Replicating (or exceeding) the Performance Package ('16)

[Coronach]

OK, I was getting a PP car, turns out I'm probably not. No big deal, even a non-PP SHO is fun. However, what I would like to do is to, over time, build the non-PP car into a PP car (or better), to the extent that is possible. I know that some things are not practical to alter (the rear axle ratio, for example), but I'm mostly concerned about the things that are, like steering feel, braking, and suspension.

Has anyone here done this? What parts/mods would you go with? The car I'm looking at only has about 20k on the clock, so I would probably be doing this down the road a ways, certainly not until bumper-to-bumper was up.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[krewat]

The electronics part can be duplicated with Forscan. The "full off" AdvanceTrac thing with the traction control button, as well as the steering feel. There was a post about it somewhere on the Internet.

Thing like the PTU cooler would be tough to duplicate as well. Oil cooler, not so much.

But in terms of performance, especially suspension and brake-wise, those are pretty easy, and are probably cheaper to exceed the original PP specs. Good luck with it, and let us know how it goes

 

[Coronach]

Hmm. Will diddling around with Forscan void the warranty? If its traceable, I bet it would. I'm not opposed (and I tend to keep vehicles for a long time, so I'll be out of warranty eventually), I just like to know wha I'm getting into.

 

[krewat]

Shouldn't cause any issues if you set it back to what it was before you go to the dealer for service. They don't usually check for any "bit flips" - the one risk is that they might undo anything you changed and you'd have to do it over again

 

[Coronach]

Ah, so it's not like a tune, where they could easily detect it? Gotcha.

 

[Lostneye]

I would doubt most modules would have counters/etc for Ford to check anyway. Forscan mostly will let you change configuration files not firmware or ECU tuning. There is no reason for Ford to look let alone care. If you're changing hardware and using Forscan to account for it I could see Ford not warrantying the parts that where different than what came with the car even if they are OEM spec. For example I upgraded from MFT to SYNC3 and if the APIM dies I wouldn't expect Ford to warranty it.

 

[Coronach]

OK, so what are people recommending for brake and suspension upgrades? One thing, my current car is lowered. I love the look and the handling, but it is MISERABLE for practicality. I will not be lowering the Taurus (ground clearance is already questionable).

And do you know where they document switching the steering setup to PP in Forscan?

 

[twobitcoder]

If you have a 13 or later, the brakes are already very good, as one major upgrade owners of the 10-12 like to do. I believe the PP brakes on a 16 are all about the pads, nothing else changed. Suspension on the newer cars is no different as far as I've looked into it, as SHO suspension is already an upgrade.

I was happy with my 2010 but the little things irritate me. Like the NAV system can't be updated because the 2010 NAV was changed in 11. Dammit, Ford! Essentially, the NAV is useless and I never use it any more. The screen is fine for other things like rear camera, music, radio, etc. Second major irritation with my 2010 is the 12.8" rotors. Good grief, what the **** were those so-called engineers thinking, on a 4400 lb car? Rotors and pads are roasted in 2 years, and that's a long time compared with most reports. Upgrading to the 13 brakes is a hot priority for me right now. Car is parked, actually, due to the rear brakes.

 

[krewat]

Not saying it's true, or verified, but my 2013, 2016, and now for the 2019, from the Build and Price section of ford.com:

 

[SM105K]

Just take your time, spend the extra money, and if you have to travel do it, to find a PP if your heart is set on it. Why go through all the trouble, extra money, and time?