Table of Contents
Engine Management
Popular Transmission Options
Engine Mounting
Driver Display
OEM Electronic Control Units (ECUs)
1.6/2.0
15 -17 2.3
18+ 2.3
Ranger/Bronco/Explorer
3.5TT
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PATS/PATS delete
The Ford PATS or Security system (sometimes called IMMO) on Ecoboost ECUs is the system that would keep them from starting/running without proper security checks from other modules equipped in a normal road-going vehicle. With proper programming, Ford ECUs can have this PATS system turned off (sometimes called IMMO OFF), allowing them to run an engine without the need for other modules (security, BCM, etc).
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Ford Performance Control Pack(s)
Ford Performance offers Control Pack ECUs that allow you to run an engine without the need for any additional modules. While Ford Performance produced these in limited quantities, they do still exist.
The 2.0L Control Pack was designed around the earliest Ecoboost engine and wiring and does not seem to be supported any longer.
The 2.3L Control Pack is designed around the 2015-2017 Ecoboost Mustang engine and wiring. These will still operate any Gen 1 2.3L, but only with the use of manual transmission.
The 3.5L Control Pack is another discontinued and unsupported item by Ford Performance. These were designed around the Gen 1 2013-2016 3.5L with Direct Injection only, and they would not control an automatic transmission.
In conclusion, the Ford Performance Control Pack product line filled a need for Ecoboost swap enthusiasts, but they certainly aren’t the best value. These kits often included parts most projects wouldn’t want to use. For example, undersized OEM intercoolers and airboxes that were very difficult to mount/fit properly in a custom project with cheap and bulky wiring materials, fuse boxes. etc.
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While the OEM/stock calibrations can work fine for many people, custom tuning can make a large difference in how your Ecoboost performs.
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HPTuners is the option that will work for everyone. Pretty much no matter which combination of Ecoboost ECU, engine, or wiring you want to use, HPTuners will work as a tuning solution. Utilizing their newest device, the MPVI3, through OBD2 taking advantage of their generous feature set such as standalone data logging, Bluetooth connection and full access to calibration tables.
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Cobb
Cobb supports the EB platform in a way no other OEM tuning solution ever has. The software is very powerful and most professional E-Tuners prefer it. However, COBB understandably has focused their efforts on actual Ford vehicles, not Ecoboost swap projects. Their Accessport will only work with the 2.3L Control Pack or our Standlone 2.3L ECU. This means if you want to operate a Gen 1 2.0L, a 3.5L Ecoboost, or even a 2.3L with an auto transmission, COBB is not an option for you.. Yet. We hope to continue working with COBB and perhaps widen their offerings in the future, but this likely won’t happen any time soon.
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SCT
In all honesty, SCT seems to be an option that may not be worth investing in. We have helped customers that ended up going with COBB or HPTuners anyway, so it’s hard to say this is a good option. But maybe we just don’t have enough information? Let us know if you have any information to add.
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Standalone ECUs
Standalone ECUs offer far more control over the engine than an OEM ECU by providing much more access to the calibration tables than Ford or Bosch as default. This however is balanced by the increased cost in hardware, wiring and sensors necessary and the actual increased cost in tuning from a base map. If you are planning on taking your Ecoboost swap project to the track and demand the most power from your vehicle then a standalone ECU may be just what you're looking for.
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Link ECU has been innovating in the direct injection standalone ECU space to make affordable options for those that need the extra power a standalone ECU provides. Compared to the competition, their products are a fraction of the cost but operate just the same and/or better in some instances.
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G4+ Force GDI
Now discontinued, the Link Force GDI is Link's first ECU built specially to control Gasoline Direct Injection engines. As well as full GDI control, the Force GDI offers on-board digital wideband, E-throttle control, high voltage injector and high pressure fuel pump management.
Inputs
8/10* x Digital inputs
4 x Temperature inputs
11 x Analog inputs
2 x Trigger inputs
2 x Knock inputs
1 x LUS4.9 Wideband Lambda sensor input
*2 inputs required when using 2nd CAN Bus
Outputs
4 x High voltage injector drivers (60V 10/5A Peak/Hold Current).
4 x Ignition drivers
10 x Auxiliary outputs
+5V Sensor power supply
+8V Sensor power supply
Communications
2 x CAN bus
1 x Serial (RS232) connection
1 x USB tuning connection
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Link ECU Voodoo NEO4 + DI Driver
With 8 Injection, 6 ignition, and 4 multi-purpose (inj, ign, aux) drives (18 total), the G5 Voodoo NEO4 can run up to:
6 cylinders sequential port or direct injection and direct spark, or 4 cylinders with direct/port staged injection and direct spark.
Built on Link's most advanced, most powerful and most flexible ECU platform ever, the G5 Voodoo Neo 4 delivers next-generation engine management for up to 6-cylinder sequential or 4-cylinder staged sequential builds.
The G5 Voodoo range puts real magic in your hands and opens a new world of possibilities with the ability to control port plus direct injection, highly customisable I/O, advanced communications and next-generation features.
G5's multi-board architecture delivers expanded I/O capability over the G4X range through highly customisable ADIO and Aux/Digital Input pins for greater flexibility across high-performance builds.
Advanced communications include GPS, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, dual CAN Bus and USB-C tuning, alongside 1GB of internal data logging for high-speed data capture and analysis. The G5 Voodoo Neo 4 also features automatic transmission control, onboard Lambda control, and dual H-bridges for E-Throttle and low power E-Wastegate control.
The G5 Voodoo Neo 4 is ideal for modern high-performance 4 or 6 cylinder builds requiring the next-generation of engine management technology.
Built-in WiFi, with real-time PC Link connection
Built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) up to 50Hz
Dual onboard Digital Wideband Lambda controllers
Dual onboard E-throttle (Drive by Wire)
Dual microcontrollers
Direct Injection (DI) on up to 12 injection drives (using an external OEM or aftermarket driver box)
Each DI Driver-4 module can allow up to four high voltage peak and hold solenoid Direct Injectors and one high pressure peak and hold Fuel Pump to flow up to their maximum amount of fuel at a very high engine RPM. When combined with a G5 Voodoo Pro ECU, up to three DI Driver-4 modules can be connected together to control up to 12 Direct Injectors and two independent High Pressure Fuel Pumps. Together the G5 Voodoo Pro ECU and DI Driver-4 modules can control both Direct Injection and staged Port Injection on a single tune, giving you the ultimate all-in-one solution to achieve greater power and efficiency.
Have further questions we didn't answer above? Contact us today!