2023 F-150 2.7L E85 Tune Results

+150 WHP with MPT PR-X | No PCM Swap Required

If you’ve been researching tuning for a 2023 2.7L EcoBoost F-150, you’ve probably seen a lot of talk about PCM swaps, unlocking, and flashing directly at the PCM.

That used to be required.

It’s not anymore.

• No PCM swaps.
• No unlocking.
• No sending your computer out.

Watch the full video here:

Flashing is now done directly through the OBDII port. This applies to the 2021-2023 F-150 2.7L Ecoboost. Plug it in, follow the prompts, and you’re done.

For this vehicle, we tune with the SCT BDX and the HP Tuners RTD 4. This is where you get the MPT tunes and choose your tuner: https://morepowertuning.com/products/21-23-27-ecoboost-f150-tunes

And yes… the power gains on E85 are serious.

The Tuning Device: SCT BDX 40490

For this truck, tuning was done with the SCT BDX.

Here’s how it works:

1. Plug into the OBDII port (under the dash).

2. Turn key to ON (or press start without brake).

3. Follow on-screen instructions.

4. Device may update firmware via WiFi.

5. Select your tune.

6. Flash the vehicle.

That’s it.

Flash time is roughly 4–5 minutes the first time. Switching between tunes afterward is even quicker.

And no, you do NOT need to leave the tuner plugged in after flashing. The tune is written directly to the PCM and stays there.

Baseline: Stock Power on E85

Before loading the PR-X tune, a baseline run was made using a stock-power calibration that simply allows safe E85 operation.

Results:

• 336 WHP

• 412 WTQ

That’s essentially stock power levels, just optimized to safely run ethanol.

At this stage:

• Stock boost

• Stock torque limits

• Stock power strategy

• Only fuel compatibility changed

Now it gets interesting.

MPT PR-X E85 Tune Results

After flashing the MPT PR-X E85 tune, the truck went back on the dyno.

Results:

• 481 WHP

• 519 WTQ

That’s a gain of over 150 horsepower at the top end.

At roughly 5,500 RPM, the separation between stock and PR-X is massive.

This isn’t a small bump. It’s night and day.

Why Torque Is Limited (On Purpose)

You’ll notice torque is strong but not pushed to the absolute max.

That’s intentional.

The calibration keeps torque in a range that protects:

• The 10R80 transmission

• Engine longevity

• Daily drivability

Could it make more torque? Yes. We choose not to for a daily-driven truck. For customers that want to break records, all you have to do is ask, and we can make more torque for you.

This is a balanced performance setup designed for reliability and real-world use.

Where Even More Power Is Hiding

In the datalog, one thing stood out:

The wastegate was essentially maxed out at higher RPM. The turbos were working hard to pull air through the factory turbo inlet tubes.

On 2021–2023 models, aftermarket inlet tube options are limited right now. Once those become available, expect improved airflow and stronger top-end carry.

On 2020 and older trucks, upgraded turbo inlets already help significantly.

So yes… there’s still more potential left in the setup.

Does This Only Apply to the 2.7L?

No.

The new OBDII flashing process applies to:

• 2.7L EcoBoost F-150

• 3.5L F-150

• Raptor 3.5L

• Expedition 3.5L

• Bronco 2.7 & 3.0L

• Ranger Raptor 3.0L
  

No PCM swaps required on those either.

Is E85 Worth It on the 2.7L?

If you’re asking whether E85 is worth it on the 2.7L…

A 150+ WHP gain should answer that.

E85 allows:

• Increased boost

• More aggressive spark advance

• Cooler combustion

• Greater knock resistance

When properly calibrated, it completely transforms the truck.

This particular 2.7L went from solid daily driver power to something that feels like a different vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to keep the tuner plugged in?

No. Once the file is written to the PCM, you can unplug it.

What about Ford over-the-air updates?

21+ trucks can receive OTA updates that may overwrite the tune. There are ways to manage and disable that feature if needed.

Is this safe?

Yes, when calibrated properly. The PR-X tune shown here is designed around safe air-fuel ratios, proper torque management, and transmission protection.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been holding off on tuning a 2021–2023 2.7L because of PCM swap headaches, that barrier is gone.

The process is now:

• Plug in

• Flash

• Drive

And on E85, the results speak for themselves:

336 WHP → 481 WHP
Over 150 horsepower gained

That’s a serious jump for a daily-driven truck.

If you’re ready to tune your 2.7L EcoBoost, the SCT BDX with an MPT PR-X E85 calibration is about as straightforward as it gets.