Is a Tune Worth It on a Lowered 2018 F-150 2.7 EcoBoost? Joseph's Daily Driver Weighs In
Joseph B.'s lowered 2018 F-150 STX, fueled up in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Customer story · 2018-2020 F-150 2.7L EcoBoost
Joseph lowered his 2018 F-150 STX, drives it every single day, and wanted the twin-turbo 2.7 to feel as quick as it looks. Two MPT files later, the throttle is sharper and the pickup is a lot more fun to drive than it was stock.
The short version
- The truck: 2018 F-150 STX with the 2.7L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, lowered, driven daily
- The tune: MPT 93 PR-X plus a 93 Daily-Tow file, flashed with an SCT BDX
- What he asked for: Reliable power, quick shifts that aren't harsh, sharper throttle and a raised speed limiter
- What changed: More aggressive throttle response and a pickup that's more fun than stock
- In his words: “Even with my lowered setup, I'm enjoying the added performance.”
- Would he recommend us: “I would recommend MPT to anyone looking to get more out of their EcoBoost!”
Why tune a 2018 F-150 2.7 you drive every day?
Because you drive it every day. That's the part people forget. A weekend toy gets a few miles a month, but a daily driver is where you feel a lazy throttle and a confused 10-speed over and over, at every light and every on-ramp.
Joseph's STX is lowered, clean, and very red. It looks fast parked at a gas pump. He wanted it to drive that way too, without turning it into something that's a chore to live with.
“I chose MPT for my 2018 F-150 STX 2.7L EcoBoost, and I've been happy with my 93X Street Tune so far. The throttle response feels more aggressive, and the truck feels more fun to drive compared to stock.”
Joseph B., Grand Prairie, Texas
“More fun to drive compared to stock.” Put that on the box.
What did he ask for on the tune form?
This is my favorite part of any order, because it's where the customer tells us how they actually drive. Joseph kept it simple. He told us the pickup is lowered and he dailies it, and he wanted reliable performance with good drivability. He asked for quick transmission shifts without them being harsh, better throttle response, and the governor raised as high as we thought was right for his truck.
That's a pretty clear brief. Jose built him two files off our 2018-2020 F-150 2.7 calibration: a 93 PR-X for everyday fun and a 93 Daily-Tow for when the bed or a hitch has work to do. Jose had both files to him about three days after the tune form came in.
What kind of gains can a 2018-2020 F-150 2.7 expect?
On our dyno, the 93 PR-X, the same file Joseph runs, adds 85 horsepower and 81 lb-ft of torque to a 2018-2020 F-150 2.7L EcoBoost. Add ethanol and it climbs: the E30 PR-X adds 107 horsepower and 115 lb-ft, and the E50 PR-X adds 131 horsepower and 124 lb-ft. It all loads through the OBD2 port with the tuner, no parts to swap.
Does a lowered stance change anything?
“Even with my lowered setup, I'm enjoying the added performance. Overall, I'm happy with the tune and would recommend MPT to anyone looking to get more out of their EcoBoost!”
Joseph B.
For the tune, not really. A drop kit changes how the truck sits and handles, not how the engine and transmission are calibrated. What matters is that you tell us about it, along with anything else that's changed, like tire size or axle ratio. His tires and gears are stock, so we built for exactly that.
One fun detail: Joseph calls his file the “93X Street Tune.”
Officially it's the 93 PR-X, Joseph. I'm not going to fight you on the nickname.
What other 2018-2020 F-150 2.7 owners say
Joseph isn't the only 2.7 guy in our inbox. I could read notes like these all day, and some days I do. I pulled a few from owners of 2018 to 2020 trucks and lined them up against the questions people ask before they order.
Will I actually notice it?
“I had to see what all the hype was about, and let me tell you, this has completely transformed my truck. I went with the 87 Daily/Tow tune, and it woke my truck up beautifully. It cleaned up the shifts so much that I now feel comfortable driving it on my daily commute... I also got the E85 PR-X, and all I can say is I'm speechless at how fast the truck is now.”
Haitham S. from Tecumseh, Michigan · 2019 F-150 2.7 EcoBoost
Speechless is good. Speechless is the goal.
Does it clean up the 10-speed?
