Let’s torque power: unleashing the Next-Generation Ford Rangers’ inner beast
You'd assume that one of Australia’s most powerful Next-Gen Ford Rangers has had an ECU tune. But what if we told you it hadn’t?
Last Updated: 31 May 2023
Assumptions are a part of life. In the same way you would logically assume a new LC79 owner will loudly proclaim they’re doing a “game-changing build” on Instagram as soon as they leave the dealership, you would assume that one of Australia’s most powerful Next-Generation Ford Rangers has, at the very least, had an ECU tune. But what if I told you it hadn’t?
Back in the day, the only way to squeeze the extra ponies from our stock 4X4’s lacklustre motor was to adjust the fuel tap. Throw on a bigger turbo, and maybe even fit some upgraded injectors while you were at it. The old-school method of increasing our fourbies fun factor wasn’t just pricey. It meant you needed sound mechanical knowledge. Plus a spare weekend, and a fridge full of beer. Or a willingness to pay for parts and labour.
These days, unleashing the beast under the bonnet is a whole lot easier, thanks to modern technology. In 1968, our mates at Volkswagen began fitting their vehicles with Electronic Control Units (ECUs). Which led to the extinction of carburettors and mechanical injection, paving the way for modern methods of delivering dino-juice. Like Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Common Rail fuel systems.
The introduction of ECUs, coupled with modern fuel injection, meant engines weren’t just the most technologically advanced they’d ever been. They were more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly too. While this was great news for polar bears everywhere, it was even better news for us.
Suddenly, we had more money to spend on Froth Whitlams at the pub on a Friday, thanks to all the cash we were saving on fuel. And an even easier way to let the ponies out of the paddock—performance modules. These plug-and-play bad boys didn’t require a single spanner to be spun. Which meant even someone with the mechanical aptitude of a ham sandwich could fit one within a matter of minutes and start enjoying a more responsive and powerful engine.
A quick Google search will show that most manufacturers offer similar power and torque gains. But that doesn’t mean all power modules are created equal. You wouldn’t ask the local butcher to perform your open heart surgery just because they’re good with a knife. And you shouldn’t trust the reliability of your motor with old mate down the street just because he’s good with a computer.
Cue Steinbauer, the industry experts with over 70 years of experience
When it came time to turn the dial on Patski’s Next-Generation Ford Ranger up to eleven, chucking a Steinbauer Performance Module under the bonnet was a logical decision. Thanks to their proven ability to increase a stock motor’s power and torque figures while maintaining its reliability.
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“PAT’S NEXT-GEN FORD RANGER WENT FROM STOCK REAR WHEEL OUTPUT FIGURES OF 150KW AND 715NM TO 174KW AND A MASSIVE 887NM OF CALCULATED DYNO-TORQUE AT THE REAR WHEELS.”
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Safety is assured
Heeding the advice their mum gave them, Steinbauer put safety first. Their power modules are smart enough to know when your engine has been doing the hard yards for a prolonged period of time and keep the operating system within safe boundaries. Unlike other power modules, Steinbauer’s don’t use a risky increase in fuel rail pressure to drive gains in power and torque, which would otherwise subject the system to undue wear and tear and eventual failure. Instead, Steinbauer tweaks the injector duration, the same way the system was designed to operate.
Think of a Steinbauer Performance Module as a life coach for your engine instead of the devil on its shoulder. As you move through the rev range, it offers your ECU sound advice to help it make decisions that are in the best interest of you, and your motor.
So, just how effective can a Steinbauer Performance Module be?
Well, in a word: very. Pat’s Next-Gen Ford Ranger went from stock rear wheel output figures of 150kW and 715Nm. To 174kW and a massive 887Nm of calculated dyno-torque at the rear wheels.
Steinbauer offers performance modules for most makes and models. Which generally provide at least 20% more power and torque without the need for bolt-on upgrades. When you couple the power gains with the ease of installation and maintained reliability, it’s not hard to see why they’re the logical choice when it comes to performance upgrades.
