Anyone install a tuning kit?

[Chris-aguilar]

Hey everyone!

Has anyone installed an tuning kit? I'm look to give my Bronco some more power.

Curious if anyone has had any success? I found this and made me wonder..

https://burgertuning.com/products/jb4-tuner-for-2021-ford-bronco-sport

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[Bucko]

I doubt 60HP gains would be seen on a 1.5. I would have concerns about reliability and how long the engine would last.

And $529.00?

Pull the 1.5 or 2.0 and squeeze in a 5.0!

 

[jkeaton]

Never heard of them. I'd be very skeptical unless you can find some real reviews. To me it looks like one of those things that if it sounds to good to be true.....and also ridiculously expensive.

 

[Mark S.]

The OEM powertrain control module incorporates limits on power output based on sensor readings to protect the engine from self destructing. These "tuners" work by intercepting those signals so the PCM receives false readings. The goal is to relax or eliminate the programmed safety limits so the engine can generate more power than Ford has deemed safe.

Some people have good luck with tuners, running them for years with no issues. Others experience catastrophic engine failure. There are two major problems with these devices: 1) there's generally no warning to let the driver know they operating close to or beyond a limit whose exceedance can result in catastrophic engine failure, and 2) if Ford discovers you installed one of these devices your warranty will not cover repairs. I know some will say you can always remove the device before making a warranty claim, and that's certainly true. It's also fraudulent, and downright scummy. Why should Ford pay for damage you caused?

I urge anyone considering one of these devices to think twice. If you have a need for more power you should probably just get a different vehicle.

 

[Meanderthal]

Never heard of them. I'd be very skeptical unless you can find some real reviews. To me it looks like one of those things that if it sounds to good to be true.....and also ridiculously expensive.

JB4 is very well known in the VW tuning world. Not saying that I recommend this product, just that the company is not "fly by night" and has been around for quite some time.

 

[Chris-aguilar]

Great feedback, I haven't done a much research yet. Before I dove i wanted to see if it was worth looking at. I don't want to damage my car.

 

[Barry S.]

Hey everyone!

Has anyone installed an tuning kit? I'm look to give my Bronco some more power.

Curious if anyone has had any success? I found this and made me wonder..

https://burgertuning.com/products/jb4-tuner-for-2021-ford-bronco-sport

Sounds like it could void your warranty. Look before you leap.

 

[Bloomsey]

Great feedback, I haven't done a much research yet. Before I dove i wanted to see if it was worth looking at. I don't want to damage my car.

I just checked out the link to the product and there is only 1 review on it so take that into consideration.

 

[rmreid22]

JB4, is well known in the tuning industry so I wouldnt be worried about them standing behind their product/$529 isnt all that bad a price, I paid $700 for the Ford Performance Tuner for my full size Bronco and it made a big difference in the smoothness of the transmission (automatic shifting) and overall driveability with an approximate 10 to 15hp gain
If an when my BS Heritage Limited ever arrives I will be looking to squeeze out a few more HP out of the 2.0

 

[Bucko]

The OEM powertrain control unit incorporates limits on power output based on sensor readings to protect the engine from self destructing. These "tuners" work by intercepting those signals so the PCM receives false readings. The goal is to relax or eliminate the programmed safety limits so the engine can generate more power than Ford has deemed safe.

Some people have good luck with tuners, running them for years with no issues. Others experience catastrophic engine failure. There are two major problems with these devices: 1) there's generally no warning to let the driver know they operating close to or beyond a limit whose exceedance can result in catastrophic engine failure, and 2) if Ford discovers you installed one of these devices your warranty will not cover repairs. I know some will say you can always remove the device before making a warranty claim, and that's certainly true. It's also fraudulent, and downright scummy. Why should Ford pay for damage you caused?

I urge anyone considering one of these devices to think twice. If you have a need for more power you should probably just get a different vehicle.

Auto manufactures have gotten clever now with detecting tunes being installed/removed prior to a service call (warranty claims). There is a counter now in the engine/driveline control module that is set/incremented whenever the stock tune has been changed (via a tune). So yes, you can remove and reinstall a tune, but most repair centers can identify this has happened by the counter.

 

[Mark S.]

Auto manufactures have gotten clever now with tunes being removed prior to a service call (under warranty claims). There is a counter now in the engine/driveline control module that is set whenever the stock maps have been changed (via a tune). So yes, you can remove and reinstall a custom tune, but most now can identify this by the counter.

This is true for tunes that overwrite the OEM PCM software. The tuner OP referenced is a plug-in style. Instead of overwriting the OEM software it intercepts and modifies engine sensor indications.

 

[Bucko]

This is true for tunes that overwrite the OEM PCM software. The tuner OP referenced is a plug-in style. Instead of overwriting the OEM software it intercepts and modifies engine sensor indications.

I'm not 100% positive, but on a Challenger forum I was on, some folks warned that these too were detectable (intercept type tuners).

Either way, I would not take a chance on a tune. I would be very careful on how much I push a 1.5 or 2.0 with a turbo.

I've got a 67 Camaro SS that provides me with all the go daddy fun. Besides, my wife would not be happy hearing I took her BS a little too far and damaged it.

 

[Mark S.]

Either way, I would not take a chance on a tune. I would be very careful on how much I push a 1.5 or 2.0 with a turbo.

I've got a 67 Camaro SS that provides me with all the go daddy fun.

Agreed. I get all the speed I need with this:

 

[Bucko]

Agreed. I get all the speed I need with this:

Just don't be a maniac!

I used to ride a Harley dresser in the day. Had over 138K on that one. I gave it up after about 18 years, as the reflexes I have today don't qualify me to avoid the others I have to share the road with on two wheels. I miss it though.

 

[Hot Rod Mike]

I also Would not push a 1.5 or 2.0 anymore that the manufacturer has already. The manufacturers are trying to get more power out of small displacement motors and I certainly would not push them anymore

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