Ford is putting EcoBoost engines in just about everything they build, 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, etc.
The strong undercurrent here is: tweak the electronics rather than throwing parts at the engine. And the reason is, 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, these gains are not expensive (the handset is $595 from Ford Racing) and if you use Ford Racing calibrations it won’t void the warranty. That’s neat. It’s also the future: swim within manufacturer restraints and keep your warranty. Bolt up a bunch of non-supported aftermarket parts and you’re S.O.L. It’s a proprietary aftermarket, essentially.
Don’t turn your nose up at it just yet. Owners of the Ford Focus ST can see up to a 90 lb-ft increase in torque using ProCal, and the warranty is maintained. That’s not a small increase. And torque is good. We like torque.
Ford hasn’t specified what sort of gains Fiesta ST 1.6-liter and Ford Mustang 2.3-liter EcoBoost models will receive by plugging in a ProCal, but let’s hope the gains are in line with what they’re pulling out of the Focus ST.
That being 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 spend? 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 are greatly exaggerated.
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