Ford is putting EcoBoost engines in just about everything it builds, and Ford Racing wants you to modify them. Or, at least, tweak the software with Ford-developed calibrations loaded into the ECU with a Ford Racing ProCal handset, which plugs into the diagnostic port and controls the typical variables you'd expect: throttle mapping, idle speed, waste gate control, fuel curves, ignition timing, and so on.
The strong implication here essentially is to tweak the electronics rather than throwing parts at the engine. And the reason is that decent gains can be had without destroying drivability. It's not quite as sexy as bolting up a new intake and hotter cams, but then again, this route isn't expensive (the handset is $595), and if you use Ford Racing calibrations, it won't void the warranty. That's neat. Bolt up a bunch of unsupported aftermarket parts and you're S.O.L. It's a proprietary aftermarket, essentially.
Owners of the Ford Focus ST can see up to a 90 lb-ft increase in torque using ProCal. That's not a small increase. And torque is good. We like torque. Ford hasn't specified what sort of bumps the Fiesta ST's 1.6-liter and Ford Mustang's 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinders can expect from plugging in a ProCal, but let's hope the gains are in line with what they're pulling out of the Focus ST.
- Tested: Aluminum 2015 Ford F-150 with 3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V-6
- 2015 EcoBoost Mustang Tested: Less of an SVO than an American Audi A5
- 2014 Ford Fusion 2.0L EcoBoost AWD Tested: A Quiet, Rational Revolt Against Boring
All of this said, if you don't care about your warranty, Ford Racing will gladly sell you whatever you'd like. How crazy do you want to go? They don't care, as they're not on the hook for warranty claims. Ford has also been working with real third-party aftermarket suppliers to develop EcoBoost suitable components, especially for the Mustang. Remember SEMA this year? Ford is pushing the aftermarket hard on the EcoBoost-equipped pony cars. Any reports of the death of the aftermarket have been greatly exaggerated.
A version of this story originally appeared on roadandtrack.com.
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27
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