Lucas Bell 
Tuners and aftermarket companies have seen their industry shift a little as the world’s automakers continue to move towards more restrictive computer systems. The increase in cybersecurity measures has made “cracking” a factory ECU much more difficult, which limits what performance upgrades an aftermarket company can do. However, Ford F-150 owners can now breathe a sigh of relief, as HP Tuners have announced their software coverage for the 2020 F-150 lineup.
According to the announcement made by HP Tuners, Ford F-150 owners are now able to purchase tuning software for trucks powered by the 2.7L Ecoboost, the 3.5L EcoBoost, and the 5.0L V8 engines. Tuning will require the use of the HP Tuners interface, the VCM Suite versions 4.5 and above, as well as the MPVI2 scan tool. This scanners is what allows tuners to adjust parameters such as torque strategies, spark tables, fueling, RPM limits, fan activations, transmission shift points and pressures, and exhaust valve controls within the ECU. HP Tuners will also require the purchase of four licensing credits, with each credit retailing for $49.99.
This is a big announcement for Ford F-150 owners who are looking for more performance out of their trucks. Now that FCA has unveiled the Ram 1500 TRX with its 702 horsepower Hellcat powertrain, the 2020 Ford Raptor now seems underpowered with just 450 horsepower. However thanks to the ever-tunable Ecoboost engine combined with this software, it may not be long before we start to see some 2020 Raptor’s with power levels a bit closer to those found in the Ram.
If the off-roader isn’t your F-150 of choice, perhaps you can get excited about the potential street truck applications. With a supercharged V8-powered Ram on the market, we’re sure there are more than a few Ford fans missing the Lightning model right about now. With the help of HP Tuners, we may soon get to see some 5.0L-powered F-150s bringing the muscle truck segment some needed attention.
For more information regarding the HP Tuners set-up required for tuning a 2020 Ford F-150, you can head over to the company’s website here.
