In years past, improving the power of an engine required hours of greasy work swapping out mechanical components.
With today's computer controlled engines, the process of improving power and enhancing engine performance can be accomplished by virtually the pressing of a few buttons.
Ford has sought to capitalize on this and bring the technology to the masses through their handset tool called ProCal, which can improve performance of the Ford Racing EcoBoost engine line by reprogram the engine's on-board computer.
The first of these devices to be made available was for the Ford Focus ST 2.0L EcoBoost engine and the Fiesta ST 1.6L EcoBoost engine in 2014. The "ST" cars are already modified with more power and stiffer suspensions than the standard Focus and Fiesta.
Next to be introduced will be another handset tool for the brand-new 2.3L EcoBoost engine seen in the 2015 Mustang.
The device functions by connecting via the car's diagnostic link connection port. Owners of Ford EcoBoost models can use the device to tweak various settings on their engine, including throttle response, turbo control, fuel flow, and spark timing.
Optimal configuration of these settings can result in up to 90 ft-lb of torque in additional power for the Focus ST. A huge jump for using stock components.
The cost for that kind of power would be greater than $595 (ticket price of the tool) if done the conventional way, by changing a camshaft for instance. Opening the engine for any kind of retune or upgrade would also void the warranty and potentially result in additional negative side effects.
With ProCal tunes the engine remains fully covered under warranty even after retuning. The technicians at Ford Racing have already configured the tune settings to boost power while maintaining the smooth, healthy performance of the engine.
Computer based tuning has long been used engine shops and other professional tuners, but the ProCal tool Ford is making this technology available to consumers.
The fact that these tools are being offered for Ford's smallest EcoBoost engines is
The ProCal handset has allowed Ford to engage a brand-new market of young car enthusiasts who have been raised in today's electronic age, and at the same time preserving the longevity of their performance vehicle line.
With today's computer controlled engines, the process of improving power and enhancing engine performance can be accomplished by virtually the pressing of a few buttons.
Ford has sought to capitalize on this and bring the technology to the masses through their handset tool called ProCal, which can improve performance of the Ford Racing EcoBoost engine line by reprogram the engine's on-board computer.
The first of these devices to be made available was for the Ford Focus ST 2.0L EcoBoost engine and the Fiesta ST 1.6L EcoBoost engine in 2014. The "ST" cars are already modified with more power and stiffer suspensions than the standard Focus and Fiesta.
Next to be introduced will be another handset tool for the brand-new 2.3L EcoBoost engine seen in the 2015 Mustang.
The device functions by connecting via the car's diagnostic link connection port. Owners of Ford EcoBoost models can use the device to tweak various settings on their engine, including throttle response, turbo control, fuel flow, and spark timing.
Optimal configuration of these settings can result in up to 90 ft-lb of torque in additional power for the Focus ST. A huge jump for using stock components.
The cost for that kind of power would be greater than $595 (ticket price of the tool) if done the conventional way, by changing a camshaft for instance. Opening the engine for any kind of retune or upgrade would also void the warranty and potentially result in additional negative side effects.
With ProCal tunes the engine remains fully covered under warranty even after retuning. The technicians at Ford Racing have already configured the tune settings to boost power while maintaining the smooth, healthy performance of the engine.
Computer based tuning has long been used engine shops and other professional tuners, but the ProCal tool Ford is making this technology available to consumers.
The fact that these tools are being offered for Ford's smallest EcoBoost engines is
The ProCal handset has allowed Ford to engage a brand-new market of young car enthusiasts who have been raised in today's electronic age, and at the same time preserving the longevity of their performance vehicle line.