Keeping a Ford truck rolling without the best air filter for 3.5 EcoBoost is pretty tricky.
This engine is one of the most resilient and potent in the truck market. But it is also one of the most demanding in terms of maintenance.
We can go as far as to say that the ideal air filter is as essential as the engine itself.
Otherwise, you will end up with grave damage that could potentially leave the vehicle unusable. And you surely don’t want that.
We’re here to prevent that from happening.
You’ll leave about the highest-quality air filters for EcoBoost available, as well as how to pick the right one, plus any other information we deem necessary.
So, are you ready to take a look at the different air filters we’ve gathered? Then take a look below!
Contents
Best Air Filter For 3.5 EcoBoost Review [Awesome Comparison ]
| PREVIEW | BRAND | DETAIL |
|---|---|---|
  | K&N | |
  | Spectre Performance | |
  | K&N | |
  | Airaid | |
  | aFe Power | |
  | K&N | |
  | AEM | |
  | S&B Filters |
What is the best air filter for 3.5 EcoBoost?
We don’t want you to waste any time. So if you want the best air filter for EcoBoost you can get, pick the K&N 57-2583 High-Flow Cold Air Intake.
It offers everything a quality filter should: easy maintenance, effective filtering, outstanding durability, easy setup, and a lot more. Below, we explain more about it.
Why is K&N Filters the best brand of air filters for 3.5 EcoBoost
This brand started in the 1960s as a motorcycle-filter company.
Ken Johnson and Norm MacDonald (from where the K&N comes from) created a new type of media that could be reused after washing it.
50 years later, their filters are among the most resilient and convenient in the market.
These filters go through demanding horsepower tests, ensuring maximum torque for most high-power engines.
And they also go through rigorous air filtering tests, providing maximum airflow and pressure capacity.
If you need a filter that doesn’t let anyone down, this brand is a go-to option.
It takes a lot of knowledge to pick an air filter that gets the job done.
But you can save a lot of time by learning about the air filters directly (from the hands of experts).
Here, we want to break down the best air filters with their features and drawbacks, so you can learn more about each before picking. Take a look:
Top 8 Best Air Filters For 3.5 EcoBoost Reviews
01. K&N 57-2583 High-Flow Cold Air Intake – Best Overall Air Filter for EcoBoost
Top 3 Features:
- For 2011 to 2014 F150
- 100,000 miles per wash
- Dyno-tested
Ideal to improve performance and boost up your engine’s lifespan, the 57-2583 is a K&N air filter for 3.5 EcoBoost that surpasses all expectations.
Next-Level Filtration Capacity
Boasting a high-quality microscopic cotton fiber, the layered and oiled media will protect your engine from contaminants as nothing else can.
However, the advantage comes from the washable build, delivering extra convenience and durability.
You will only need to wash it every 100,000 miles.
Magnificent Engine Boost
This filter boasts a High-Flow design that not only cleans the fuel and air that goes into the engine but also boasts a unique aerodynamic tube design for extra torque and horsepower.
And if that wasn’t enough, the filter makes the engine growl at idle and quiets it down at full torque.
Ultra-Practical Design
The filtering capacity of this filter is fantastic. Thanks to an oversized design, it will clean air and fuel more effectively than its competitors.
It will fit your Ford F150 like a charm as well, requiring little to no installation effort (less than 90 minutes to set it up). There’s nothing to hate about it.
What We Liked
- Improves engine performance exponentially
- Takes little to no time to install
- Filters contaminants amazingly well
- Delivers a slight engine sound boost
What We Didn’t Like
- Some clamps won’t fit properly
02. Spectre SPE-9034 Performance Air Intake – Cheapest Air Filter for EcoBoost
Top 3 Features:
- Bolt-on installation
- 2015 to 2020 EcoBoost engines
- 50% higher airflow
Capable of increasing your engine performance while reducing contaminants going to the engine, this filter is a superb option all around.
What’s even better, the SPE-9034 from Spectre is decently cheap.
Top-Notch Engine Performance
Being truthful to Spectre’s Performance series, this air intake delivers up to 50% engine improvement from factory filters.
From the acceleration to the throttle response, engine sound, and even uphill performance, your truck will feel like a whole new vehicle with this filter.
High-Quality Construction
You don’t want the filter to stop working out of nowhere.