“BTW, the truck shifts amazingly smooth... The truck is shifting much better with the 1-2-3 upshifts and 2-1 downshift. The more throttle it gets, it smooths out perfectly.”
Eric R. from Little Rock, Arkansas · 2020 F-150 2.7 EcoBoost
I already tried another tuner. Why switch?
“The throttle response feels a lot better, thank you... I'm really happy with the truck since having it tuned. I had ***** before, and I'm glad I made the switch to you guys.”
Jeffrey M. from Pottstown, Pennsylvania · 2019 F-150 2.7 EcoBoost
How long does it take to get my files?
“Thank you for the tunes... I also want to thank you for the quick turnaround. I did not expect to receive them so fast, but I genuinely appreciate it!”
Will H. from Conroe, Texas · 2019 F-150 2.7 EcoBoost
Is the support any good once I've bought?
“I just wanted to say thanks for the amazing customer service so far! I appreciate it a lot... The shifts felt amazing, stronger than ever, I might add.”
Paul M. from Dundalk, Maryland · 2018 F-150 2.7 EcoBoost
Shop this combo
Here's everything on Joseph's pickup that came from us.
MPT Tune
MPT Custom Tune, 18-20 F-150 2.7L EcoBoost
Built by our calibrators for your truck and your notes. Joseph runs two files from it, a 93 PR-X and a 93 Daily-Tow, and he's got 90 days of tweaks and log reviews to fine-tune either one.
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Tuner
The handheld that flashes his files through the OBD2 port, reads and clears codes, and keeps the factory calibration so the truck can go back to stock any time.
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Maintenance
Ford Racing M-12405-35T Cold Spark Plug Set
One heat range colder than stock and pre-gapped to 0.031 inch. Joseph added a set to a later order. The tune doesn't require them, but it's the plug we point people to when theirs are due.
Shop itAlso on Joseph's truck: his lowered suspension setup.
Questions 2018-2020 F-150 2.7 owners ask before they buy
Does a tune still make sense on a lowered F-150 2.7?
A tune makes just as much sense on a lowered F-150 2.7 as on a stock-height truck. Joseph's 2018 STX is lowered and driven daily, and he says he's enjoying the added performance. List the suspension, tire size and axle ratio on your tune form so the calibration matches the truck.
How much power does an MPT tune add to a 2018-2020 F-150 2.7?
On our dyno, the 93 PR-X adds 85 horsepower and 81 lb-ft of torque to a 2018-2020 F-150 2.7L EcoBoost. Ethanol blends make more: the E30 PR-X adds 107 horsepower and 115 lb-ft, and the E50 PR-X adds 131 horsepower and 124 lb-ft.
Can I have a towing file and a performance file on the same tuner?
Yes, you can carry a towing file and a performance file on one tuner. Joseph has a 93 PR-X and a 93 Daily-Tow and switches between them with the handheld. When you're pulling a trailer, use the towing file or the stock tune.
What octane do I need to run?
Whatever's in the tank should be equal to or higher than the octane the file was built for. An 87 tune file is fine with 93 octane in the tank, but a 93 tune file needs 93. Both of Joseph's files are 93 builds, so he fills up with premium.
Do I have to replace my spark plugs before tuning?
Replacing your spark plugs is not required to run an MPT tune, and factory plugs are fine. If the truck ever cuts out, misfires or feels like it's hitting a limiter, worn plugs are the usual reason. When yours are due, we recommend the Ford Racing M-12405-35T or NGK 95605.
Will MPT raise the factory speed limiter?
Raising the factory speed limiter is part of what our 2018-2020 2.7 tune can do. Joseph asked about it on his tune form. Tell us what you'd like, and we'll set it to what's appropriate for your truck and tires.
Does a tune hurt gas mileage on a 2.7?
A tune doesn't have to hurt gas mileage on a 2.7, and some owners see it go up. Haitham S. from Tecumseh, Michigan says his 2019 gets much better MPG on the 93 PR-X than on his E85 file. How heavy your right foot is still matters most.
Thinking about it for your 2.7?
Do what Joseph did and tell us exactly how you drive. Questions before you order? Call us at 407-636-7077 or email us. We'll help you sort it out.
Shop the 18-20 F-150 2.7 EcoBoost tuneDownload the PDF: Joseph's 2018 F-150 2.7 story