If you’re a proud owner of a Ford EcoBoost engine, you’ll be thrilled to discover the top performance upgrades that can take your driving experience to the next level. From boosting horsepower and torque to enhancing fuel efficiency, these upgrades offer a perfect blend of power and reliability. Whether you’re a speed enthusiast looking for an adrenaline rush or someone who wants to maximize the potential of your EcoBoost engine, this article will guide you through the must-have upgrades that will make your Ford EcoBoost engine a force to be reckoned with on the road.
1. Performance Tuning
1.1 ECU Remapping
ECU remapping is one of the most popular and effective ways to increase the performance of your Ford EcoBoost engine. The ECU, or Engine Control Unit, is responsible for controlling various aspects of your engine’s performance, such as fuel injection timing, ignition timing, and turbo boost pressure. By remapping the ECU, you can optimize these parameters to achieve better fuel efficiency and more power.
1.2 Cold Air Intake
A cold air intake is a simple but effective upgrade that can significantly improve the performance of your Ford EcoBoost engine. By replacing the stock air intake system with a high-performance cold air intake, you can provide your engine with a cooler and denser air supply. This leads to improved combustion and increased power output.
1.3 High-Flow Exhaust System
Upgrading to a high-flow exhaust system is another great way to enhance the performance of your Ford EcoBoost engine. A high-flow exhaust system improves the flow of exhaust gases, allowing them to exit the engine more efficiently. This not only increases horsepower and torque but also produces a more aggressive and sporty exhaust note.
1.4 Intercooler Upgrade
Intercoolers are crucial components in turbocharged engines, and upgrading to a larger and more efficient intercooler can yield significant performance gains for your Ford EcoBoost engine. An upgraded intercooler helps cool the compressed air from the turbocharger before it enters the engine, leading to increased power output and improved reliability.
2. Turbocharger Upgrade
2.1 Larger Turbine Wheels
One way to increase the performance of your Ford EcoBoost engine is to upgrade the turbine wheels in the turbocharger. Larger turbine wheels allow for increased airflow and improved exhaust gas extraction, resulting in higher boost levels and more power.
2.2 Aftermarket Turbocharger
For even greater performance gains, consider upgrading to an aftermarket turbocharger. Aftermarket turbochargers are specifically designed to provide increased boost levels and improved airflow, resulting in significant horsepower and torque gains. However, it’s important to choose a turbocharger that is compatible with your engine and properly tuned for optimal performance.
2.3 Turbo Boost Controller
Installing a turbo boost controller can provide you with greater control over the boost levels in your Ford EcoBoost engine. By adjusting the boost pressure, you can fine-tune the performance of your engine to your liking, whether you prefer high-end power or low-end torque. A boost controller also allows you to safely increase the boost levels without putting excessive strain on the engine.
3. Upgraded Fuel System
3.1 Fuel Injectors
Upgrading your fuel injectors can have a significant impact on the performance of your Ford EcoBoost engine. High-flow fuel injectors deliver a larger volume of fuel to the combustion chamber, allowing for increased power and improved fuel efficiency. It’s important to choose fuel injectors that are properly sized for your engine and compatible with the fuel system.
3.2 Fuel Pump Upgrade
To support the increased fuel demand from upgraded fuel injectors, consider upgrading your fuel pump. A high-performance fuel pump ensures that an adequate amount of fuel is delivered to the injectors, preventing fuel starvation and maintaining consistent performance. It’s crucial to choose a fuel pump that matches the fuel flow requirements of your engine.
3.3 Fuel Pressure Regulator
Installing an upgraded fuel pressure regulator can help optimize the fuel system for improved performance. A fuel pressure regulator ensures that the fuel pressure is maintained at the desired level, allowing for precise fuel delivery and optimal combustion. This helps maximize power output and fuel efficiency in your Ford EcoBoost engine.
4. Performance Intercooler
4.1 Larger Intercooler Core
A larger intercooler core provides increased cooling capacity for the compressed air from the turbocharger. This reduces the intake air temperature, resulting in denser and cooler air entering the engine. The improved air density allows for greater combustion efficiency, leading to increased power and reduced risk of detonation in your Ford EcoBoost engine.
4.2 Upgraded Intercooler Piping
Upgrading to larger and smoother intercooler piping can further improve the performance of your Ford EcoBoost engine. Upgraded piping reduces turbulence and pressure loss, allowing for increased airflow and improved boost response. By optimizing the flow of compressed air, you can achieve better throttle response and faster acceleration.
5. Cold Air Intake
5.1 High-Flow Air Filter
Upgrading to a high-flow air filter as part of your cold air intake system can significantly enhance the performance of your Ford EcoBoost engine. A high-flow air filter allows for increased airflow and improved filtration, ensuring that only clean and fresh air reaches the engine. This results in improved combustion efficiency, increased power output, and improved fuel economy.
5.2 Heat Shield
Installing a heat shield around the cold air intake system helps to minimize the intake of hot air from the engine bay. By isolating the intake system from the hot engine components, a heat shield ensures that the incoming air remains cool and dense, maximizing performance and power output in your Ford EcoBoost engine.
