The 2017-2020 Ford F-150 was a hot seller, and it is estimated that over half of the trucks sold were equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. If you own one of these trucks and want to increase its performance, Whipple Superchargers offers a solution in the form of its Stage 1 system.
Up To A 100 Horsepower Increase
The Whipple Stage 1 system for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6-powered 2017-2020 Ford F-150 is designed to increase the engine’s output by up to 100 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque when using 93-octane fuel. The company adds that at 3,500 rpm, the system produces 150 pound-feet more torque than stock, resulting in vastly improved throttle response.
Whipple’s Stage 1 system combines the advantages of the company’s oversized intercooler, roto-molded high-velocity cold air intake, and custom calibration. The company claims its Monster Cooler offers 54 percent greater volume and 8 percent more surface area compared to the stock intercooler. The Whipple intercooler features a bar-and-plate design with offset fins on both the cold and hot sides to optimize cooling efficiency. Additionally, it includes cast high-flow end tanks. Despite its enhanced performance, the cooler fits within the stock intercooler’s footprint. Dyno tests showed a temperature reduction of 60 degrees F, while real-world results indicate even greater improvements. In fact, Whipple reports a temperature drop of over 100 degrees F during torture testing. Why is this important? Lower intake temperatures facilitate higher spark advance and greater oxygen density, ultimately boosting engine power while ensuring safe operation.
Increased Flow Air Filter
Whipple states that its air filter can flow over 132 percent more air than a standard filter, contributing to the Stage 1 performance gains. The system features an advanced design that incorporates a velocity stack combined with a gauze-type filter with extra-wide pleats. The high-velocity cold air intake utilizes a CAD-driven, CFD-modeled, roto-molded plastic design to optimize airflow speed while minimizing inlet restrictions.
Calibration Developed In Collaboration With Ford
One of the key components of the Stage 1 system is its calibration. Whipple collaborated with the Ford calibration team to develop a calibration that optimizes power while ensuring compliance with legal and safety standards. The calibration underwent rigorous dyno testing and real-world trials in various environments. Ultimately, engineers successfully extracted significant torque and horsepower gains, all while maintaining factory-level safety protocols. Each system includes the Whipple Flash Tool, which simplifies the process of uploading and downloading custom files. Additionally, the tool offers features such as reading and erasing trouble codes, accessing live data, and logging performance metrics.
Other features of the Stage 1 system include increased boost, an updated transmission shift schedule, and a raised speed limit. It also includes updated throttle pedal mapping, increased rpm shift points, and deactivation of the engine auto start-stop system.
Installs In Only 2.5 Hours
As a bonus, Whipple states that its Stage 1 system for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6-powered 2017-2020 Ford F-150 installs in just 2.25 hours and requires no cutting or grinding. An open air filter is used for 2017 model-year trucks, while 2018-2020 models use a closed box. The company also notes that the Stage 1 kit is CARB legal for the 2018-2020 model-year 3.5-liter F-150s.
