A few months back we showed off the first prototype of the BRONCOVER Half-Top cover for modern 4-door Ford Broncos. BRONCOVER actually used our Bronco Raptor to design this new product, and we debuted it at the Broncos and Brews show in New Bern, NC. Since then they made a few minor tweeks to the design and finalized it for production.
What you’re looking at here is the final production version of the Half-Top. The purpose of this cover is to fill a gap in the market. BRONCOVER has a variety of covers for just about every Bronco top and door-count combination you can think of. However, many 4-door hard-top owners only like to remove the front three roof panels while leaving the large rear cap in place. The issue is, those front three pieces are a pain to carry around. That’s where the Half-Top comes in. Check out this vid:
The Half-Top is perfect for those who like to soak up some rays the easy way in their Bronco without...
Ford has an absolute hit on their hands with the new Bronco, and it’s pretty obvious that they know it. Very few vehicles in their line-up, beyond the flagship F-150, are available in as many models and configurations as the latest Bronco; and the Everglades version we recently got to test. This tester was something of a special treat because I got to pick it up brand-new from Ford in Detroit and bring it back to South Carolina to become part of the local media fleet. She was unspoiled by the grubby mitts of uninitiated bloggers.
This swamp specialist of the Bronco line-up came equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, 10R60 Auto, unique wheels, Everglades graphics, and an exclusive snorkel for deep fording adventures. As a package, I feel the Everglades model offers just enough to set it apart from the rest of its Bronco brethren. Think of it as being the equivalent of a Bullitt Mustang Vs a GT Premium. The ‘Glade packs in all the content/capability from the Sasquatch package and tops...
HP Tuners has pulled off a miracle and saved the Ford aftermarket as we know it. By cracking the encryptions on Ford's latest generations of ECUs they have created a new rush of performance modding. To no one's surprise, the guys over at 5 Star Tuning in Florence, SC had a backlog of employee owned vehicles ready for calibration development. This stone stock 10R80 equipped S650 Mustang GT was one of the first to get their attention, and the results did not disappoint.
As you can see, starting from a strong baseline of 433HP they were able to pick up 30HP on 93 Octane and 50HP on E85. Torque gains largely track with the horsepower gains. If I owned one of these cars added a custom tune would be high priority. Besides gaining power everywhere in the rev range, the driveablity of the car is greatly improved. That's doubly true on an automatic car like this one, where optimizing the shifts makes a huge difference in the driving experience. What do you guys think?
Back in 2023 we headed out to 5 Star Tuning in Florence, SC to test a slew of VMP Performance parts on a new F-150 Raptor R. That truck was nicely modified, and looked great, but the owner wanted to squeeze some more power from its Supercharged 5.2L V8. Unfortunately, we ran into a brick wall with the trucks encrypted ECU. No matter what we tried, the factory tune limited the power output to about 610RWHP. For a refresher, check out this thread :: F-150 Raptor R Mods from VMP Tuning | Exploring the Limits of the OEM Calibration at 5 Star Tuning
Thankfully, HP Tuners has finally come to the rescue for the Ford Performance Industrial Complex with custom tuning for a host of previously locked Ford computers. 5 Star Tuning didn't waist any time reaching out to the owner of that Raptor R so they could get his truck back on...
If there’s one thing you can count on with Mustang fans it’s that every new generation will bring with it polarized opinions. The S650 Mustang was no exception. A lot of people really liked it, and some acted as if it was worse than stubbing your toe on the corner of the bed. I fell somewhere in between. I initially had an overall ‘meh’ feeling; that is until I drove one. That’s when things really changed for me. After spending a week with a loaded up Performance Pack Dark Horse, I’m left saying this is a very nice addition to the Mustang family.
Let’s start off strong with what I consider the best attribute of the Dark Horse, its feeling of completeness. This car feels like a total package. Everything blends together and meshes seamlessly into an outstandingly fun to drive Mustang. The healthy dose of power it delivers is complimented by the excellent handling of the suspension package. The insane amount of grip provided by the Pirelli Trofeo RS tires can be harnessed by the...
We've had such great feedback from our SVTP Premium Members on our SVTP Soft Launch Coffee that we've decided to put together a follow up for the SVTP coffee lovers out there. Because shipping is insane these days, it doesn't make sense to sell this stuff as a single bag. So we're doing a 5 bag whole bean variety pack with the following varieties:
SVTP Soft Launch - Dark Roast Nicaraguan - Same one we sent to SVTP Premium Members
Ethiopian Light Roast
Brazilian Medium Roast - Washed Beans
Guatemalan Medium Roast
Honduran Dark Roast
These are 12oz bags, roasted in South Carolina. Also included is special bonus "gift" that's valued at ~$35 by itself. We're offering the 5 bags of exclusive SVTP Whole Bean Coffee, plus the bonus "gift" (see below for details) shipped to your door for $100 - plus tax. We're limiting this to 50 units. Proceeds go to the "Keep SVTP on the Internet Fund". Thoughts???