Instead, you want something that lasts a long time and handles even the most challenging situations.
For that, the black powder-coated heat shield and aluminum intake tube will ensure a resilient product.
Exceptional Filtering
Probably the most exciting part about this filter is the ability to protect your engine from any kind of debris or contaminant.
Boasting an oiled synthetic filter plus an advanced tapered design provides an almost perfect filtering capacity.
On top of that, it only needs changing every 100,000 miles.
What We Liked
- Gives your engine an excellent boost
- Cleans airflow effectively for its cost
- It is pretty easy to clean and maintain
- Withstands heavy usage & tricky conditions
What We Didn’t Like
- Feels a bit flimsy
03. K&N 33-2385 Engine Air Filter – Highest Compatibility with Ford Trucks
Top 3 Features:
- Fits Any 2007 to 2019 Ford truck
- Totally washable
- 50% airflow improvement
There’s no need to waste any time setting up a filter on your truck.
The 33-2385 from K&N is the best drop in air filter for 3.5 EcoBoost you can find, ideal for saving you installation time on top of its exceptional performance.
Incredible Engine Boost
Even though the design is a squared drop-in filter media, the product still manages to increase airflow by 50% on your engine.
This will boost your acceleration and overall power exponentially, making it usable for commuting or off-roading applications.
Superb Engine Protection
This filter boasts 6 layers of cotton gauze. They also come with 2 layers of epoxy-coated wire mesh.
And to make it even better, the media is oiled and plated.
This combination of materials and quality filter construction will keep your engine clean for a long time, as it only demands washing every 50,000 miles.
Magnificently Durable
Even though the filter needs to be cleaned every 50,000 miles, it will last a whopping 10 years with proper use.
In fact, you get a 10-year warranty from K&N to ensure that.
Considering its exceptional build, straightforward installation, and decent cost, this filter is a total bargain.
What We Liked
- It is incredibly affordable for its quality
- Improves filtering & performance
- The media catches contaminants effectively
- Lasts a lifetime despite its cost
What We Didn’t Like
- Demands a lot of maintenance
4. Airaid 4012391 Air Intake with Dry SynthaMax – Easiest to Install Air Filter
Top 3 Features:
- Fits 3.5 and 5.0 EcoBoost engines
- Up to 1600 CFM airflow
- Oil-free filter design
Pairing up your engine with a quality filter is not easy – unless we’re talking about an Airaid model.
The 4012391 Dry Synthamax filter will give your engine the perfect filtering system with a decent engine boost.
Super-Effective Filtering
The Dry Synthamax is a patented filter design from Airaid, delivering a non-oiled media with 2 layers of synthetic filtering material.
This construction is entirely washable, so you can reuse it as many times as necessary.
But what’s more important, it cleans your engine airflow well enough, ideal for commuting.
Fantastic Engine Boost
Increasing the under-the-hood airflow by over 1600 CFM, this air filter will provide exponential engine improvements.
From the horsepower to the torque and the airflow itself, you’ll get a fantastic boost that makes your truck more powerful and smoother to drive around.
Worry-Free Installation
This intake filter comes with a unique design that cleans thoroughly, improves performance, and fits on the F150 like a charm.
It boasts a protective housing that keeps it safe from other heat-emitting parts and any potential damage from unwanted sources.
What We Liked
- Cleans the air thoroughly every time
- Demands little to no effort to set up
- Doesn’t melt or corrode easily
- Increases engine efficiency by a lot
What We Didn’t Like
- May produce weird noises on the engine
05. aFe Power 51-32112-B Magnum Force Intake System – Best Air Filter for High Performance
Top 3 Features:
- Powder-coated heat shield
- 3-layer synthetic media
- Dyno-tuned & roto-molded tubing
Giving your F150 a performance boost and excellent filtering is totally possible with the 51-32112 B-Magnum from aFe.
This is the best air filter for 3.5 EcoBoost if you’re looking for unbeatable results.
Unbeatable Filtering Results
At first sight, this filter looks like any other.
But once you mount it on the engine, the filter will get the performance to a whole new level while cleaning air like no other.
Thanks to a dyno-tuned and roto-molded tube plus a 3-layer synthetic media, the filter improves performance by 70% while keeping the airflow clean.
