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Everything has arrived EXCEPT my Full Race Intercooler. I contacted both them and MPT about tracking this and I found out that they have recieved the order but no info on it shipping as of yet. MPT warned me that it can take as long as 1 month for Full Race to ship, so lets hope its less than that.
Since my last update, I was able to install the tonneau cover, the AFE Cold Air Intake, the SCT tuner, and rolled on another coat of bed liner to cover up some paint spill from the previous owner. Let me break down those installs.
The Truxedo Titanium bed cover was a breeze to install. The only hitch was the bulkhead seal. Per the instructions, if you have a spray-in beadliner, they recommend you applying the bulkhead seal directly to the underside of the tonneau itself. I was worried about fitment issues and really getting a good seal so I detoured from the instructions a little bit. Instead, I got out my orbital sander and sanded the bedliner down nice and smooth on the bulkhead. It was a little tricky using a round sander to only get about a 2" strip, but it worked out in the end. Other than that, the rails clamped on extremely easily and the cover set on the rails and snapped into place perfectly.
With the tonneau on, I decided to roll on a new coat of bed liner. The previous owner spilled a generous amount of what looks like paint in the bed. I had asked the dealership I bought from to clean it, but I bought it so fast they didn't have time and ended up knocking a couple bucks off the price. I did a little research online and ended up ordering the full kit by Herculiner from Advanced Auto Parts. It came with a gallon of liner, a roller handle, 2 rollers, and a paint brush for the corners and detail areas. Much like the tonneau cover, I had little issue with this product. It followed the instructions and taped off all sensative parts before I started and it went on pretty easy. You have to constantly stir it to make sure the textured material is even when you apply it, but other than that it went on as easy as a really really thick paint. ***Warning*** I got some of this on me and it still hasn't come off a week later so be warned to cover up and wear clothing you will not miss.
Next up was the Cold Air Intake. As previously mentioned, I went with the AFE Magnum Force 2 Dry. I followed an istallation video on YouTube from CJ Pony Parts and it was simple. Took less than an hour from start to finish and everything was pretty self explanitory. There are only 2 steps that could cause a snag, the airflow sensor and the tube provided to block some of the airflow to the turbo to prevent an error code. I was able to navigate both without issue, but it could be a pain if you install the tube incorrectly or if you happened to break the sensor. All-in-all I love the new look of this CAI and the sound is much more pronounced in the cab. You get a very aggressive whistle from the turbos sucking air, but if you like the sound, you'll love this.
And finally was the SCT Tuner. When I ordered it from MPT, I paid for the skip the line option and MPT loaded their custrom tunes onto the device prior to shipping. But when I recieved it, they packaged specific instructions to update the device using my PC before installing it. I followed the instructions provided and updated the device which only took about 15min. It was simple and shouldn't be an issue for anyone who knows their way around a PC. Next I took it out to the truck and plugged it in. It fired right up and walks you through step by step on how to load your tune.
Unfortunately, becuase I skipped the line with MPT, I had to tell them all the upgrades I was going to install. They custom build the tune to adjust fan speed for the 170 degree thermostat that I have, the upgraded exhaust, CAI, and intercooler. Because I am still waiting for the intercooler, that means I can't yet run their 93-PRX tune that I'm dying to try. So instead, to get familiar with the device, I ulpoaded one of SCT's preloaded tunes. Since 87 octane was what I had in the tank at the time, I uploaded the 87 octane Performance tune. This only took about 5 minutes to flash and I was ready to take it for a spin.
On initial start-up after flashing the SCT stock tune, I noted that the engine was running a little rough. They warn you in the instructions that every tune should be taken gently for the first 30 miles or so for the CPU and the engine to adjust. So I let it run for a few minutes and you could feel it start to smooth out. When I was satisfied that my truck wasn't about to blow, I pulled out of my driveway and onto the road. Initially you dont notice much of a difference. I took it easy and went up and down the block for a few laps before taking it out on the main drag. I laid into the throttle smoothly but still gave it some juice and you could notice a small pick-up. Overall, everything seemed much smoother and more natural than the stock tune. When you apply throttle, it starts to go. I noticed previously that there was noticeable lag and sometimes the truck was in a race to get to 6th gear. With the SCT tune things just felt more natural. You dont really notice a sizeable gain in power, but there is a little more jump on initial torque and it just rode much better. I would recommend the SCT stock tune to someone who just wants a more responsive throttle and smoother acceleration.
