AREAS WE ADDRESS
Fuel tables are adjusted to optimize either fuel economy or maximum performance, depending on your needs. Most vehicles that enter Open Loop rely on this table for fueling requirements. However, many Ford Sport Vans remain in Closed Loop operation, even at wide-open throttle (WOT), limiting their power output. From the factory, they are calibrated to prioritize efficiency over performance. By simply correcting the power enrichment function, significant gains in power and torque can be achieved.
One of the biggest improvements you’ll notice is enhanced throttle response—when you step on the accelerator, your vehicle will react more quickly. The Drive-By-Wire (DBW) system in these vehicles is torque-driven, meaning it regulates torque output based on engine and wheel feedback relative to pedal input. Essentially, it functions as a torque limiter, restricting the amount of torque available at a given pedal position.
Factory settings are conservative and often result in sluggish or inconsistent throttle response, creating a laggy or unresponsive feel. For a Sport Van, optimizing these parameters is crucial to unlocking better throttle response and increased torque. By reworking the OEM strategies, your Sport Van will feel as if it just gained two extra cylinders overnight!
Most vehicles, including the E-Series Sport Van, come equipped with three types of limiters: RPM, MPH, and transmission output shaft limiters. In our calibrations, these limits are carefully adjusted to safe yet optimized levels. However, we also offer the option to retain the factory-set limiters based on customer preference
RPM limits can be adjusted in most areas to enhance torque and horsepower. Using higher octane fuel will further improve both power and fuel economy. However, even with 87 octane, a Ford Sport Van can achieve noticeable gains in power and torque compared to stock.
In all Sport Vans, torque converter strategies can be optimized to lock up sooner and stay locked longer at light cruising speeds, improving fuel economy. A locked converter means more power to the ground. In stock form, many vehicles tend to unlock overdrive and downshift at the slightest incline. With our tuning, your truck will hold overdrive longer and resist unnecessary unlocking—though it will still downshift appropriately on steeper hills.
For Sport Vans equipped with the 5-speed TorqShift transmission, Ford’s stock strategy surprisingly does not utilize all five gears during normal driving. In non-tow/haul mode, the vehicle only shifts through four gears. With a custom tune from 5 Star, all gears will be fully utilized, and our optimized shift and torque converter lock strategies will result in quicker, more efficient shifts. This allows your Sport Van to reach overdrive sooner, delivering better power, efficiency, and overall drivability.
Shift strategies can be customized for either economy or towing performance. An economy calibration will upshift sooner to improve fuel efficiency, while a towing calibration will hold shifts higher in the RPM range to prevent engine lugging and maximize peak torque. This is especially beneficial for vans without a Tow/Haul mode, providing better performance when towing.
For Sport Vans equipped with the 5-speed TorqShift transmission, Ford’s stock strategy does not utilize all five gears during normal driving. In non-tow/haul mode, only four gears are used when shifting up through the gearbox. With a custom tune from 5 Star, all gears will be fully engaged, and our optimized shift and torque converter lock strategies will result in quicker, more efficient shifts. This allows your van to reach overdrive sooner, improving both power delivery and fuel economy.
Shift pressures can be increased, and shift timers can be reduced to help lower transmission temperatures and improve overall vehicle performance. In a Sport Van, this results in quicker, firmer shifts, eliminating most of the delay between gear changes when using custom tunes. The result is a more responsive and refined driving experience.
Where do I find my ECU Strategy Code?
At the time of your order if your ECU strategy code is known, we will send your tuner loaded with tunes on your selected tuner. If this information is not known at the time your order is placed, you will be provided a blank tuner to acquire the needed vehicle information.
If using an SCT or Bully Dog Device: On your device under vehicle information, you will find your ECU Strategy Code. An example of an ECU Strategy Code for 1996-2014 models is PKRK0R2.
Our Custom tuned devices will come with custom Performance Calibrations; which will have all the enhancements completed in Engine and Transmission functions. This includes Drive By Wire, Fuel, Shifting, and Torque Converter strategies. These performance calibrations can increase economy the trick is staying off the go pedal.
You will also get user options with each of these tunes as well, so you can change stuff like timing, shift pressures or fueling.
CALIBRATIONS that are available for your Sport Van:
Our 5 Star Daily Tow tune can be customized for any octane level to accommodate both your on-road and off-road needs.
