When Ford unveiled the 2024 Mustang GT, it made some bold steps toward the security of its ECU. Since the whole vehicle’s a connected car, ECU data was encrypted, meaning the car couldn’t be tuned by third parties. This isn’t normally a problem, but a Mustang isn’t exactly a normal car. It’s one for people who tweak things and want to go fast, and relief is finally here.
Yes, for the past few years, if you wanted to make the new-look Mustang faster, you’d have to either run a hodgepodge of parts with no ECU map optimization, or pony up for a first-party solution like Ford Performance’s Whipple-based supercharger kit that takes a new Mustang GT up to 810 horsepower. Big gains, but at big cost. For those looking to do a fairly proven package of an aftermarket air intake, a catback exhaust, and a tune with a raised rev limiter, the old Mustang GT was more attractive.
Key word being “was” because HP Tuners, the same tuning software and hardware solution company that cracked GM’s Global B ECU, has broken into the MG1CS036 ECU used in the current Ford Mustang GT, which means these cars can finally accept custom tuning. Of course, the current Ford Mustang GT isn’t the only Ford with an ECU in this family, which means Pandora’s box has been opened for machines like the 2021-onward F-150, the 2021-onward Bronco, the Ranger Raptor, the 2022-2023 Expedition, and of course, the Mustang Dark Horse.
Should you wish to have your seventh-generation Mustang custom flashed to optimize gains from bolt-on mods, you will require four HP Tuners credits at a cost of $49.99 each plus whatever the time and expertise involved in dialling in a custom tune costs. If you’re flashing it yourself, you’ll either need an MPVI2 or newer interface, or an RTD4 device if you’re getting your tune emailed to you. The end result probably won’t be warranty compliant, likely isn’t CARB-friendly, and comes with a chance of doing actual damage if the map’s too spicy, but you probably knew this already if you’re the sort of person to have your car professionally remapped. Making power comes with some risk, and to some, the risk is worth the reward.
However, this big development means that things can finally get crazy with the new Mustang. Bring on the twin turbos, bring on the dry shots of nitrous, bring on the E85, bring on the aggro cams, all in a platform with better steering, the fun available toy of a drift brake, modern tech, and some serious available brakes. For decades, the Mustang has been a tuner’s dream, and while we faced a brief intermission, it seems like the dream isn’t over.
Top graphic image: Thomas Hundal
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Under $1k including HPT for a DIY tune is pretty good. Plus HPT is a darn good scan tool for the cars it has access to. Well worth it for a person who’s into that.
Now we can run our Mustangs & F150’s on natural gas.
That’s great. Still not gonna do anything, though. I’m much too old to engage in the horsepower wars.
Given how powerful Mustangs have been for the last few years, I’d prefer Ford focus more on improving handling. The only mod I’ve done to my ’22 is Ford Performance sway bars. The car was too floaty with the stock bars over big bumps on the highway. The only thing I might do in the future is stiffer springs that lower the ride height very slightly.
I wish some manufacturer would focus on mass and drag reduction with a RWD car.
For street use, those two variables make a massive difference in both usability and performance. As well as operating cost.
I’d LOVE a 500+ horsepower V8 in a car with Miata-or-less weight and a CdA value matching or beating a VW XL1, all in a narrow package that can weave between lanes similarly to a motorcycle. We could have a delightfully hoonable daily that will remain easy on the wallet. And the cops would have a hell of a time catching it in a chase should one transpire. Beyond what is needed for basic stability and net zero lift at speed, downforce really only matters in a controlled track setting.
The current bloated, overweight ‘Stang with that hideous oversized grille, stupidly huge wheels, fragile rubberband tires, and needlessly drag-inducing styling cues is not for me.
Sadly, the car of which you speak will have to be something you build yourself. Would be a hoot (albeit slightly terrifying), though!
“And the cops would have a hell of a time catching it in a chase should one transpire.”
I’m all for high-performance cars… but are you intimating that you participate in activities that would require you to flee from law enforcement on public roads?
What are we even doing here?
Nothing good.
“And the cops would have a hell of a time catching it in a chase should one transpire.”
Good luck with that.
As my cop friends used to say: You can’t outrun a Motorola. And good luck evading a Jetranger.
Sounds like a damn fine way to traumatize a new dad passing by on his way home from Cars and Coffee.
It was always going to be cracked. It is extraordinarily difficult to fully secure a system when the threat model includes someone having long-term unfettered physical access.
Still impressive though, especially if it uses a modern on-chip HSM. I wonder how the “connected car” and OTA upgrade mechanisms play into encryption/enforcement.