Ford 3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6 Tuned by Radical: A 650 HP Engineering Marvel

Ford 3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6 Tuned by Radical: A 650 HP Engineering MarvelIn the ever-evolving world of performance engines, Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 has gained immense popularity for its powerful yet efficient design. Initially developed to provide V8-like performance with better fuel economy, this twin-turbocharged engine has found its way into everything from the F-150 to the high-performance Ford GT. But the real showstopper? British motorsport company Radical has tuned this engine to pump out an astonishing 650 horsepower, placing it in supercar territory. Let’s delve into how Radical transformed an already impressive engine into a track-dominating beast.

The Origins of Ford’s 3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6

Ford introduced the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 as part of its downsizing strategy to meet stringent emission and fuel economy standards while maintaining high-performance capabilities. Designed with a 60-degree V6 layout, twin turbochargers, direct fuel injection, and an aluminum block and heads, the engine was built for versatility. Its initial versions delivered about 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, making it a powerful alternative to traditional V8s.

Applications Across Ford’s Lineup

This powerhouse engine isn’t just for show. It’s used across multiple Ford and Lincoln vehicles:

• Ford F-150 and Raptor: Prioritizing torque and towing capability
• Ford Explorer Sport and Platinum: Both are fast and useful for families
• Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition: Both offer smooth but powerful luxury handling.
• Ford GT: It is the fastest car ever, with over 600 HP.

To see how versatile and powerful the EcoBoost V6 really is, look at this long list of uses. But it’s Radical’s interpretation that takes things to the next level.

Radical Performance: Who Are They?

Radical Motorsport is a well-known business in the UK that makes high-performance race and track cars that are very light. Vehicles like the Radical SR3 and RXC are designed to blur the lines between road-legal and track-only machines. When Radical chose Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost for its RXC line, it wasn’t merely about sourcing a reliable powerplant—it was about unlocking its ultimate potential.

Radical’s RXC: A New Breed of Supercar

The Radical RXC lineup features several iterations powered by tuned versions of the EcoBoost V6. These include:

• RXC Turbo and RXC GT: Output 448 HP
• RXC Turbo 500/500R: Tuned to 530 HP
• RXC 600R/Spyder: Boosted to 600 HP
• Latest RXC Models: Reaching 650 HP

This gradual increase in output highlights Radical’s commitment to continuous refinement and performance enhancement.

How Radical Achieved 650 Horsepower

Getting from 365 HP to 650 HP isn’t just a matter of turning up the boost. Radical employed a series of significant modifications:

1. Turbocharger Upgrades

Radical swapped the stock turbos with high-performance alternatives, possibly featuring billet compressor wheels and higher-flow turbines. This allows for greater air volume, which translates to increased horsepower.

2. Enhanced Fueling System

A larger fuel pump and high-flow injectors were likely installed to meet the demands of increased horsepower. Dual direct and port injection systems may also be optimized for higher flow rates and better atomization.

3. Forged Internals

Upgrading pistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts to forged components ensures the engine can handle the added stress and high RPMs without failure.

4. Advanced Cooling

Track-focused engines generate immense heat. Radical added larger intercoolers, improved radiator systems, and possibly swirl-header tanks for better thermal regulation.

5. ECU and Tuning Optimization

A custom ECU calibration manages air-fuel ratios, boost levels, and ignition timing to maximize performance while maintaining reliability.

These upgrades together allow the EcoBoost V6 to deliver consistent, track-ready performance that can rival even the most elite supercars.

How Does It Compare to the Ford GT?

The Ford GT is Ford’s halo car and was developed with a motorsports-first philosophy. Its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 produces over 600 HP in stock form and has a special dry sump lubrication system for track reliability. While Radical’s version slightly edges it out in power, both engines serve different purposes:

• Ford GT: Focuses on endurance and high-speed stability
• Radical RXC: Light weight, cornering, and raw track speed are important.

In many ways, Radical’s tuning pushes the EcoBoost beyond what was originally intended, turning it into a monster on the track.

The Beauty of Balance: Power-to-Weight Ratio

One of Radical’s greatest advantages isn’t just horsepower—it’s their cars’ incredibly low weight. The Radical RXC typically weighs under 2,500 pounds. This yields a power-to-weight ratio that outpaces many V8-powered supercars.

A 650 HP engine in a car that light offers blistering acceleration, often hitting 60 mph in under 3 seconds and achieving lateral G-forces more commonly seen in race cars than road vehicles.

Aftermarket Potential: What This Means for Enthusiasts

Radical’s success with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost has reignited interest in the engine among tuners and enthusiasts. It proves that with the right upgrades, even a family-friendly engine can be transformed into a motorsport-grade powerhouse.

Performance tuners in the U.S. have also reached similar numbers:

• E85 conversions
• Upgraded turbo kits
• Standalone engine management systems

These allow the average car enthusiast to build a street-legal beast from a commonly available platform.

Real-World Benefits of Turbocharged V6 Platforms

Ford’s decision to go turbo rather than stick with traditional V8s now seems visionary. The benefits are clear:

• Smaller Displacement: Lower emissions, better fuel economy
• Turbocharging: On-demand power without sacrificing daily drivability
• Tuning Flexibility: Engines like the EcoBoost are perfect platforms for both OEM upgrades and aftermarket tuning

Radical’s work is a case study in how modern engineering can extract supercar performance from compact, efficient engines.

The Future of High-Performance Tuning

With emissions regulations tightening globally, the age of the naturally aspirated V8 is dwindling. Turbocharged engines like the 3.5-liter EcoBoost offer a clear path forward:

• Efficient yet powerful
• Compact and lightweight
• Easily tunable for various applications

Expect to see more automakers and tuning houses following in Radical’s footsteps—maximizing what smaller engines can deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the stock horsepower of Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6?
A: In most vehicles, the stock output ranges from 365 HP to 450 HP, depending on the application.

Q2: How did Radical tune the engine to 650 HP?
A: By upgrading turbos, fuel systems, internal components, cooling, and ECU calibrations.

Q3: Is the Radical RXC street-legal?
A: Some variants are road-legal, while others are track-only.

Q4: What vehicles use the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6?
A: Lincoln Navigator, Ford Raptor, Ford F-150 and Ford GT.

Q5: Can I tune my EcoBoost engine to 650 HP?
A: Yes, but it requires significant investment in upgraded components and professional tuning.

Also Read: 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Offers Hypercar Performance at a Significant Price

Final Thoughts

Radical’s 650 HP version of Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is more than just an engineering feat—it’s a glimpse into the future of high-performance motoring. It shows that smaller, smarter engines can deliver thrills once reserved for V8s and beyond. For performance purists and technology fans alike, this engine represents a perfect harmony of innovation, power, and potential.

With turbocharged technology and tuning expertise, the boundaries of performance continue to be pushed further—and Ford’s EcoBoost sits right at the center of that revolution.