How to Get the Ideal Torque on Your Ford Ranger

The average Ford Ranger owner is extremely satisfied with their vehicle from when they got it. It’s one of the most popular vehicles around the world, and for all the right reasons – it’s powerful, robust and can tackle virtually any terrain, while hauling heavy loads. But for the gearheads amongst Ranger owners, there’s no such thing as satisfaction. They’ll always want more horsepower and torque, regardless of whether it’s for practical reasons or not. But who are we to judge, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and everyone has different needs. If you’re looking for ways to improve throttle and horsepower, there’s a range of things you can do. The most common way to add to your Ranger’s engine performance, however, is by installing an aftermarket exhaust system and throttle controller Ranger. Let’s discuss these options in more detail.

Increasing Torque By Adding Aftermarket Headers

Providing enough air to the engine is key. Ensuring exhaust fumes leave the exhaust system is as equally as important. If the exhaust gases don’t flow well, combustion is impaired. Upgrading your exhaust headers with aftermarket models that feature wider valves can significantly improve the ventilation of the cylinder, allowing for more fuel and air. This improves torque and overall performance.

Increasing Torque By Adding a Turbo

A turbo, also known as turbocharger, can add torque by providing the same advantages that aftermarket headers do – allowing more air into the cylinder. As a result, the cylinders can produce more heat so that fuel burns at optimal rates. Furthermore, it allows the engine to be more responsive and roll faster, consequentially improving torque. Besides torque, turbos can boost horsepower, which is another essential part of improving torque.

Improve Torque With a Throttle Controller

A throttle controller Ranger module allows you to override your ECUs’ factory settings. The factory settings on your vehicle’s ECU are set to make your Ranger as fuel-efficient as possible, because that’s what most everyday Joe’s want and need from their Rangers. Not gearheads, though. If you aren’t as concerned about fuel usage, and all you want is more torque, you’ll want to adjust the factory settings, and that’s best done with an ECU throttle controller. This allows you to unlock some of your engine’s hidden potential, adding somewhere between 20-30 lb/ft of torque even on the most basic of vehicles.

Furthermore, throttle controllers can allow you to get more out of your turbo, supercharger or cold air intake. As a result, you may also get more horsepower. These modules are simple plug-and-play devices, and using them is just as easy. They come with a simple display, which you can mount anywhere on the dashboard, and with the press of a button or two (depending on the model), adjust the mode. You don’t have to go for maximum torque. In fact, you can lower it and make your Ranger less responsive.

Forced Induction

As aforementioned, adding a turbocharger or supercharger can increase torque considerably. These are both forced induction systems, as their name implies. They force more air into the engine, increasing power as a result. Depending on the preferred torque, turbos may require some time before they spool and provide the torque benefits. In other words, the power is felt at a higher RPM.

Superchargers, on the other hand, allow you to feel the rev range and they don’t lag like turbochargers. This means they provide better torque in the lower RPM range. That being said, any type of forced induction system will provide the most noticeable torque benefits when compared to any other modifications.

However, if your Ranger already has a forced induction system, then a throttle controller will provide better gains. As aforementioned, the factory settings are tuned to balance fuel economy, engine safety and performance. However, this doesn’t mean that tweaking the throttle response can endanger your Ranger, especially if you buy one from a reputable brand that’s made for Rangers, specifically. If you aren’t confident in what you’re doing, it’s best you visit a professional tune shop, or at least get more information about how to safely and successfully tune your Ranger online.

Other Tweaks You Can Try

• An aftermarket cold air intake for ensuring cleaner, cooler air
• A new air filter to filter out contaminants
• Premium octane gas
• New tyres meant for racing
• A complete new aftermarket exhaust upgrade
• Replacing the fuel filter
• Replacing your regular oil for race oil
• Transmission fluid change
• Spark plugs and wires for better ignition

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many things you can do. Personally, I’d advise you to make the smallest modifications first, and see how your vehicle responds. A throttle controller is generally the first thing people buy, and for all the right reasons. It’s relatively inexpensive compared to other modifications, it’s simple to install, and use. Just make sure you buy your controller from a reputable vendor, not some cheap knock-off brand, because after all, it’s a device that plays with your engine’s brain.