Magnificently Durable
A combination of next-level pieces like the powder-coated heat shield and oil-free synthetic media will give the filter maximum resilience.
You can expect the filter to last almost a decade with just a few washes.
Effortless Filter Setup
The heatshield comes with a factory-compatible mount system, which works wonders with the 5-3/4- inch tubing that fits any 3.5 EcoBoost.
Apart from that, the filter comes with the silicone couplings, clamps, and all the other hardware for a quick bolt-on installation.
What We Liked
- Installs effortlessly in a few minutes
- Withstands heavy use without a problem
- Boosts engine performance exponentially
- Keeps airflow pristine for years
What We Didn’t Like
- Feels a bit expensive
06. K&N 63-2592 Cold Air Intake – Most Efficient Air Filter for Mileage
Top 3 Features:
- Oiled cotton media
- Wash every 100,000 miles
- 10-year warranty
Coming back with K&N, it is time to mention the 63-2592 cold air filter.
This is yet another performance-boosting and super-efficient filter for people who want maximum quality.
Unique Engine Boost
Engineered to give your engine 50% more airflow, this filter will make your truck faster and smoother to drive.
Whether it is towing, hauling, going uphill, or any other demanding use, this filter will help you achieve it.
And that’s without mentioning the growl-enhancing sound it delivers.
Maximum Engine Protection
Apart from giving a slight boost in performance, the filter also cleans thoroughly.
The air will go through a high-flow filter made of oiled cotton media.
Along with microscopic cotton fibers engineered to capture even the smallest contaminants, this filter will clean the air on your engine like no other.
Resilient & Easy to Set Up
A combination of a Dyno-tested build to withstand any use, along with a complete set of hardware pieces, will give this filter magnificent practicality.
You won’t have to waste any time setting it up, but you will also get up to 10 years from use, only needing to be washed every 100,000 miles.
What We Liked
- Protects the engine well for the cost
- Will last a long time with proper use
- Improves driving smoothness
- Enhances engine mileage
What We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t come with rear sealing
07. AEM 21-8128DC Dryflow Cold Air Intake System – Best Air Filter for Sound Improvement
Top 3 Features:
- CAD design
- Dyno-tested construction
- 100,000 miles capacity
Want to get your engine’s performance on another level?
Then you can always install the Drywall 21-8128DC air filter from AEM. Few filters will clean and boost your engine airflow like this one.
Top Engine Boosts
Thanks to the CAD design and Dyno-tested build, the filter can handle the harshest of performances.
Whether it is on the city, off-road paths, or in race tracks, the filter will give your truck a mouth-watering boost in torque and horsepower.
Superb Durability
The filter also comes with a protected heat shield, mandrel-bent aluminum tubes, and a gunmetal gray powder coating.
This combination of materials will ensure maximum filtering and performance boost, but most importantly, it will ensure that the filter can last – especially with the oil-free synthetic media.
Highly Convenient Filter
Specifically designed to fit on the F150 EcoBoost engine, this filter matches the temperature sensor and emissions control.
And with a dual-intake design, you can expect the installation to go smoothly every time.
The synthetic filter media is totally oil-free and capable of withstanding 100,000 miles before washing.
What We Liked
- The installation is pretty straightforward
- Its filtration capacity won’t let you down
- Increases torque & HP exponentially
- Boasts a super-resilient construction
What We Didn’t Like
- Does not affect engine mileage
08. S&B Filters 75-5081 Cold Air Intake – Most Durable Air Filter for F150
Top 3 Features:
- Silicone construction
- 60-minute installation
- 8-ply cotton filter
When it comes to durability, no filter can match the 75-5081 from S&B Filters.
Thanks to its enclosed design and next-level materials, it is the best air filter for F150 3.5 EcoBoost for durability.
Unmatched Construction Quality
A silicone construction on the filter will improve overall resilience, withstanding over 400 degrees Fahrenheit and protecting from external factors.
This goes well with the external housing, keeping the filter free of any unwanted damage from outside.
Incredible Performance
Thanks to an ISO 5011 tested design, this filter is capable of withstanding any usage.
But more importantly, it will give an improved airflow and efficiency, getting over 50% of better engine performance compared to a factory filter.
This affects both torque and horsepower.
Issues-Free Installation
For people who don’t want to waste any time setting up a filter, this one boasts a super-simple design that requires no more than 60 minutes of work.
