How To Get More Horsepower Out Of Your Ford Ranger

Recently, my Torque News colleague Marc Stern did a story on a special edition Roush Ranger Raptor. And the name alone sounds gleeful and fast. Also, Ford Performance recently announced special performance accessories designed specifically for the Ranger. It’s nice to see the Ranger getting some respect and attention from the performance world.

Now Roush Performance continues to focus on the Ford Ranger by offering two different Performance Pacs that will increase torque and horsepower to 2019 and 2020 Ford Rangers.

Roush Performance announces Level 1 and 2 Performance Pacs for 2019 and 2020 Ford Ranger models, which are designed to offer an aggressive and sporty Roush driving experience. The Level 1 Performance Pac boosts the Ranger’s output by 47 rear-wheel horsepower (RWHP) and 65 lb-ft of rear-wheel torque (RWTQ) and improves throttle response, while the Level 2 Performance Pac adds a cat-back exhaust for a more aggressive sound.

To increase performance, Roush engineers designed a larger intake tube and fitted a larger oil-less high-flow performance air filter to improve airflow. The larger filter is housed in a CAD-engineered transparent lid with Roush badging for under-the-hood style. ROUSH’s high-performance calibration, which is flashed using Roush’s RDT software and optimizes throttle and boost mapping, increases horsepower and torque and improves throttle response through the RPM range. The Level 2 Performance Pac adds a cat-back exhaust system that delivers the signature Roush exhaust note.

Roush Level 1 and 2 Performance Pacs are 50-state emissions legal and fit both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive 2019-2020 Ford Rangers equipped with the 2.3-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost powerplant. The Performance Pacs are designed for use with premium fuel.

2019-2020 Ranger 2.3-liter Roush Performance Pac Level 1
Cost: $935
Product highlights:
• Fits 2019, 2020 Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost® engine
• Provides max power increases of 47 RWHP and 65 lb-ft RWTQ at 3750 RPM
• Greatly improved airflow with reduced intake restriction over stock
• Larger high-flow, washable and reusable performance air filter that does not require oiling
• Designed using OEM CAD data to guarantee perfect fitment
• Cold Air Kit features engineered transparent lid maintaining factory water fording capability by retaining the stock airbox snorkel
• High-performance throttle and boost mapping for increased horsepower, torque, and throttle response throughout the RPM range
• Compatible with premium pump gas
• 3-year/36,000-mile limited Roush powertrain warranty included
• Calibration optimized for 93 octane fuel
What’s included:
• Roush Cold Air Induction Kit
• Roush Performance Engine Calibration
The 2019-2020 Roush Level 1 Ranger Performance Pac for the 2.3L EcoBoost® engine has been engineered to deliver trademark Roush power and performance in an easy-to-install kit. Designed to offer increased power gains and engine performance, the Level 1 Performance Pac has been extensively tested on both the road and in the lab for maximum thrill and reliability.
The kit includes a Roush Cold Air Induction Kit and Roush Performance Engine Calibration delivering max power gains of 47 rear-wheel horsepower and 65 lb-ft of rear-wheel torque. For even more ease of use, the Level 1 Performance Pac has been engineered for use with premium pump gas.

2019-2020 Ranger 2.3-liter Roush Performance Pac Level 2
Cost: $1830

Product highlights:
• Fits 2019, 2020 Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost® engine
• Provides max power increases of 47 RWHP at 3750 RPM
• Greatly improved airflow with reduced intake restriction over stock
• Larger high-flow, washable and reusable performance air filter that does not require oiling
• Designed using OEM CAD data to guarantee perfect fitment
• Cold Air Kit features engineered transparent lid maintaining factory water fording capability by retaining the stock airbox snorkel
• High-performance throttle and boost mapping for increased horsepower, torque, and throttle response throughout the RPM range
• Dual-Tip Cat-Back exhaust system provides deep growl and aggressive personality to your truck
• Compatible with premium pump gas
• 3-year/36,000-mile limited ROUSH powertrain warranty included
• Calibration optimized for 93 octane fuel
What’s included:
• Roush Cold Air Induction Kit
• Roush Performance Engine Calibration
• Roush Cat-Back Exhaust System

The Roush Ranger Performance Pac - Level 2 unlocks the Ranger’s maximum potential, giving it a sportier driving feel and increased power output. Providing 47 rear-wheel horsepower over stock, the included Roush engine calibration does away with any gaps in the Ranger’s performance and the Roush Performance cat-back exhaust system gives the truck an aggressive personality on any terrain.

Also included, the Roush Performance Cold Air Induction Kit is a highly engineered piece. We’ve used OEM CAD to ensure it fits perfectly in the Ranger’s engine bay and maintains factory water fording capability. The increased airflow through the oil-less air filter with a transparent lid produces a soundtrack of sheer turbo performance.

The cat-back exhaust system is made from high-quality, mandrel-bent stainless steel to ensure consistent flow and durability. It is capped off with polished stainless exhaust tips branded with the iconic Roush logo and uses the existing OEM hangers to make installation smooth and simple.

For more information on the Roush Level 1 and 2 Performance Pacs or any other Roush Performance parts, visit ROUSHPerformance.com.

So is the Ranger better suited with more power? Would that make you consider it? These affordable performance kits can really change the look and performance of the smaller Ranger. Let me hear your thoughts. Leave me a comment about what is the Ranger missing and if these type of kits fill that gap.

Jimmy Dinsmore has been an automotive journalist for more than a decade and been a writer since the high school. His Driver’s Side column features new car reviews and runs in several newspapers throughout the country. He is also co-author of the book “Mustang by Design” and “Ford Trucks: A Unique Look at the Technical History of America’s Most Popular Truck”. Also, Jimmy works in the social media marketing world for a Canadian automotive training aid manufacturing company. Follow Jimmy on Facebook, Twitter, at his special Ford F-150 coverage on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can read the most of Jimmy's stories by searching Torque News Ford for daily Ford vehicle report.