2.3L Performance Tune: what do I need to know before purchasing?

[murrman]

I'm seriously considering getting the performance tune for my 2024 2.3L. Before I do, I want to make sure I fully understand what I'd be getting myself into. I know I need to have the dealer install it to avoid voiding my warranty, and I know I would need to run 93 gasoline exclusively after getting it. Is there anything else I should be aware of before pulling the trigger?

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[That Bronco Guy]

It’s a nice upgrade and should have come stock. The shift points are the largest “felt” advantage and the ability to adjust tires is much easier or a few less steps then forscan. No issues with it and happy I did it. I used free ford points for it and installed it myself, takes 10 min … I don’t care about warranties from manufacturers. I’ve modified beyond ford limits and my time is about to expire. But if your still under warranty then you covered the 2 main points and there is not any other concerns.

Forced induction engines should always run the higher octane available anyway. The engines all see the lower octane and the ECU will adjust and pull timing which great reduces heat and ultimately your output in hp. you might find you get better mpg using higher octane and better seat feel.

We drive other manufacturers of higher end cars with turbos and superchargers and they all reduce power and mpg by 20 percent just for switching to medium grade. I’ve also built a few forced injection systems even some running meth injection and your engine really does better with the cooler fuel (higher octane)

We decided it’s not worth the cost savings in fuel. On stock ecu settings. You may find differently but that’s been our real data comparison. So now you’re down to the stealership charge.

It’s a tame but worthwhile upgrade and leaves more to be desired once you get used to it. But that’s with all boost. It’s like drugs. You’re quickly gonna want more … meh… it’s Prob cheaper, safer long run. Just do it you won’t mind it.

 

[RadDad]

Just get it. It's fantastic. Not much else you need to know.

 

[Felix808]

That it will never match the 2.7 with a tune

But seriously for keeping warranty in play it has to be installed by a certified ASE Mech..

 

[chris harley]

Just added the Procal 4 tune to my 2025 2.7. It’s actually a bit surprising. The performance overall is vastly different in response and feel. The shifting is clean, and the weird part throttle 1-2 and 2-3 shift hesitation is gone. Early days, but it appears that mileage has improved about 1-1.5 mpg.
I have no doubt you will love it.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Just added the Procal 4 tune to my 2025 2.7. It’s actually a bit surprising. The performance overall is vastly different in response and feel. The shifting is clean, and the weird part throttle 1-2 and 2-3 shift hesitation is gone. Early days, but it appears that mileage has improved about 1-1.5 mpg.
I have no doubt you will love it.

Yeah...2.7 tune is subtle but great to bad not the same relative gains as 2.3 tune.

 

[Felix808]

Yeah...2.7 tune is subtle but great to bad not the same relative gains as 2.3 tune.

And that is why I went Whipple Stage 1, as the same can not be said

 

[McRightclick]

Would you guys say the tune is worth it for a manual? It seems like more of the comments are about the improved slushbox shift strategy than the power increase.

 

[RadDad]

Would you guys say the tune is worth it for a manual? It seems like more of the comments are about the improved slushbox shift strategy than the power increase.

Very much so. It woke my manual up! It makes shifting smoother because the turbo spools quicker and you won't experience any power dips between slower shifting. It also makes it better on the highway - 6th is way more usable.

Once you get it, you'll be mad at yourself for not getting it sooner.

 

[Bronco Toad]

Very much so. It woke my manual up! It makes shifting smoother because the turbo spools quicker and you won't experience any power dips between slower shifting. It also makes it better on the highway - 6th is way more usable.

Once you get it, you'll be mad at yourself for not getting it sooner.

Could you elaborate on this? And what tune did you use?

 

[RadDad]

Could you elaborate on this? And what time did you use?

The engine has more torque and HP so when you shift, you don't drop out of the power band aka the turbo doesn't have to build up more steam when your rpm stops from shifting so it smooths is out. Small displacement turbo cars always suffer from that in my experience. A V8 manual never had this issue because of the low end torque delivery. In a fluffy 4 banger with a turbo, it's noticeable. By adding so much low end torque it reduces transient lag so your shifting just feels better.

From what I've read it also remaps your throttle mapping which effectively eliminates rev hanging. The throttle opens and closes quicker which results in smoothness.

On the highway, you can leave it in 6th and actually use the pedal to pass or maintain speed on a mild incline because the engine is making enough boost and torque low down to handle the load. 6th gear in my Sasquatch 7 speed was gutless in stock form because 6th is a massive overdrive. With more power it makes the gear work like it should in the 2-3K rpm range.

Hope that helps.

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