Next up will be pictures to match this post and hopefully an update on my intercooler.
Just installed MBRP Black Series Pre-Series Exhaust on my '15 SCrew with the 3.5L Ecoboost and 6.5' bed.
Love the look and the black matches my scheme, but I have a couple complaints. While the sound at start-up and low RPM is amazing, it quickly turns ricer at higher RPM. This is a pretty common issue with exhausts across the board with the ecoboost but it lets a little wind out of the sails. And there is tons of in-cab droning. With the exhaust dumping right behind the cab it is a constant hum at anything above 2k RPM. It's not unbearable for my daily commute, but I could see it being problematic for road trips.
Also, while the pre-axle look is primarily what I bought this for, it is not 100% everything I thought it would be. The provided hanger and rubber grommet that support the pipes right before they exit are not in the most ideal location for the 6.5' bed. MBRP packages the whole exhaust to fit any wheel base with the ony modification required being cutting the straight pipe to length. While their instructions are very good and the measurements are spot as far as getting everything lined up, I dont like the finished look. The short bed has so little room to squeeze in these tips that the argument is invalid, but on my 6.5' bed they dump too far back IMO. There is plenty of room to center the exhaust and give it a clean polished look. However, the hanger bracket and small grommet will not allow enough adjustment to do so.
I plan on fabbing my own bracket to replace the one they supplied and that will allow me enough flexibility to center the tips. Otherwise I think quality is very good. The straight pipe is stainless and the rest has a healthy layer of powder coat, no thin spots or blemishes. Fitment was perfect and everyting lined up exactly as it was designed to. Install was a breeze, though I don't recomment anyone trying it without a lift like I did. It is do-able but it is not enjoyable.
Awesome and clean truck. I really like everything about it specially the new head lights and grille. Keep us updated how you like your MPT 93-PRX tune.
In anticipation of my Full Race Intercooler being delivered this week, I jumped the gun and flashed the 93-PRX tune from MPT onto my truck over the weekend. Like a good boy, I fought off all urges to beat the crap out of my pedal for 30 or so miles, taking the wife around town, before I let her rip.
WOW
Thats all I can say. She pulls and pulls and keeps on pulling. This truck feels the way you want an Ecoboost to feel. It is nimble, the throttle response is night and day compared to stock. And when you lay into the throttle it roars. You are immediately thrown back in your seat and it pins you there until you let up. The scary part is you are only at half throttle. I have not yet had to guts (or open road) to smash it all the way to the floor.
I didn't wan't to completely attack her just yet, seeing as though it's still feeling out the new tune a little but I am giddy. My intercooler we be delivered before the end of the week, and that will go in along with the 170 degree thermostat. I am sad to say that the performance upgrades are almost complete, but from the small taste I've experienced so far, I couldn't be more excited.
After a nearly 7 week wait, my Full Race intercooler has finally arrived and has been installed!
This was by far the most intensive addition so far, as far as installation was concerned. Between the intercooler and the thermostat the install took well over 4 hours. There were a couple of hiccups along the way but all in all I am pretty happy with the final result.
Let me walk you through the install step by step. First off: removing the grille. I had already removed the grill once before to add the Raptor style grille, so that was a breeze. Next was the lower radiator shroud, factory CAC, and CAC shutter system. Per the instruction, they "christmas trees" securing the shroud are "difficult" to reach. Wrong, they are impossibe; completely under and behind the radiator. Ultimately we just cut shroud out. Next was the factory CAC, which came out easy enough. Then there was the shutter system which the instructions do not fully explain. They say that there are only 4 bolts holding it on, and they are correct, but they are not so easy to access. They say you can reach 2 by removing the front bumper insert, which is incorrect. There is a bracket blocking them. I strongly recommend to anyone doing this that you just REMOVE the bumper. We ended up having to completely destroy the shutter system to get it out, busting all of the mounting brackets with a pry bar.
