Ford Mustang TSB for new 5.0-liter engine modifications

While both the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) documentation itself and the modification of the Ford Mustang in the aftermarket, by owners & tuners alike, is not anything new, the fact it is making substantial buzz within online communities and forums, is.  The infant-aged Coyote 5.0-liter V8 power plant found in the late-model Mustang and F-Series trucks is now subject to scrutiny; not necessarily of the bad kind as a result of Ford’s craftsmanship, but how it is handles being “adjusted” by aftermarket players and wrench-turners out there, seeking to milk more out of the engine beyond the 400+ hp mark.

The TSB states that any modifications to the engine’s factory Powertrain Control Module (PCM), air induction system (air box, air filter, zip tube) or any sort of supercharger are probable to cause potential issues with not just Ford’s warranty coverage, but traumatic engine damage.  Such explained damages could be (and not limited to): piston damage, knock-induced damage due to timing advancement, lean fuel trim, and catalyst damage.

Well, it is not any secret YMMV when it comes to tweaking and tuning any manufacturer’s final product, but let’s be honest, enthusiasts have been doing this for years now.  So what does this mean, at a higher level?  Is the tuning market being culled a bit?  Ford, and many other manufacturers (globally), are producing equipment that is about as good as it gets from the factory, so is there less room for bolstering to higher performance than there once was?  Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

As far as this specific example goes, take a look at the TSB itself, and decide for yourself if this is the dawn of a new precedent, not just with Ford, but industry-wide…

OfficialTSB documentation -->  tsb11-07-07-1

Source: Ford Motor Company

5 thoughts on “Ford Mustang TSB for new 5.0-liter engine modifications

  1. 40oz says:

    Other car makers have been far less tolerant than Ford regarding mods. While this is a new development from Ford, it’s nothing new in the industry.

  2. GTCS 5.0 says:

    Im sure Ford would rather have a bigger piece of the aftermarket ..Anyone seen the Ford performance catalog lately? FRPP are top shelf, fit ,and finish is exceptional and it flat out makes hp. And everything is offered anyone who thinks the golden age of musclecars was in the 60’s hasn’t driven a Ford lately…

  3. Howard says:

    The truth is this has less to do with the engine, and more to do with legal liability in the event that someone gets hurt or stranded due to said modifications.

    They’re probably also tired of hearing whining from people who’ve modded their engines and/or tunes and then had problems later. I remember one particular thread here on Stangnet where an enthusiastic salesman may have said, “no problem” to the mods, only to have Ford tell them sorry about your luck when the problems came.

  4. Dave Willson says:

    This is posted on the Borla web site under FAQ –
    MAGNUSON MOSS WARRANTY ACT
    US Code – Title 15, Chapter 50, Sections 2301-2312

    Steeda, Shelby, Borla, etc, essentially say that they will stand behind their products and help the customer in any way they can if there is any problem with warrantee service. Their position is that 1) Ford must prove that the upgrade caused damage and 2) that the damage must be associated with the part upgraded. Ex: they can’t say changing wheels was the cause of an electrical failure. Steeda told me that they have never had a failure attributed to a tune they provide. Same from Bama.

    Ford has essentially left the decisions on warrantee service up to individual dealers. Depending on where you live, one dealer might say no, while one in the next town says yes. Before making mods it is recommended you call around to see who does/does not.

  5. Dave Willson says:

    There are some high power firms which Ford would greatly upset if they stick it to the customers…. Steeda, Rousch, Shelby, Borla, BK, etc, who all carry many Ford licensed parts. There are also a lot of individuals.

Comments are closed.