Evolution is a well understood and accepted scientific theory that often goes beyond the nature of biological organisms. In this case, the venerable Motorcraft FL-1A has adapted to changing engineering requirements for over half a century. The FL-1A became the gold standard for Ford V8 engines sometime in the late-60s. It replaced cartridge style filters like the Motorcraft FL-20. I searched for a more detailed history of these filters, but didn’t find anything definitive. I believe the FL-1 (the “A” would come later) was originally fitted to the 221 Windsor V8 when it was introduced in 1961, and it was originally marketed as an Autolite part instead of Motorcraft. There was even an FL-1HP Racing Oil Filter available at some point.
Still we can assume that most of the various filters I was able to collect were designed to deal with a range of fitment issues. The FL-300 is esstially a shorter version of the FL-1A, while the Motorcraft FL-400S is skinnier and the Motorcraft FL-910S...
For the first time ever, we putting everything in the SVTP Store on sale. Everything is 10% off.
It's getting to be hoodie weather and we have a handful of them in stock. I'm not planning on ordering any more this year, so what we have on hand is it. Now would be a great time to pick one up - they make great Christmas Presents. Plus, purchasing swag from the SVTP Store is a great way to support the site. Check it out - Store
Let me put it to you simply, the F-150 Raptor R is the ultimate expression of Ford Truck. That’s it. That’s the review. You can stop reading right now, and you’ll have my take away from spending two weeks and 2,500 miles behind the wheel of the 5.2L Predator Powered Super Raptor. If you’re interested in learning how we came to that conclusion, read on.
From the outside, you may assume that the Raptor R is just a Raptor 37 with more power. The reality is that it is much more than that. Ford’s engineers spent a significant amount of time retuning the suspension and the rest of the drivetrain on the R to optimize performance with the blown 5.2L under the hood. Make no mistake, this truck is the total package. It is the ultimate expression of everything a Ford Raptor is meant to be. This video review lays it all out (including some significant towing):
The exterior modifications of our “Plane Jane” Raptor R were very minimalistic...
Last week we posted an article lamenting the cheapening of the Motorcraft oil filter spec’d for many Coyote and EcoBoost engines. Today we have much better news. Ford recently the Motorcraft FL-2124S oil filter for the 6.7L Powerstroke diesel engine. This filter supersedes the FL-2051S filter that debuted on the 6.7 PSD in the 2011 model year. I’m here to tell you that this new filter appears to be an upgrade over the already very good older design.
These two filters appear to be nearly identical save for one major difference, the filter media. The FL-2051S appears to use a synthetic media very similar in appearance to the Stratapore filter media found in certain versions of Cummins Fleetguard filters. It’s a well constructed and filter that overall is a very nice quality piece. However, due to Ford adding a variable volume oil pump to the 6.7 PSD and wishing to be able to run longer drain intervals the developed the Motorcraft FL-2124S oil filter. This inspection vid will give...
Cost cutting, down-sizing, and supplier issues are unfortunate facts of life that we have sadly become more accustomed to over the past several years. Not surprisingly, our required automotive maintenance parts occasional fall victim to this trend as well. That certainly seems to be the case with the recently introduced Motorcraft FL-2121 Oil Filter, which for a time replaced the now nearly 15 year old FL-500S filter design (which itself is a modification of the venerable FL-820S). It appears the 2121 was the result of a supplier issue, and Ford being forced to search-out an acceptable stand-in.
We decided to snag one of each of these filters, cut them open, and do a detailed inspection. The results were disappointing. The first and most obvious difference is the overall size of the FL-2121, which is a little larger than the 500. However, the 2121 is significantly lighter than the older 500. It’s plain that the FL-2121 is constructed by a different manufacturer (looks to be...
A while back I got to spend some time with a Lux Package equipped Bronco Raptor, and thought it might be a good idea to compare it to my personal BRaptor. I ordered mine as a more stripped down model with vinyl seats and floors. While I really like the comfort of the leather trimmed Lux seats, the ease of cleaning the vinyl seats are a huge selling point for me. In the vid below I walk through the differences I noticed. Which one would you pick?
The new 2025 Bronco Free Wheeling appearance package has arrived with a burst of red, orange, and yellow style inspired by Ford’s Free Wheeling trucks, vans and Broncos of the ‘70s and ‘80s. From the late 1970s to the early 1980s, the Free Wheeling package was available for the Ford F-100, F-150, Bronco, Econoline van, and added graphics with red, orange and yellow gradients, painted steel wheels, and black finishes on the grilles, mirrors, and bumpers. Inside the vehicle featured red and orange pin striping on the dash and seat stitching.
The 2025 Bronco Free Wheeling honors that vibrant and confident style.
“Bronco has always been about fun and capability since day one and Free Wheeling’s looks kick that up a notch with its sunset inspired beach vibes,” said Steve Gilmore, Ford Vehicle Personalization chief designer. “We’ve modernized the new Bronco Free Wheeling in line with today’s fashion and graphic trends, including seats that mimic the color palette of the...