5.3 Air Intake Tube Upgrade
Upgrading the air intake tube to a smoother and larger diameter design can further improve the performance of your cold air intake system. By reducing air resistance and optimizing airflow, an upgraded intake tube allows for increased air volume and improved throttle response. This leads to enhanced power output and a more exhilarating driving experience.
6. High-Flow Exhaust System
6.1 Cat-Back Exhaust
A cat-back exhaust system replaces the stock exhaust system from the catalytic converter to the tailpipe. By installing a high-flow cat-back exhaust system, you can improve exhaust gas flow, reduce backpressure, and increase horsepower and torque in your Ford EcoBoost engine. Additionally, a high-performance exhaust system can produce a more aggressive and sporty exhaust note.
6.2 Downpipe Upgrade
Upgrading to a high-flow downpipe can provide further performance improvements for your Ford EcoBoost engine. A downpipe connects the turbocharger to the rest of the exhaust system and plays a crucial role in exhaust gas flow. By increasing the diameter and reducing restrictions, a high-flow downpipe improves turbo spool-up, reduces turbo lag, and increases overall power output.
6.3 High-Flow Catalytic Converter
Replacing the stock catalytic converter with a high-flow catalytic converter can help improve performance without sacrificing emissions compliance in your Ford EcoBoost engine. A high-flow catalytic converter allows for improved exhaust gas flow and reduced backpressure, resulting in increased horsepower and torque. It’s important to choose a catalytic converter that meets your local emissions regulations.
7. Upgraded Ignition System
7.1 Performance Spark Plugs
Upgrading to performance spark plugs can provide better ignition and combustion in your Ford EcoBoost engine. Performance spark plugs are designed to deliver a more powerful spark, ensuring optimal fuel burn and increased power output. It’s essential to choose spark plugs that are specifically designed for your engine and its ignition system.
7.2 Ignition Coil Upgrade
Installing upgraded ignition coils can further enhance the performance and reliability of your Ford EcoBoost engine. Upgraded ignition coils provide a stronger and more consistent spark, improving ignition performance and ensuring reliable combustion. This can result in increased power, improved fuel efficiency, and smoother engine operation.
7.3 Spark Plug Wires
Upgrading your spark plug wires can help optimize ignition performance in your Ford EcoBoost engine. High-quality spark plug wires provide better conductivity and reduce electrical resistance, allowing for a more efficient transfer of electrical energy from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. This helps ensure proper ignition and combustion, leading to improved performance and response.
8. Performance Throttle Body
8.1 Larger Bore Throttle Body
Installing a larger bore throttle body can improve airflow and throttle response in your Ford EcoBoost engine. A larger throttle body allows for increased airflow into the engine, resulting in improved power output and throttle sensitivity. It’s important to choose a throttle body that is specifically designed for your engine and compatible with your intake manifold.
8.2 Throttle Body Spacer
A throttle body spacer is a simple and affordable upgrade that can provide some performance benefits for your Ford EcoBoost engine. The spacer sits between the throttle body and the intake manifold, creating a larger plenum volume. This results in improved airflow and better atomization of the air-fuel mixture, leading to increased power and torque.
9. Upgraded Suspension
9.1 Coilovers
Upgrading to coilover suspension can greatly improve the handling and performance of your Ford EcoBoost-powered vehicle. Coilovers provide adjustable ride height and damping settings, allowing you to fine-tune your suspension for optimal performance and comfort. By upgrading to coilovers, you can achieve better cornering, improved grip, and reduced body roll.
9.2 Sway Bars
Installing upgraded sway bars can further enhance the handling characteristics of your Ford EcoBoost vehicle. Sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars, minimize body roll during cornering by connecting the left and right sides of the suspension. Upgraded sway bars provide increased stiffness, reducing body roll and improving stability and responsiveness.
9.3 Lowering Springs
Lowering springs can improve both the aesthetics and performance of your Ford EcoBoost vehicle. By lowering the ride height, lowering springs lower the center of gravity, resulting in improved handling and reduced body roll. Additionally, lowering springs can provide a more aggressive stance, enhancing the overall look of your vehicle.
10. High-Performance Brakes
10.1 Upgraded Brake Pads
Upgrading your brake pads to high-performance options can greatly improve the stopping power of your Ford EcoBoost-powered vehicle. High-performance brake pads provide better friction and heat resistance, allowing for shorter braking distances and improved brake pedal feel. It’s important to choose brake pads that are compatible with your vehicle’s braking system and intended usage.
10.2 Performance Brake Rotors
Upgrading to performance brake rotors can further enhance the braking performance of your Ford EcoBoost vehicle. Performance brake rotors provide better heat dissipation and improved bite, resulting in more consistent braking performance and reduced brake fade. It’s crucial to choose rotors that are specifically designed for your vehicle’s braking system and driving style.
10.3 Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Replacing the stock rubber brake lines with stainless steel braided brake lines can improve brake pedal feel and responsiveness in your Ford EcoBoost vehicle. Stainless steel brake lines provide better resistance to expansion under pressure, resulting in more consistent brake pedal feel and improved brake modulation. Additionally, stainless steel brake lines are more durable and resistant to corrosion.