After we got past that nightmare, the install followed the instructions and everything fit nicely. The next speed bump is the grille shutters. I think I remember reading that trimming was necessary with this kit, but I didnt quite imagine this much. You have to remove all the shutters, then completely cut out the center support for the grille mount, and trim out another solid inch along the bottom of the mount. While it was not incredibly difficult or time consuming, I would advise against this kit if you are squeemish about chopping up perfectly good OEM parts.
Lastly there is the BOV. I elected to reuse the factory BOV for now, which fits into the kit seemlessly, but caused a little headache due to poor instructions. When you follow the instructions word for word and you get toward the end to install the charge pipe with attached BOV, you're left scratching your head. It appears to be on the wrong side and will not reattach to the recirculation line. Between myself and my two mechanic buddies we scratched our heads, trying to figure out what we were missing. Pouring back over the instructions, there is only one mention of that line and it simply says disconnect. What is SHOULD say is disconnect and REMOVE. The line is no longer needed, The BOV dumps into the empty void left by the missing factory CAC and they supply a cap to cover the hole in the airbox where the recirculation line was. Nowhere in the instructions does it say anything about this. You're left this little puzzle to figure out yourself, and it was a little scary. Everything lines up perfectly, but at first glance you are wondering how in the hell they would misengineer the BOV on the wrong side of the charge pipe, and how you are going to rig a line to make it work. Good fun.
Once we got it in and buttoned up, I was very happy. It looks great, sounds great, runs great. I will say there is a slightly greater lag due to the extra distance in the piping, but only noticeable at extreme throttle. Next up was the thermostat, I am no engineer or mechanic, but I might argue that the thermostat might be the single greatest design flaw on the ecoboost. The thermostat is pointed downward, so to remove it, you automatically dump the majority of your coolant. And the O-Ring... terrible. You have to hold it in place, with nothing to help ensure seating, while simultaneaously fighting gravity, trying to keep it aligned, trying to properly seat the cover, and inserting the bolts. It took all 3 of us to install it. And even then it LEAKED! 10pm and we are ripping air lines, and coolant lines out to get better access. An hour and 15min later, covered in coolant, we got it back together, and by sheer luck we properly seated the gasket this time. Great fun.
Once all was said and done, everyting runs amazing, It is was just a tad more than I had been expecting. Strongly reccomend roping in at least one mechanically inclined friend and drinking just enough to avoid wishing you bought a 5.0, but not quite enough to think that you actually did.
After a nearly 7 week wait, my Full Race intercooler has finally arrived and has been installed!
This was by far the most intensive addition so far, as far as installation was concerned. Between the intercooler and the thermostat the install took well over 4 hours. There were a couple of hiccups along the way but all in all I am pretty happy with the final result.
Let me walk you through the install step by step. First off: removing the grille. I had already removed the grill once before to add the Raptor style grille, so that was a breeze. Next was the lower radiator shroud, factory CAC, and CAC shutter system. Per the instruction, they "christmas trees" securing the shroud are "difficult" to reach. Wrong, they are impossibe; completely under and behind the radiator. Ultimately we just cut shroud out. Next was the factory CAC, which came out easy enough. Then there was the shutter system which the instructions do not fully explain. They say that there are only 4 bolts holding it on, and they are correct, but they are not so easy to access. They say you can reach 2 by removing the front bumper insert, which is incorrect. There is a bracket blocking them. I strongly recommend to anyone doing this that you just REMOVE the bumper. We ended up having to completely destroy the shutter system to get it out, busting all of the mounting brackets with a pry bar.
After we got past that nightmare, the install followed the instructions and everything fit nicely. The next speed bump is the grille shutters. I think I remember reading that trimming was necessary with this kit, but I didnt quite imagine this much. You have to remove all the shutters, then completely cut out the center support for the grille mount, and trim out another solid inch along the bottom of the mount. While it was not incredibly difficult or time consuming, I would advise against this kit if you are squeemish about chopping up perfectly good OEM parts.
