2020 Ford Ranger Gets An Engine Tune From Ford Performance

Ford Performance has long turned its attention to adding power and performance to many cars in the Blue Oval family. But now, they’re offering a way to tune up, and beef up, the performance for a truck – specifically the 2020 Ford Ranger.

Ford Performance calibration for Ford Ranger
The M-9603-REB calibration is intended for 2019 and 2020 Ford Rangers with the 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine. Before any calibration, the 2020 Ford Ranger, which is only available with the 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine, makes 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

According to information provided by Ford Performance, this new calibration kit adds torque and horsepower throughout the RPM range. It also improves the throttle response offering better driveability. There is a 45 HP gain at 4,500 RPM. There is a 60 lb.-ft. of torque gain at 2,500 RPM. There is also an optimized shift schedule for the 10-speed automatic transmission. “Drivers will feel crisper, more precise shifts,” according to Ford Performance.

How to install the M-9603-REB Ranger calibration kit for the Ranger?
The following information comes directly from Ford Performance’s website:
“The Ranger calibration and new Mustang M-9603-M8B calibration are delivered with the new Ford Performance Pro Cal 4 tool. When you order the Ranger calibration, you will receive the Pro Cal 4 tool, a voucher to register and a performance air filter. You download the Pro Cal 4 software to your computer and connect the tool with the provided USB cable. The Pro Cal 4 tool will automatically update. The Pro Cal 4 tool then connects to the OBD 2 port located under the driver’s side dash.”

Part of this install involves a new Pro Cal tool, which according to Ford Performance is the ideal tool for doing this calibration.

Regarding the Pro Cal tool, Ford Performance said, “The engineers wanted to upgrade the capabilities of the Pro Cal tool. The Pro Cal 4 not only delivers the performance calibration, it also stores the stock file, allows real-time monitoring of engine parameters, reads and clears DTCs, real-time data logging, and can configure tire size changes within certain parameters. It features a high-resolution touch screen and intuitive graphical interface. The tool has a rubberized protective case and even comes with a suction cup to mount to the corner of your windshield. It was really the next step in Ford Performance Pro Cal evolution.”

Where to buy the M-9603-REB calibration kit?
This kit is available at Ford dealers and other authorized Ford Performance Parts dealers. Each calibration kit, when bought through a Ford or Ford Performance dealer, has a 3-year, 36,000 -mile warranty.

For more information on the M-9603-REB go here.

Earlier this year, I wrote about the FX2 and FX4 packages, available for the Ford Ranger that helps make the Ranger into an off-road, rugged truck. There’s also a California-based company named PRORUNNER 1 that offers a unique upgrade package for the 2019 and 2020 Ranger giving it the ultimate off-road upgrade.

Okay Ranger fans, does this excite you? Ford Performance has never dabbled on the Ranger platform, so I find this news to be exciting for those fans of the Ford Ranger. Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

Jimmy Dinsmore has been an automotive journalist for more than a decade and been a writer since the high school. His Driver’s Side column features new car reviews and runs in several newspapers throughout the country. He is also co-author of the book “Mustang by Design” and “Ford Trucks: A Unique Look at the Technical History of America’s Most Popular Truck”. Also, Jimmy works in the social media marketing world for a Canadian automotive training aid manufacturing company. Follow Jimmy on Facebook, Twitter, at his special Ford F-150 coverage on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can read the most of Jimmy's stories by searching Torque News Ford for daily Ford vehicle report.