[size=13px]People who modify midsized pickup trucks drive TACOS, are Australian or have weird motivations. I am the latter. It is small subsection of enthusiasts (who don't drive Tacos) that get a kick out of modding vehicles that can do things people would never expect or try. The Ford Ranger has always been the little truck that could. Viewed as a step down from the full size owners. They have their Raptors or ZR1's with large high torques engines. Laugh at the little Rangers humming around the road. How cute. Little do they know there are Demons in Fords closes waiting to be unleashed upon the world.[/size]

I a have been a Ranger owner and fan for many years. If only for their practically and quirky place in the spectrum of use. Never very powerful but always reliable, these little trucks are highlighted mostly for towing odd things for giggles. Or, putting ridicules motors under the hood like the Cummings. The latest model Rangers have power waiting to be unleashed with the right modification. If one dares to pry open the gates of hell. Here I explain how and why I installed a Ford performance tune and Jb4 to unlock the power of the 2.3l Ecoboost motor the acquired way. This will theoretically not Void a Warranty inspection but that is not a fact.

Naturally this truck is meant to go you from A to B carrying a good about of weight or though rough terrain. Stock, the Tremor edition has all the feature of a Fullside 4wd in a lighter comfy package. It will fit in any parking garage or anywhere a decked out F-150 can dream of, The 4 cylinder 2.3l ecoboost motor is a standard package but many don't realized it is based on the original Ford Focus RS. Basically a 2.0l Stroker motor with upgraded internals. Without heavy modification i was able to achieve 323WHP and 385Wtq with out custom ECU tuning. This was done through exploiting the factories auto adjusting TI Variable Cam Timing and adding Ethanol Fuel (e30). Along with the JB4 of course. There is not much written on this topic. So, I will give it my best shot and hope to read others opinions on the matter.


Base Vehicle - 2022 Ford Ranger Tremor 4wd. stock wheels and tires.


Current modifications

- 3" MBRP Armor catback Exhaust
- CV Fab charge pipes
- Go Fast Bit Diverter Value
- AFE Rapid Induction Intake
- Ford Performance Tune (FPT). (Procal 4) Ford Power Pack. same thing
- JB4 (Map2)

THE SHORT Version

If you just need some more highway power without the fuss, getting a JB4, plug it in, Run 93 Octane on Maps, 1, 2, or 3(Maybe). This will get you out to 300+HP. It is a significant increase over stock configuration. You will not get upgraded Transmission shifting like a FPT or custom tune. Yet, it is quite adequate and Sport mode help a lot. There are also tricks that can be done to recalibrate KAM (Keep Alive Memory) to help with response and drivability without tuning. I personally wanted to test out variations and each upgrade for history and reference. As such, I spent way more money than needed for the return. That the juice was worth the squeeze! I continue to learn more everyday. Don't listen to the noise about Piggyback tuners and FUD about the JB4. It works and works damn well. Plus it is will not modify or Void warranties technically. It can be removed without leaving notice it was installed at all. This is not a endorsement of about the warranty, rather a statement that there is no ECU flashing of the vehicle or registration of modification to the engine.

30 mins later, you got plenty O power.

The Build and Tune

I wanted to "TRY" and keep my warranty and add the benefit of Transmission tuning. This lead me to the Ford Performance tune which is a healthy upgrade to stock. However, the horsepower performance is conservative and it really leaves a lot on the table. Enter the JB4. The Ranger model mainly acts is a Boost controller with some interesting features many will have fun with. Here is are some cool functions you might like

- Throttle response upgrade. This steps up the response in the pedal for better drivability and performance. A Pedal commander and other jank throttle controllers do similar things a littler better, However they are not safe. I have one, it works ok. Though it can also go 100% throttle in 1 inch if screwup the setting or it malfunctions. Basically a $200 voltage controller.

- Mode Mapping. You can set up Maps to specific driving modes. Sport (map 3), Drive (map 2). Tow Map 1). ext. fully customizable. plus more.

- Custom Map (Map 6) (Advanced and no Docs) that is on you. I did it and will help, but I am not a authority. YET.

- Boost limits,

- Valet mode

- On the Fly Maps

- Logging and live data

More and more


Lets take moment to compare the Ford Performance(FPP) to the JB4 Dyno results

Per BMS dyno they achieved 319hp 372tq. on factory tunes using both 93 oct, and e30 on Map5. That is impressive. Stock + JB4 2019 ranger Maps. Burgers website





(E30 mix) Here is what I was able to get on just 3 Pulls in 5th gear. Red line FPT | Blue line FPT-JB4 Map2 | Green line FPT Map 3 !! E30 !! for all










The difference is drastic!! The arc of the curve is interesting. It feels like a Big turbo Motor early on but falls off quickly as you can see. Fords FPT + JB4 places bulks the power under 5000 rpms but maintains 300whp out to 5000rpm. The FPT transmission tune really helps deliver the power down low. The 10 speed keeps the power band in the pocket. Towing will be crazy with this setup. Turbo lag is minimal and it comes alive at 2800 rpms. If you go WOT around 2000rpms the Traction control is going to kick in immediately and fight the power all the way to 4000 rpms.