Along with a check-engine-light-free design, setting up this filter will be a no-brainer.
What We Liked
- Withstands the harshest uses and temperatures
- Enhances airflow for better engine performance
- Purifies engine airflow for cleaner results
- Looks fantastic under the hood
What We Didn’t Like
- Large design can be problematic to install
What to Consider When Buying The Air Filter for 3.5 EcoBoost
With so many quality filters to pick from, choosing an air filter for 3.5 EcoBoost won’t be easy.
Luckily, you can get a little closer to that filter by learning more about the product itself.
Here are some factors that will help you out enormously on your search:
Filter Shape
There are many air filter shapes to consider, and all of them offer different performances.
On top of that, the form also affects how easy it is to install, so you have to be careful before picking.
Here are some shapes to consider:
- Round
- Oval
- Tapered Conical
- Rectangular
- Square Panel
- Triangle
- Parallelogram
- Trapezoidal
The most popular among these shapes is the round and the oval.
They are simple and effective, capturing contaminants effectively every time.
The second most common is the tapered conical.
This one delivers a bit of improvement over the simpler ones in both performance and cleaning capacity.
And then you find the rectangular and other shapes. These are oriented towards maximum cleaning and airflow.
Media Quality
Once you’re done with the shape of the filter, you will need to consider the media’s quality.
As you may know, the media is what captures the contaminants and debris on the air system.
So, it is worth paying attention to if you want excellent filtering as well as more durability.
Here, we recommend oiled cotton media as the best option.
This material increases the overall cleaning capacity, reducing the air system’s contaminants exponentially compared to factory options.
It is also decently durable and can be washed.
If you feel like oiled media is too expensive, then dry or non-oiled media will work as well.
This media is typically made of synthetic plastics like vinyl, delivering excellent filtration but not as good as oiled cotton.
On top of that, it is not as cleanable as oiled media.
Other factors to consider when picking the right media is the spacing within the pleats.
Too little space reduces airflow and clogs up faster, while more space within creases does the opposite.
However, you often want just enough spacing for the filter to work neatly.
The seal and liners are also worth considering. Both will protect the liner will giving an extra touch of durability and resilience to the piece.
Maintenance & Durability
While the media is a pretty good indicator of how much maintenance the filter will need, you need to directly look at this.
Your focus should be on picking a filter that withstands heavy use and lasts enough time.
And for that, different types of media will differ. But most importantly, the surrounding construction of the filter will also have a huge impact.
For example, vinyl or CAD plastic heat shields will last a lot less than steel or aluminum models.
Because plastics are not resistant to heat as metals are, they will obviously wear out faster.
But plastics don’t rust, which makes them last a little longer in the right scenarios.
Similarly, synthetic media tends to withstand more washes than cotton.
Cotton (even with synthetic blends) will wear out faster because it is not made to be continuously exposed to humidity.
Synthetic media won’t withstand heat but will probably handle a few more thousand miles.
Overall, focus on something that can stand the weight of time as well as several thousand miles before needing a wash (at least 10,000 miles between washes).
Performance Improvement
Picking an air filter that does indeed increase a 3.5 EcoBoost engine’s performance seems like an overblown statement. But it is possible.
Most of the filters on our review list are designed precisely because they filter the engine airflow while giving a slight boost.
To get a filter that does this, you will need to consider those that improve airflow over anything else.
More airflow within the engine means faster and more powerful movement, increasing horsepower and/or torque simultaneously.
This should end up in better acceleration and higher speed.
The right filter will give exponential engine improvements when compared to factory models.
Ease of Installation
Even though filters are often easy to install, some of them are not. In fact, the most performance-oriented models will usually take a lot more time to set up than a filter focused on just cleaning contaminants.
It is not only the filter design that affects installation ease but the hardware it comes with.
Some filters will come with the clamps, screws, and other hardware for the setup, while others will not.
That can be a massive difference in how much it takes to install.
Lastly, some filters come with the media and housing only while others come with the complete tubing set. This could also affect the installation, so be careful.
Color & Design
Many people don’t pay much attention to the color of the filter or its overall design, but we think these two factors are also worth considering.
The color of the filter (media and plastic parts), for example, will help you match the piece to the engine as well as other parts under the hood.
You can make your truck mechanism a lot more pleasant to look at (or at least not awful).