A Baja 1000-winning legendary name returns to the Ford lineup for 2025 with the new Bronco Stroppe Special Edition. A successor to the original Stroppe Baja Bronco from the ‘60s and ‘70s, this new limited-edition Bronco pairs the desert-racing spirit of the original with today’s off-road capability to create a special high-performance Bronco SUV.
“When you purchased a Stroppe Baja Bronco in 1971, it rolled out of Bill Stroppe’s factory ready to tackle the Baja 1000,” said Jason Hyde, Bronco brand manager. “That capability was at the core of our development process for the new Bronco Stroppe Special Edition, including Fox Internal Bypass Dampers designed for performance and improved control during high-speed desert running, a standard EcoBoost 2.7-liter V6 engine, and Baja G.O.A.T. Mode.”
The Bronco Stroppe Special Edition is available exclusively as a two-door model and takes the place of the Wildtrak in the Bronco lineup. It also includes a standard Stabilizer Bar Disconnect...
When someone asks if you want another Bronco Raptor, you say “YES!!” I’m pretty sure I remember a line simpler to that from a movie somewhere, but it still holds true. Anytime I’m given the chance to drive a BRaptor, even though I own the first one ever sold, you can bet I’m going to take it. So when Ford offered to send us one spec’d out way differently than mine, I jumped at the opportunity.
This particular truck was bathed in Ford’s Iconic Silver paint, which I believe is one of the best paint codes available from The Blue Oval. On top of that, this one is loaded up with the Lux Package and the optional leather seats. One other stand out difference between this silver BRaptor and my personal unit is one I can never get used to in a Bronco: carpet. That particular floor covering seems antithetical to the intended use of a Bronco, but I do have to say that the black carpet in this particular truck does look good. However, if you want to see why I would always select the vinyl...
There are few things we find more interesting than tearing down a new engine and seeing what changes/upgrades the engineers have made. So when we heard Livernois Motorsports had a pile of F-150 Gen IV Coyote V8s they were disassembling and rebuilding, it was an obvious choice to stop by and check everything out. We left educated and excited to see what’s to come.
Our visit took place in August of 2023, and the Gen IV Coyote had yet to hit the streets in the S650 Mustang. However, a much different version of the Gen IV found its way under the hood of the updated 2023 F-150. The major changes from the very popular Gen III Coyote include; a belt-drive variable vane oil pump, cylinder deactivation, and significantly revised cylinder heads. In the following video we take you along as we explore these changes across several engines in various states of assembly/disassembly. Check it out:
This is the day we’ve been waiting for. True custom tuning is now available for the Bronco Raptor, as well as the rest of the Bronco line-up. 5 Star Tuning and HP-Tuners have collaborated to science out a way to break a factory Ford ECU’s encryption, then upload a custom tune file to it. Once the encryption is broken, the BRaptor can be tuned with an HP-Tuners RTD or MPVI just like Fords of years past. You know once we heard about this performance break-through we would have to get in on the action, so that’s exactly what we did.
We loaded up the SVTP Bronco Raptor and headed out the 5 Star Tuning in Florence, SC so Josh, Brandon, and the rest of the 5 Star Crew could work their magic. The first step was to use a Ford FDRS (Ford Diagnostic & Repair System) equipped laptop to draw the factory calibration from the ECU. While Brandon was doing that, Josh was busy “decrypting” a brand new Ford ECU. From there, Brandon swapped the computers and loaded our factory BRaptor calibration...
It is an undisputed fact that since its initial release, the Maverick pickup has been a resounding sales success for Ford Motor Company. I know these little trucks are not held in the highest regard in some circles on SVTP, but we feel that the Maverick definitely has a place in the current Ford lineup. We recently had the opportunity to spend some time with the tippy-top Maverick model, The Tremor.
The Maverick Tremor follow the family formula Ford has laid out for the Tremor Nameplate across their various trucks; placing it as the most capable off-road package available on a given truck, without stepping up to a specialty Raptor model. In the case of the Mav, this meant adding a small suspension lift (around 1-inch of additional height), more aggressive 30-inch tall Falken Wildpeak tires, and raiding the Bronco Sport Badlands parts-bin for some drivetrain upgrades. Specifically, the Tremor gets a rear locker and the ability to lock the AWD system into 4WD (though without a...
SVTP members have heard it many times over; the Woodward Dream Cruise, especially the Mustang Alley section, is one of our favorite events to visit every year. The Motor City area is filled every kind of unique American automobile you can image, and it seems like they all come out to cruise Woodward Ave in late summer. In addition to that, Ford puts together a few impressive displays along the route.
We’ve been attending WDC for the past several years, and the 2023 version was perfect. Great builds, awesome products, good friends, and delicious eats/drinks abounded. Easily one of the highlights of the trip was getting a personal tour of the Ford Performance Racing Parts display from SVT Engineering Alumni Nick Terzes (currently Ford Performance Parts Product Planning & Strategy Manager). Check it out:
Walking the Mustang Alley display is always a blast, and you get to see some very special cars along the stroll. We have plenty...
