Since the '70s, emissions regulations have become increasingly demanding. Making our engines run clean is always a hot topic for manufacturers, and only recently have they found ways to meet the government's regs, while producing big horsepower numbers.
All '96-and-newer vehicle sold in the U.S. have been outfitted with OBD-II computer systems, which monitor (amongst other things) emissions using numerous sensors and on-board diagnostics. Since the stock tune is meant to minimize emissions and provide a safety barrier against extreme driving conditions, reprogramming the PCM with an aftermarket programmer, or tuner, can often improve power output and sometimes even fuel economy.
Though many aftermarket tuners and programmers are available to upgrade performance and fuel economy, few are 50-state emissions legal. Many late-model Mustang owners would like to take advantage of an aftermarket programmer without having to worry about failing emissions inspections. Enter the Max Energy by Hypertech.
Since 1985, Hypertech has been striving to bring you the best in power programmers, and Max Energy is the latest addition to its lineup. "The product is designed to require no knowledge of computers or programming," said Hypertech founder and president, Mark Heffington. "Hypertech has developed specific tuning optimization techniques that maximize engine power and efficiency to deliver the highest power gains for towing, smooth transmission operation, and the best driveabilty. We simply provide our customers with the ability to match vehicle performance to their specific wants and needs," Heffington added.
As you can see from the engine...
As you can see from the engine compartment, Hall's Terminator is basically stock.
"Power Tuning replaces the stock calibrations in the onboard computers used in late-model cars and trucks," said our source at Hypertech. "These complex programs control important engine functions such as spark timing and fuel delivery. The only way to modify fuel delivery and spark timing to increase power is to optimize the tuning information supplied to the computer.
"It is a slow, demanding, and expensive process, but it's the only way to optimize engine tuning. Our team of engineers uses two computerized chassis dynamometers to develop the most powerful tuning programs possible. First they experimentally adjust the spark timing to obtain the highest torque and power readings at a given engine rpm; then they adjust the air/fuel ratio to obtain the highest possible power and torque readings that an optimized air/fuel mixture can produce. After the spark timing and air/fuel ratio for that particular engine speed have been optimized, the rpm is increased to the next point and the entire procedure is repeated again. The process continues, point by point, up to the engine's maximum speed. This technique is called experimental point-by-point curve fitting. There is no more effective way to power tune an engine."
With Hall's Terminator strapped...
With Hall's Terminator strapped to the Dynojet at Ramsey's Performance, Dennis Ramsey made a few baseline runs. The best result was 391 rwhp and 364 lb-ft of torque. Though most stock '03-'04 Cobras make about 360 rwhp, Hall's aftermarket after-cat coupled with cool morning air made the difference, according to Ramsey.
Manufacturers calibrate for average driving conditions, often with a big safety margin in the tune. "Our calibrations are engineered for drivers who care about performance and use premium-grade fuel. Gains of 10 to 20 hp with 3 to 7 tenths of a second improvement in acceleration times from 0 to 70 mph are typical. However, some applications can enjoy tuning specifically for regular fuel."
To see just how much power can be gained from the Max Energy, we picked up one. For a test vehicle, we contacted Brooksye Hall, who is the sales manager at Brandon Ford in Tampa, Florida. He offered up his personal vehicle-an '04 SVT Cobra. With the exception of the Bassani after-cat, the black coupe is bone-stock.
We picked up Hall's Cobra and headed to Ramsey's Performance in Lutz, Florida. Quick and simple, the programmer only takes a few minutes to install. Follow along as Dennis Ramsey uses the new Max Energy on Hall's Cobra.
 The Max Energy Power Programmer...  The Max Energy Power Programmer comes with the programmer, data-link connector cable to connect to your vehicle, a CD containing a computer program for your PC to enable you to download upgrades from the Internet, and a USB cable to download the updates to the programmer. Designed to work on many Ford vehicle model years '96-'04, part number 42000 retails for around $379. Visit www.hypertech.com to find a dealer. |  Ramsey locates the data-link...  Ramsey locates the data-link connector, which is located under the driver-side of the dash, and connects the programmer. |  Ramsey spun the rollers yet...  Ramsey spun the rollers yet again with the new tune installed. The result was 422 rwhp and 401 lb-ft of torque. That's a gain of 31 rwhp and 37 lb-ft of torque. After a few weeks of driving on the new tune, Hall reports quicker tip-in response, much more noticeable low- and mid-range torque feel, and 2-3 mpg increase in fuel mileage. Not bad for a $400 investment. |
 With the ignition in the "ON"...  With the ignition in the "ON" position, Ramsey follows the prompts on the screen..... |  ....It asks simple yes or...  ....It asks simple yes or no questions, allowing you to customize the tune to meet your needs. |  The Max Energy allows you...  The Max Energy allows you to adjust the speedometer/odometer to match rearend gear ratios from 2.73:1 to 4.56:1 and tire sizes from 23 to 30 inches in quarter-inch increments. You can also change the temperature at which the cooling fans turn on (stock, 180 degrees, or 195 degrees). Another feature allows you to raise the top speed limiter to match the speed rating on your tires (up to 255 mph), and you can adjust the rpm limit up or down by up to 500 rpm. It also allows you to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), return back to stock, and upgrade to new tunes from the Internet. There is also a provision to change shift points on vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. |
 Once you have selected which...  Once you have selected which settings you want for your application, the programmer reads, downloads, and stores the stock tune for safe keeping. It only takes a few minutes to load. |  After it downloads your vehicle's...  After it downloads your vehicle's stock tune, the programmer uploads the preset tune with the unique features that you picked. This takes just a couple of minutes as well. | |