Lastly there is the BOV. I elected to reuse the factory BOV for now, which fits into the kit seemlessly, but caused a little headache due to poor instructions. When you follow the instructions word for word and you get toward the end to install the charge pipe with attached BOV, you're left scratching your head. It appears to be on the wrong side and will not reattach to the recirculation line. Between myself and my two mechanic buddies we scratched our heads, trying to figure out what we were missing. Pouring back over the instructions, there is only one mention of that line and it simply says disconnect. What is SHOULD say is disconnect and REMOVE. The line is no longer needed, The BOV dumps into the empty void left by the missing factory CAC and they supply a cap to cover the hole in the airbox where the recirculation line was. Nowhere in the instructions does it say anything about this. You're left this little puzzle to figure out yourself, and it was a little scary. Everything lines up perfectly, but at first glance you are wondering how in the hell they would misengineer the BOV on the wrong side of the charge pipe, and how you are going to rig a line to make it work. Good fun.
Once we got it in and buttoned up, I was very happy. It looks great, sounds great, runs great. I will say there is a slightly greater lag due to the extra distance in the piping, but only noticeable at extreme throttle. Next up was the thermostat, I am no engineer or mechanic, but I might argue that the thermostat might be the single greatest design flaw on the ecoboost. The thermostat is pointed downward, so to remove it, you automatically dump the majority of your coolant. And the O-Ring... terrible. You have to hold it in place, with nothing to help ensure seating, while simultaneaously fighting gravity, trying to keep it aligned, trying to properly seat the cover, and inserting the bolts. It took all 3 of us to install it. And even then it LEAKED! 10pm and we are ripping air lines, and coolant lines out to get better access. An hour and 15min later, covered in coolant, we got it back together, and by sheer luck we properly seated the gasket this time. Great fun.
Once all was said and done, everyting runs amazing, It is was just a tad more than I had been expecting. Strongly reccomend roping in at least one mechanically inclined friend and drinking just enough to avoid wishing you bought a 5.0, but not quite enough to think that you actually did.
More pics to follow.
Nice build so far! Fellow Michigander, what part are you from? Wonder if some silicone lubricant would hold that o ring in good enough to bolt the thermostat in?
Nice build so far! Fellow Michigander, what part are you from? Wonder if some silicone lubricant would hold that o ring in good enough to bolt the thermostat in?
Macomb area here. We also have a family place over by the Silver Lake sand dunes. Been here since birth and no plans on leaving anytime soon.
We tried the 'ol grease trick, didn't work at all. Theres simply nothing to hold or guide that O-Ring. Ended up having one guy lay underneath with a light and a screwdriver to guide things, while the other reached down and blindly placed the cover and installed the bolts. Took about 2 hours and 2 gallons of coolant. There must be an easier way, but if so we couldn't figure it out.
It's been a minute since my last post, but I've still been hard at work. Had some good luck at the casino the other day, and allocated some of the funds on some new Katzkins and LED lighting.
Ordered the Katzkins on Ebay from a supplier up here in MI, they are standard black with grey stitching color matched to the interior. To my surprise they arrived in just 2 days! With my work schedule, I haven't been able to tackle these alll at once so I've been chipping away. I have completed the entire rear row and they are looking great IMO. Will post more pictures when done. Installation is not bad, easier than I expected having never attempted upholstry before. I can dive into specifics if anyone has questions but I'll skimp on the detail here.
Lighting - I recently ordered LED's all around from 4x4truckleds.com. I saw many other guys on here that have had success with them, so I gave it a shot. I have HI/LO bulbs on the way, both Crystalux G9's which have high reviews. I was also encouraged by the fact that they have drop-down options to include my Anzo housings. I went with the full package, dust covers, sealant, extensions, and CANBUS... so we'll see how fun that will be to install. I also ordered LED amber turn signal bulbs and LED license plate bulbs. They have not shipped yet, but that should be a fun day.
To round out the LED package, I also ordered tail lamps, a third brake light, and fog lights from Stage 3. I went with the Recon smoked third brake light and Crystalux projector LED fog lights. I have already installed both, with pics of the Recon to come. For the tail lamps, I went with the relavtively new Anzo G2 black tail lights. I like the look of the Gen. 1's in the dark, but I couldn't get over that ugly bulge on those. They swear the Gen. 2's have the same look and functionality in a much more sleek package, so time will tell. Stage 3 had a sale on those, but they're back ordered, expected to ship next week.
Another small addition, I odered the OEM tailgate damper. Comes with decent instructions and hearty little hinge and shock. Should be easy enough to install, but seeing as though you need to remove the tail lamp to do it, I'm holding off until the Anzo's arrive and do both at once.
03-12-2018, 07:16 PM
Update
