How to Get 160HP More from Your EcoBoost F-150: Dyno Results Explained

The Ford F-150 EcoBoost has redefined what enthusiasts expect from a light-duty truck. With twin turbos and a platform built for low-end performance, these trucks are absolute torque monsters. However, the factory calibration and hardware often leave a significant amount of performance on the table. To show exactly what this platform can do, we installed the Steeda Power Package on an EcoBoost F-150 and strapped it to the dyno.

The goal was simple: unlock hidden horsepower and torque safely while improving the overall longevity and driveability of the truck. By addressing the airflow, cooling, and electronic calibration simultaneously, we achieved results that transform the driving experience.

The Build: The Steeda Power Package

To reach these numbers, we utilized three specific upgrades designed to work in perfect harmony.

S&B Cold Air Intake

The foundation of any power build is airflow. The F-150 S&B Cold Air Intake replaces the restrictive factory airbox with a high-flow unit and a reusable filter. This setup allows the turbos to breathe more efficiently, improving throttle response and ensuring a steady supply of fresh air. We offer different S&B Cold Air Intakes to fit your specific F-150 model year. If you have a 2015 - 2017 F-150 then you should get a S&B Filters Cold Air Intake for 2017 Raptor/2015-2017 F-150 2.7L, 3.5L EcoBoost. If you have a 2018 - 2022 F-150 then you should get a S&B Filters Cold Air Intake 2.7L/ 3.5L F-150 Raptor (Cotton Cleanable Filter) (2018-2021).

Steeda Intercooler

Heat is the primary enemy of turbocharged performance. As boost increases, so does the temperature of the air entering the engine. The factory intercooler often struggles with heat soak, leading the ECU to pull timing and reduce power. The Steeda Intercooler features a 50% increase in volume over the OEM unit. This allows for significantly lower intake air temperatures (IATs), ensuring that the power stays consistent even during heavy towing or spirited driving.

SCT Performance Tune

SCT X4 F-150 Truck Flash Programmer optimizes boost pressure, fueling, and timing to take full advantage of the improved cooling and airflow. Beyond raw power, the SCT device allows for speedometer calibration when running larger tires and serves as a vital diagnostic tool for the life of the vehicle.

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The Dyno Results: Unlocking 160 Horsepower

For our baseline test, we used an F-150 equipped with a heavy 35-inch tire. These larger tires typically sap power at the wheels, making the final gains even more impressive. In its stock form, the truck showed the classic EcoBoost curve: incredible torque down low, followed by a sharp decline in power after 5,200 RPM as the engine essentially "runs out of steam."

Breaking Down the Numbers

After installing the Steeda Power Package and loading the SCT tune, the transformation was immediate.

• Peak Horsepower Gains: The peak horsepower rose to 351 HP, starting from an initial baseline of 289 HP. A gain of 162 HP over stock.
• Peak Torque Gains: Torque saw a consistent increase, reaching a peak of 409 ft-lbs, an improvement of 41 ft-lbs over the stock baseline of 368 ft-lbs.
• The "Power Under the Curve": While peak numbers are important, the real story is found higher in the RPM range. Because the Steeda Intercooler and SCT Tune prevent the engine from "falling on its face" at high RPMs, the gains at 5,200 RPM were staggering. At this specific point, the truck produced 103 more horsepower than the stock configuration.

When looking at the entire dyno graph, the most significant delta showed total gains of 160 horsepower over the stock performance levels at the wheels. This massive increase in the upper rev range means the truck continues to pull hard where the factory setup would have given up.

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Why the Power Package Works

The reason these results are so dramatic comes down to thermal management and efficiency. On the dyno, the factory intercooler heats up quickly. As the air gets hotter, it becomes less dense, and the computer limits performance to protect the engine.

With the Steeda Intercooler being 50% larger than stock, the intake charge stays cool. This allows the SCT tune to maintain aggressive timing and higher boost levels safely. On the road, this translates to a truck that doesn't just feel faster in a sprint; it maintains that power during a long climb with a trailer or during repeated acceleration.

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The Steeda Power Package is More Than Just Numbers

Beyond the 160HP gain, the Steeda Power Package offers functional benefits that every truck owner can appreciate:

• Speedometer Correction: We used the SCT tuner to account for the 35-inch tires, ensuring the speedometer and shift points were accurate.
• Reliability: By keeping internal ambient temperatures low, we reduce the risk of detonation (knock), which is critical for the long-term health of the EcoBoost engine.
• Diagnostic Capability: The SCT tuner stays with the truck, allowing the owner to read and clear trouble codes without needing a trip to a mechanic.

Watch the Full Power Package Video

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The results of this build prove that the F-150 EcoBoost is a sleeping giant. By combining the breathing capabilities of the S&B intake, the cooling efficiency of the Steeda intercooler, and the precision of an SCT tune, we were able to find an additional 160 horsepower.

Whether you are looking for a more capable towing machine or a truck that can pin you to the seat, the Steeda Power Package is the most effective and reliable way to achieve those goals. It isn't just about making the most power; it's about making power the right way.