When I say this thing rips!! I mean it really RIPs !! I launched 2wd on a prepped drag strip with no TT. It broke loose and rolled a burnout until I let up off. The added torque for the JB4 tune is disgusting. These trucks are not top end ready without a custom tune. Anything zero to highway speed will rival most sports cars. I raced a gen 3 Coyote F-150 in 4wd 3 times in one night. Out to the 1000 foot it can't be touched. This was with a full weight Tremor with extra weight in the bed. Plus my big ***.

14.32 in the quarter @ 96.7mph. Never dragged in my life before then. No idea what i was doing. People kinds cheered it on. Some people heard others say I had a built block. LOL

JB4 alone will Max the boost. It have reached +25 PSI. That is right at Max for that turbo so roll it back. I took risks.

Considering all this I am very happy with the performance from these to modifications. I would say that doing both out of the box is not really the best option for the money. If you have no tune then a Jb4 is a great option and will net you more power than the FPT. in contrast, the FPT is better for tow applications with moderate power increases. It is expensive if you do it at the dealer to keep the warranty. If you already have the FPT and need a more without openly sacrificing your warranty; adding the JB4 will put you back in your seat and tow all day.


Technicals

How did it set this up? You want to get the full JB4 stack with BT and app. You need Ethanol to get the most out of the motor. It is the single most important part outside of the tuner. On any map. You can go plug and play with just the module, However, it is limited to map 1 unless you have the connector and laptop. This is fine if you're adding it to a FPT for some extra boost and leaving it alone. If you want to know what the hell the motor is doing or self tune, you'll want the app.

I set the Max Failsafe boost to 25 PSI at first. Then down to 24.5. Rough max for these turbos is like 26 PSI, so don't think there is more room. It is not efficent and dangerous. I run Map 2. it was not originally designed to stack on a FPT ( hint hint @Terry. If you get bored here is something to try). Higher Maps are over kill even on E30+. That is basically it. Logging for safety and you are good.

Fords built in protections, along with the Jb4's safeties will limit danger to the motor. Not that this is 100% healthy. Just to say you should not hit 40 PSI and blow stuff up. At least I have not. I am going to get oil Analysis before the next change to validate. The ECU will limit throttle at high temps and pump really Rich to keep the motor controlled. Power does drop out at higher rpms but these are not Race cars. Getting 10 HP more at 6000 rpms is not very helpful. With this you get it all now!! Not to say it won't smash to max speed but the G's fall off.

BIG reccos.

GET a new Intercooler!! You will be running boost most of the time and the factory one is not satisfactory. Power will quickly be reduced do to heat soke if your heavy on the throttle. I am getting one next week. Plus 46% size from CV Fab. worth it.

Get new Charge pipes for Throttle response and turbo lag. For the value, It appears the Mountune FMIC and Charge Pipe kit looks perfect. Cv fab, Mishimoto. you pick

idk if you really need a new intake. an AEM dry flow filter or similar should be fine with in margins of performance. I argue for no restriction.

The GFB Diverter value I got helps maintains boost pressure better than stock. Helping it to keep response when blipping the throttle or between shifts. Again you can go without but it helps.

Next steps

-Working on a MAP 6

After all the time I spent learning the platform, I feel more confident adjusting my setting manually, but cautiously. BTW, there is no guide book for the Ranger. Don't bother looking unless your are ready to put in work. The standard Maps are more aggressive than needed on this setup. I even halved the boost values and still get similar results on the butt dyno and logs.(boost max) There are certain options in the app that don't function for the Ranger. Finding what works is a treasure hunt. The BMS team hesitates to advise on this understandably. I don't think they really dedicate huge time to this motor. Also, I am way out of bounds from their intended customer. It is not that popular of model either. However, it is getting firmware updates frequently, which is awesome. Thanks Ya'll!! I assume bc it shares motors with the Mustang customer base.I believe it is possible to balance out the trucks HP and torque for better overall performance. over time I will hash that out.

The main focus of the MAP 6 is finding the best balance between the margins. Trying to target a certain performance parameters within boost limits. This is quite addictive. Be warned!

- Down pipe - Not sure yet if it is worth it with these conditions. Likely full custom tune at that point. If I do it, it will be reported here.

FINAL Thoughts

For the money you don't get more Power and flexibility. I want 93 Octane? tap a button. E30, as you wish. Or stock. tap, tap, tap. Need service? 15 min uninstall and go. No reflash and wait. Or possible bricking though small chance. it is a great time modding the truck and hope to do more in the future.

If you want to go 140mph in a Ranger, get a Custom Tune. The setup has all the factory limits and safe features so you don't blow the head of the truck off. With in the margins it is the RIPPIN Ranger. IF you want to shred the backroads then by all means. the JB4 alone is fantastic. The stack is extra Rowdy. It should be able to tow anything quickly with in spec. I mean full 75-80 MPH through the Johnson/Eisenhower tunnel in CO at 11k feet. I am confident of that since I lived there and drove it everyday for years. Fun Fun Fun.

Disclaimer. I paid every dime of my own money on this and did it for my own curiosity. I wrote it for me and shared to you so there is no wondering what might have been. Cheers!