For the past two weeks I've been....

[Wood_workur]

http://www.portofentry.com/site/root...logy/8015.html

At a summer camp taught by that professor. I get to live on campus during the week. We got to go up on the roof and see that turbine and it is really cool. Even when the wind is barely rustling the trees, the turbines on it are spinning, and putting out about 300 watts each, which is pretty good for 6 foot blades.


We also got to tour the Ford engine plant, and see the new ecoboost engine, which is also pretty cool. The 3.5L V-6 has more power than the 4.6L V-8 and almost as much as the 5.4L V-8. Unfortunately they aren't planning on putting it in the V-8's, but that engine could still put a good bit of power in a pickup. And my friend got to put a timing chain on one of the engines too. Which was interesting to watch.

[cabinetman]

That sounds like a cool two weeks. What kind of camp was it? Part of a class project?

We had an architect a few miles away install a huge windmill/generator in his backyard. A few of his neighbors complained to the City. It went around in debate for a few weeks. Don't know if he was made to remove it. It hasn't been in the news.

That ecoboost engine is an option for the new Taurus. The standard 3.5 V6 is 263 HP. The twin turbo ecoboost 3.5 V6 is 365 HP. You're right...it would make a great truck engine if they decide to offer the option.
.

[cgallery]

Is the Ecoboost going to be added to any smaller (4-cylinder) engines?

[Wood_workur]

Is the Ecoboost going to be added to any smaller (4-cylinder) engines?

yep. 4 and cylinder engines are going to get it. It effectively makes a 4 cylinder have the power of a 6 cylinder and a 6 cylinder have the power of an 8 cylinder.

[jackellis]

"Ecoboost" is what LOML would call good marketing.

I think my Tacoma already has something like it. 2.7 liters, 4 clyinders, and I rarely need more torque than it can deliver.

More efficient engines = less money shipped overseas.

[Mr__Bill]

yep. 4 and cylinder engines are going to get it. It effectively makes a 4 cylinder have the power of a 6 cylinder and a 6 cylinder have the power of an 8 cylinder.

Wonder when we all can go out and buy us a great honking big SUV with an Ecoboost V8....... At least we will know the economy is back when that hits the market!

Bill, who is still waiting for BMW to put out a pickup version of their X5