Delta Boost/ Turbo Transformer installed, reviewed

[Don Ridley]

For the few TC owners with 1.6L ecoboost engines there is a simple plug-in upgrade that will increase performance. The device plugs into the boost pressure sensor and allows the turbo boost pressure to be increased. The stock ecoboost tune shuts down the boost when the pressure is around 15 psi (per my brief testing).  The boost module rescales the boost pressure signal so the ECU thinks 18 or 19 psi is the 14 psi shut down point.  This is simple and effective. This increases torque and horsepower without modifying anything in the ECU. It leaves no warranty- voiding or emissions test-failing trace and installs in minutes. 

I wanted to install the Turbo Transformer, but it was out of stock and the company owner recommend a similar product by Flowmaster. I suspect Flowmaster may have purchased the technology from Turbo Transformer because the products are identical. I bought the Flowmaster Delta Boost Module.

http://turbotransformer.com/

http://www.flowmastermufflers.com/performance-tuners/18102-flowmaster-delta-boost-module/?make=&year1=&model=&submodel=&engine=&category=&kw

The most difficult part of the installation was locating the turbo boost pressure sensor. It is located in front of the left front wheel by the bottom of the radiator. Unplug the connector on the sensor and insert the Delta Boost Module. Tie wrap the box out of harms way. A phone app allows you to set the unit in valet, standard, sport or MAX mode. The app is clunky but it works.

I made several 1/4 mile runs in various modes.  THIS DATA IS NOT EXACT. The first, stock, runs were done a week prior and the other runs were on a windy day and I averaged runs to account for changes in wind and travel direction. Additionally the first run was on 87 octane and others were 91. I used an OBDII app for all measurements with the transmission in "S" mode with auto-shifting. 

                               0-60                   1/4 MILE             BOOST(psi)

Stock (87octane)    9.4                      17.3                    14.5

STANDARD mode 10.07                  18.1

MAX mode             9.0                      17.0                     19.2

It is clear from driving the van that the extra boost increases horsepower and torque. I have driven about 2 weeks in the SPORT mode and it gives the van a noticeable boost without requiring 91 octane (Flow master warns that MAX mode must use 91). There is no pinging or other problems from using the module because the ECU properly controls all the functions required to properly run the engine. This modification gives you measurable gains. I have no desire to modify the tune, or the exhaust or the air intake but this modification is easy, effective and quickly reversible.

FYI, I did not do a lot of test runs due to safety and logistic issues. Plus, I don't care about the exact numbers, I only wanted to see if there were relative, measurable differences.

Now if Ford would only bring back the 1.6L engine to the US Transit Connect market....

 

 

 

 

 

[chong]

That thing looks pretty cool. Clearly this is marketed at the ST crowd, but why wouldn't it work on the van! Does the app give you any readouts for AFR? 

[Don Ridley]

No, the Delta Boost app is only for changing modes. The OBDII app "Torque" can display all engine parameters. 

I found this product on the ST forum. One of their members tested it on a dyno and confirmed it works and the engine runs perfectly. His only criticism is for a little more money you get a new tune that works even better.