Ford Racing Offers Warrantied ECU Tuning

2015 Ford Focus ST (Credit: Ford)

Ford Racing is eager to prove that EcoBoost engines aren’t just good for meeting government fuel economy standards, so it is offering ECU tuning that comes with the added perk of keeping the manufacturer’s warranty intact. Tweaking the ECU’s calibrations isn’t a new trick by any stretch, but it is often a solid way of giving a decent boost to a car’s performance without having to install a single upgraded part.

The cost of the ECU modification is relatively cheap at just $595. The Ford Racing ProCal handset, which is how the tune is done, changes a number of performance points, such as ignition timing, idle speed, and waste gate control. All Ford owners have to do is plug the device into the car’s diagnostic port and follow some simple instructions.

It might seem like a tame way of increasing an EcoBoost model’s performance, but it’s actually more impressive than many would think. So far, Ford Racing has revealed that the tune squeezes an additional 90 lb.-ft. of torque from the Ford Focus ST. That’s a pretty dramatic considering that in stock form the 2.0-liter EcoBoost puts out 270 lb.-ft. of torque.

So far, there aren’t any hard numbers for the Mustang with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost or the Fiesta ST with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine. If they turn out to be anything like the results with the Focus ST, that could put a lot of smiles on owners’ faces.

Of course, for anyone who doesn’t really care about having a valid warranty, there are plenty of options for pumping up the output figures from the various EcoBoost engines. The market for aftermarket parts on the various models is growing rapidly, proving that just because “Eco” is in the name, the engines can definitely appeal to enthusiasts.