its decent cooling capacity.
The Rev9 intercooler comes with some bushings for mounting, but some users mentioned that they had to get their own tools to mount it. So, it’d be good to consider that before buying.
Pros
- Relatively affordable compared to similar models
- Direct fit bolt-on design for easy mounting
- Welded construction to reduce weakness points
Cons
- Some users complained that it was challenging to bolt the bottom mounting bracket.
Does an Intercooler Boost the F150 Ecoboost’s Performance?
If you’re not sure getting an intercooler will boost your engine’s performance, you may want to rethink that.
The intercooler’s job is to basically cool down the intake air that emits out of the turbocharger. When the air is cooled down, it gains more density and higher oxygen levels. As a result, it optimizes the air-fuel ratio, which, in turn, ups your engine’s performance and keeps it consistent.
When the air is in the turbocharger, it gains a lot of heat, which causes the fuel to burn more fuel at a faster rate. That’s why an intercooler is necessary—it reverses the heat’s effects and lowers your fuel consumption.
All turbocharged and supercharged vehicles need intercoolers to keep their engines working optimally.
The Final Verdict
Mishimoto intercoolers have been long known for their efficiency and high quality. Their bar-and-plate construction accounts for better performance and less fuel consumption.
However, since they may be a bit expensive to some users, the Rev9 ICK-075 is a decent alternative. It features welded construction to prevent weakness points, and its price won’t break your bank.