The stock Ford Ranger Raptor, priced at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, is currently one of the best options in terms of factory performance. The Bronco Raptor also offers its own unique advantages. Now, for a minimal cost, you can significantly enhance either model. Ford Performance has just released an OEM tune that boosts power without voiding factory warranties, making it an appealing option for enthusiasts.
Ford Performance Tunes for 3.0 EcoBoost Raptors
The following statistics and links for purchase are sourced from Ford’s announcement:
- Ranger Raptor Calibration: Increases torque from 430 to 536 lb.-ft. and horsepower from 405 to 455.
- Bronco Raptor Calibration: Torque rises from 440 to 536 lb.-ft., and horsepower goes from 418 to 455.
- Both: Enhanced throttle response and a re-optimized transmission shift schedule.
The MSRP for this tuning package is $825, which can also be purchased using Ford Pass Rewards points. Attendees of Ford’s Raptor Rally in Utah on September 21 can enjoy a 20% discount. A warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles from Ford Performance Parts is available if the installation is conducted at a Ford dealership or by an ASE/Red Seal certified technician.
Both the Ranger and Bronco Raptors utilize the same 3.0-liter six-cylinder EcoBoost engine. However, the F-150 Raptor is equipped with a different 3.5-liter V6 engine, and this update does not apply to that model.
This is an incredible deal. I invested around $500 in aftermarket tuning hardware and software for my Civic, plus an additional $300 for professional optimization, which resulted in only about 10 extra horsepower in the mid-range. While my experience isn’t directly comparable, enhancing torque by nearly 100 lb-ft and increasing horsepower by up to 50 for less than $1,000 using factory-approved equipment is undoubtedly enticing for car enthusiasts.
Ford assures that these tunes will uphold reliability. However, as my grandmother used to say, “A candle that burns brighter dies sooner.” While it’s very possible the Raptors will last for years and thousands of miles with this tune, it’s reasonable to assume that engine wear and fuel consumption may increase somewhat with such a significant output boost.
There have been no official mpg adjustments listed on Ford’s website yet, but I have inquired about how fuel efficiency might be impacted. If you drive conservatively and avoid excessive boost, you could likely experience only a minimal reduction in fuel economy.
One caveat to note is that this tune will only be legal in 49 states, as Raptors registered in California won’t be able to use it legally. This is disappointing since California is one of the few states where the full power and performance of a Raptor can be enjoyed. Nevertheless, the factory tune still allows for plenty of enjoyment.
Although I haven’t had the chance to drive a modern Bronco, the Ranger Raptor certainly left a favorable impression on me during my test drive—both on and off-road. It’s an exceptionally enjoyable rally vehicle right from the start, boasting an impressive array of engineering features and appealing design elements. While I don’t believe it necessarily requires this power boost, it’s an attractive option for owners seeking to enhance their vehicle’s speed, or a clever way to refresh interest in a truck that may have grown mundane after a few years.
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