Ford 3.5L EcoBoost Turbo Upgrades: BD Screamer Kits (2011–2016)

Real-world look at BD’s 50-state-legal Screamer turbos for 2011–2016 F-150 EcoBoost—what fails on the factory units, how the Screamer’s 40.5 mm billet compressor wakes them up, install time, and the supporting pieces that keep boost clean and EGTs controlled. Links for year-specific kits and install hardware included.

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Quicker spool, stronger mid-range, stock-like manners—no tune required.
Quick Summary: Why stock 3.5L turbos crack/slow down • Screamer vs. stock feel • 50-state legal (CARB EO D-553-19) • No-tune drop-in • Install time (~6h 30m) • Wastegate pre-calibrated, VSR balanced • Tips for first start, break-in & long-term reliability • Links to kits (’11–’12 & ’13–’16) and turbo install hardware.

By the time many 2011–2016 EcoBoost trucks find our shop, the story is familiar: a hint of hesitation off-idle, an occasional underboost code on a hard pull, wastegate duty cycle pinned higher than it used to be, and exhaust gas temperatures creeping up with a trailer on the hitch. Sometimes the turbos are simply tired—heat-soaked bearings, carbon-loaded housings, or wastegate wear—and sometimes the drivers just want the truck to feel like it did (or better) without giving up OEM manners. That’s where BD’s Screamer turbos make sense: they install like stock, keep the factory logic happy, and add the snap you’ve been missing.

What Usually Fails on 2011–2016 EcoBoost Turbos

The 3.5L’s factory turbos live a hard life—hot shutdowns, towing, short trips, and the occasional over-speed event from a boost leak. Over time, you’ll see slower spool from tired rotating groups, leaks at aging gaskets, or wastegate linkage that no longer controls boost as precisely as it did. If you’re hearing a faint siren at low load, noticing oily residue at the compressor connections, or chasing intermittent P0299 underboost across both banks, you’re in the window where a straight rebuild or a smarter upgrade is on the table. If your manifolds are cracked or studs are broken (common on these trucks), pair the turbo work with BD’s high-flow, 50-state-legal EcoBoost manifold kit (2011–2016) to keep the new turbos fed cleanly.

Why the BD Screamer Feels Better Than “Just Another Stocker”

BD’s Screamer pair looks stock in the bay but isn’t. Each turbo packs a 40.5 mm billet compressor wheel and optimized aero that improves airflow and lowers drive pressure—less effort to make the same boost. They’re VSR high-speed balanced to OE-level smoothness, and every wastegate is bench-tested and calibrated before it ships. You keep the factory control strategy and drivability, and you don’t need custom tuning. For a daily/tow rig, that’s the sweet spot: stronger mid-range, cooler EGTs on grades, and stock-like manners around town.

Stock Replacement vs. Screamer: How to Choose

You just want it back to “like new.”

If your truck has minimal mods and you’re focused on fast turnaround, BD’s drop-in approach keeps everything simple: factory location, factory hardware, actuator and wastegate calibration handled before it hits your door, and no tuning required. You’ll be back on the road with the response you remember—often better.

You tow, you tune lightly, you want headroom.

The Screamer’s billet compressor supports up to ~415 HP (pair), with a broader, more useful powerband. If you’ve added free-flowing intake/exhaust or are planning mild tuning later, the Screamer gives you the margin you’ll appreciate without the complexity of a full custom turbo swap.

BD Screamer Kits for 3.5L EcoBoost (2011–2016)

2011–2012 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost

BD Screamer Turbocharger Pair (’11–’12)

  • 50-State Legal (CARB EO D-553-19) • SEMA Cert SC-BDDD01-0084
  • Supports up to ~415 HP with appropriate mods
  • 40.5 mm billet compressor, drop-in fit with factory hardware
  • Wastegates tested & calibrated • VSR high-speed balanced
  • No tuning required for installation and operation
  • Includes new gaskets and studs for a clean install
  • Install time: ~6 hours 30 minutes • Warranty: 24-Months (parts)

2013–2016 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost

BD Screamer Turbocharger Pair (’13–’16)

  • 50-State Legal (CARB EO D-553-19) • SEMA Cert SC-BDDD01-0084
  • Supports up to ~415 HP with appropriate mods
  • 40.5 mm billet compressor, stock-location fitment
  • Wastegates bench-tested & calibrated • VSR balanced
  • No tune required—retain OEM control logic and drivability
  • Includes new gaskets and studs for install
  • Install time: ~6 hours 30 minutes • Warranty: 24-Months (parts)

Need driver/passenger side only or later 2017–2020 coverage? Browse the Ford gasoline exhaust/turbo collection (install kits, hardware, and year-specific components): BD Ford Gas Exhaust & Turbo Install.

Install Tips, First Start & Break-In

Plan on a full day if you’re DIY-experienced, or book the job with a shop familiar with EcoBoost packaging. Soak hardware ahead of time, replace studs/gaskets, and verify clean oil feed and drain paths. On first start, prime the turbos by disabling ignition/fuel and cranking for oil pressure, then idle to temperature and check for leaks. Wastegates arrive calibrated—no guessing games—so you can focus on buttoning up and datalogging boost control on the test drive.

Supporting Mods: Do the Small Things Right

  • Fresh seals & hardware: Use the included gaskets and studs; don’t reuse stretched hardware.
  • Charge-air leaks: Inspect/replace boots and clamps—tiny leaks feel like lag and spike exhaust temps.
  • Manifolds & studs: If you have a tick or visible cracking, pair the job with BD’s EcoBoost manifold kit to stabilize the joint and keep the new turbos happy.
  • Install hardware kit: For odds-and-ends that make the swap cleaner, grab BD’s turbo install components on the Ford Gas Exhaust & Turbo page.

What You’ll Feel After the Swap

Most owners notice tighter, quicker response off-idle, smoother part-throttle transitions, and stronger mid-range pull—exactly where EcoBoost trucks live when towing or merging. Because the Screamer is designed around OEM control logic, there’s no drama at cold start, no oddball surge to “tune out,” and no compromise to daily drivability. The result is a truck that feels confident and consistent, with headroom for typical bolt-ons or a mild calibration later.

FAQ

Do I need custom tuning?
No. BD Screamer kits for 2011–2016 are engineered as no-tune, stock-logic drop-ins. If you choose to tune later, they have the headroom (up to ~415 HP with supporting mods).

Are they emissions compliant?
Yes. Screamer EcoBoost kits carry CARB EO D-553-19 and 50-State Legal status (SEMA Cert SC-BDDD01-0084).

What’s the install time?
Plan on ~6 hours 30 minutes for the pair, depending on tools and experience.

What about 2017–2020 trucks or single-side replacements?
BD offers additional year ranges and side-specific options, plus turbo install kits—see the Ford Gas Exhaust & Turbo collection.

Ready to give your EcoBoost its edge back? Choose your year and go: Screamer Kit ’11–’12 • Screamer Kit ’13–’16 — and grab your install hardware on the BD Ford Gas Exhaust & Turbo page.

Notes: Follow BD’s install instructions and torque specs. Prime oil supply before first start, verify no charge-air or exhaust leaks, and re-check fasteners after initial heat cycles. For trucks with manifold issues or broken studs, pair the upgrade with BD’s 3.5L EcoBoost manifold kit (’11–’16) for best long-term sealing.

 

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