At the same time, some filters come with unique housings and covers.
These work as protection but can also add up a different appearance.
With the right filter design, you will end up with a more attractive piece that may also last longer.
Most Online Queries About The Best Air Filter For 3.5 EcoBoost
By now, you should be well-aware of what an air filter F150 3.5 EcoBoost offers and how you can pick the ideal model accordingly.
But even then, there’s still a question or two about these filters we didn’t answer. Below, we may help relieve any doubt you have:
Does changing the air filter improve the engine lifespan?
Of course, there’s no doubt about it.
A filter cleans the dirt, debris, and other small contaminants in the fuel that could build up on the engine if you don’t have a filter.
These contaminants may eventually cause clogging, loss of efficiency, and even serious damage to different parts, making the engine unusable.
Obviously, installing a filter does improve the lifespan exponentially.
How soon do I need to change the filter on a 3.5 EcoBoost?
It depends on the amount of use and the quality of the filter.
But generally, a factory filter on an F150 needs to be changed or at least cleaned every 15,000 miles.
You can always check the owner’s manual of the specific model you have.
Is an aftermarket F150 filter better than a factory one?
Yes, we actually recommend installing aftermarket filters even if the factory ones are still in good condition.
This happens because of the performance improvement and the filtering capacity a high-quality air filter can offer over factory models.
How do I wash reusable air filters?
The process is simple. You just need to open the hood, find the clamps and/or areas that keep the filter attached to the engine, and take them out.
Then you should be able to get the filter off. Once you do that, use a degreaser or air-filter cleaner.
Wash the grease off with water for a few minutes and then leave it to dry.
That should be enough to give an old greasy filter a clean. It should start working better after that.
What are the signs that the air filter needs to be replaced?
You will know almost right away when a filter needs to be replaced because of its appearance, performance, noise, or even the smoke it produces.
Appearance
For example, the easiest way to tell that the filter needs to be placed is when the filter is blackened.
If the filter was originally blue, red, or yellow and now looks black or deeply dark, then it is time to replace or clean it.
Performance
Another sign is when the mileage of the truck is lower than usual.
This happens because the airflow is not fast enough throughout the system, causing the engine to work deficiently and consume more fuel than normal.
Smoke
If the exhaust starts to secrete black smoke, then there’s a chance the filter needs to be cleaned.
This could happen for many other reasons, so replacing or cleaning the filter can be an excellent way to troubleshoot.
Noise
And lastly, you will feel a slight whizzing sound coming out of the engine when the filer is too dirty.
This happens every time you step on the pedal, meaning the filter is clogged, and the filter doesn’t pass through properly, causing this noise.
Can a dirty or damaged air filter cause transmission problems?
It is not common, but a dirty filter can indeed affect the transmission performance of your vehicle.
By putting the engine in higher load and unnecessary pressure, the transmission will get affected, eventually overheating, delaying shifts, or just burning fluid.
This doesn’t happen often, but it is a probable sign that the air filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.
How to replace the air filter on an F150?
Replacing the filter on your Ford F150 3.5 EcoBoost engine doesn’t have to be a titanic deed.
In fact, with proper guidance, you may be able to replace or clean thoroughly without wasting any time or effort. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Find the filter box first. It is typically located on the side of the engine on the top area.
- Look for the screws, clips, or clamps that attach it to the bay engine. Get them off.
- Check that the filter is loosened. If it is, then take it out now.
- In case the filter looks in pristine condition but dirty, then clean it with a degreaser or air-filter cleaner. Use water to remove the excess debris and grease.
- If the filter looks damaged, then find a new one instead.
- Once you’ve found a new filter or cleaned the old one, then you can set it back on.
- Be sure to fit it right in place as before. Use the clips, clamps, or screws to tighten it up. That’s it.
You should now be ready to enjoy better filtration from your truck.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve gone through our reviews, our buying guide, and FAQ section – you should well-aware of what you need.
If you don’t, then don’t worry. This process of picking the best air filter for 3.5 EcoBoost is not as easy as it seems.
But as long as you consider all our advice and recommendations, it shouldn’t be too hard either.
Your Ford F150 will appreciate a proper filter eventually.
And you’ll love not having to replace it soon. Take it easy and make the best choice possible. You won’t regret it.