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Diagnosing Cold Start Rattle: Ford EcoBoost 3.5L Cam Phaser Rattle

If you own a Ford F-150 or Expedition equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, you may have experienced a jarring, metallic rattling sound immediately after turning the key on a cold morning. This sound, which usually lasts for only a few seconds before disappearing, is not only annoying – it’s a warning sign of a significant mechanical failure.…

The Chevy LS Engine Family – All You Need To Know

The Chevrolet small block is arguably the most produced engine in automotive history. For decades, the venerable 350 reigned supreme. However, as times changed, the need for better emissions, performance, and durability grew. While the 350 evolved continuously from its debut in 1967 until its phase-out in 2003, the arrival of the LS engine family…

Diagnosing The Chevy Shake: 8L90 Transmission Shudder

If you own a modern GM truck or SUV, you may have experienced an unsettling vibration at highway speeds, often described as driving over rumble strips. Sometimes referred to as the Chevy Shake, this issue is frequently caused by issues in your 8L90 automatic transmission. This issue has plagued thousands of drivers, and understanding the…

Diagnosing Cold Start Rattle: Ford EcoBoost 3.5L Cam Phaser Rattle

March 25, 2026

If you own a Ford F-150 or Expedition equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, you may have experienced a jarring, metallic rattling sound immediately after turning the key on a cold morning. This sound, which usually lasts for only a few seconds before disappearing, is not only annoying – it’s a warning sign of a significant mechanical failure. Understanding The Root Cause Of Ford Cold Start Rattle The notorious cold start rattle is primarily attributed to the variable cam timing (VCT) phasers. In the Gen 1 and Gen 2 3.5L EcoBoost engines, these components adjust camshaft timing to optimize performance and fuel efficiency.…

The Chevy LS Engine Family – All You Need To Know

March 13, 2026

The Chevrolet small block is arguably the most produced engine in automotive history. For decades, the venerable 350 reigned supreme. However, as times changed, the need for better emissions, performance, and durability grew. While the 350 evolved continuously from its debut in 1967 until its phase-out in 2003, the arrival of the LS engine family in 1997 changed the game forever. The LS engine was a ‘clean-sheet’ design, so this GM engine started from scratch. The Bridge To The LS: 1980s – 1996 Before the LS arrived, the classic small block Chevy 350 underwent massive changes. As we explained in our Chevy 350…

All You Need To Know About The Small Block Chevy 350

February 9, 2026

If you’ve spent five minutes in a garage, you’ve heard of the Small Block Chevy 350. Since its debut in 1967, it has arguably become the most-produced engine on the planet. Whether it’s powering a vintage Corvette, a rugged Silverado, or a custom hot rod, the 350 is the bread and butter of the American automotive scene. However, a common mistake is assuming that every 350 is the same. We hear it all the time: “Just send me any old 350!” But from a remanufacturing standpoint, there are key differences you need to know before you start your swap. Read…

GM 2.4L Ecotec Engine Buyer’s Guide: All You Need To Know

October 13, 2025

If you own a 2011–2017 Buick Regal, Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain, or another GM SUV with a 2.4L Ecotec engine, chances are you’ve already heard about the issues these motors are known for. From excessive oil consumption to overheating and premature wear, the 2.4L Ecotec has earned a bit of a reputation in the automotive world. But before you give up on your ride or sink money into a questionable repair, it’s worth taking a closer look at our remanufactured GM 2.4L Ecotec engines. Our industry-leading warranty and rigorous remanufacturing process gives these engines give new life and can save…

Toyota 2AZFE – Worst Engine Or Not?

February 20, 2025

At Powertrain Products, we get a lot of requests for our “Worst Engine Or Not?” series, but few engines have been as highly requested as the Toyota 2AZFE. A larger displacement version of the 1AZFE engine, the 2AZ found its way into a variety of popular Toyota cars, including the Camry and RAV4, as well as several Scion vehicles. So without further delay, let’s look at the history of the Toyota 2AZFE engine, exploring its pros and cons and cover how Powertrain Products improves on this popular Toyota powertrain. History Of The Toyota 2AZFE Engine The Toyota 2AZFE is a…

Dodge 2.7L – Worst Engine Or Not?

January 23, 2025

When it comes to engines, many automotive enthusiasts often engage in passionate discussions about the best and worst performers. One engine that frequently finds itself in the crossfire of debate with Mopar fans is the Dodge 2.7-liter V6. In this blog post, we’ll examine this engine’s history, its pros and cons, and whether it deserves the title of worst engine.  History Of The Dodge 2.7L The Dodge 2.7-liter V6 engine made its debut in the late 1990s, primarily in vehicles such as the Dodge Intrepid and Chrysler Concorde. Based on Chrysler’s 3.5-liter V6, the 2.7-liter motor was designed to offer…

Engine Problems Explained: Cam And Lifter Wear

January 10, 2025

Cam and lifter wear is a common issue in engines that can lead to significant problems if not addressed. That’s why we’re covering it in this post. In it, we’ll explain: What Is Cam And Lifter Wear? Cam and lifter wear occurs when the surfaces of the camshaft and lifters experience excessive friction and wear down over time. This wear can lead to reduced engine performance, increased noise, and, eventually, engine failure.  As shown in this video of a GM L94 6.2-liter V8 engine, both the cam and lifters show signs of wear and damage. After tearing this engine down,…

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