To achieve their stunning levels of the performance and driveability, modern performance vehicles are filled with complex systems and programming. While they still respond to hardware modifications like their more primitive predecessors, it’s the electronic modifications that really unlock the performance.
One of the easiest upgrades to improve the performance of EcoBoost-powered vehicles like the 2017 F-150 Raptor, is adding the plug-in enhancers from JMS Chip & Performance‘s BoostMax (PN BX600035V4 – $309) and PedalMax (PN PX1114F – $289).
PedalMAX is a natural fit because it can be installed in a matter of minutes, and removes all traces of turbo-lag. — Brad Grissom, JMS Chip
The two modifications have become so mainstream that they are now part of the curriculum at the Universal Technical Institute, which trains its students to evaluate, install and test emerging aftermarket technologies on chassis dynos and on the street. And one reason they have become popular is that they don’t leave behind a trace like a in-PCM calibration can.
Seamless Integration
“The biggest thing is the warranty-friendly approach we use for both BoostMAX and PedalMAX. You can simply remove both products in a matter of minutes, and there is no trace of the product ever being installed,” Brad said.
“In today’s new car dealer environment, warranty is a major concern, especially to the owners of these factory specialty vehicles. Dealers are now looking for OBD-based tuning upgrades via the ECU specifically, and in many cases noting it in the customer file for future reference should there be a major warranty claim.”
Of course, if you want to maximize performance, you can combine the JMS devices with a high-performance calibration.
You can stack PedalMAX with any tuning hardware and custom tuning. — Brad Grissom, JMS Chip
Not only do these products improve performance without recalibrating the factory programming, they seem to be accepted by dealers as viable modifications. Via a partnership with Roush Yates, the JMS products are sold directly through Ford dealerships around the country. In fact, we traveled to Sarasota Ford in Sarasota, Florida, to see just how easy it is to install these plug-in upgrades.
“Most of the installation is done in 15 minutes or less. Disconnecting the battery, plugging in the MAP/TIP sensor connectors and mounting the BoostMAX controller is very simple,” he said. “The more tedious part is running the secondary harness through the firewall, but the Raptor main body harness and grommet are right in the open so it’s simple to route through the grommet.”
Easy Upgrades
The entire installation on a Raptor is still an hour or less and everything is very easy to access. — Brad Grissom, JMS Chip
“Maybe the most difficult part is routing the wiring harness over to the accelerator pedal and mounting the control knob — since you are paying closer attention to those fine details — and mounting the knob in area that suits the owner best,” Brad added. “BoostMAX and PedalMAX are also stacked together at the accelerator pedal, so you have to pay attention and make sure you’re plugging the connectors in the proper sequence. The entire installation on a Raptor is still an hour or less and everything is very easy to access.”
Sounds, good right? You might assume it’s too good to be true; but just because they are easy to install doesn’t mean they aren’t effective. Even with more conservative settings, the results have been impressive.
Racer Review
The recipient of one of these test units was someone who definitely knows a thing or two about driving high-performance vehicles — and he loves it.
“As soon as I left Tindol Ford, I headed straight to the guys at Roush Yates to get my horsepower fix. They installed JMS BoostMAX and PedalMAX, threw it on the dyno, and we made great power,” Chris Buescher, driver of #37 JTG Daugherty NASCAR Monster Energy Series Chevrolet, said.
“Driving the truck is a whole new experience and man you can really feel the extra power, but the big surprise was PedalMAX. With BoostMAX turned off, the truck still feels like it has more power and the turbo-lag is gone, the throttle response can only be compared to my race car. Twist the BoostMAX knob and it’s go time. I love this technology!”
Now, if a NACAR driver is enthused about the results on his personal truck, you know these are mods you can truly feel.
“So far the tests have gone great, and we expect to offer a race version of the product that’s well capable of pushing the horsepower increase up to 100-plus horsepower and torque.”
With those kinds of results in such an easy-to-install package, these mods might be the ticket for your EcoBoost-powered Ford. For more information visit the official site here.