Description
How do I purchase and activate my Boss 302 Track Key Software?
Boss 302 owners may notice that their vehicle comes with two keys. The Track Key is a special key that is designed to activate a second set of vehicle tuning features. This second set of computer tuning is not pre-installed into the vehicle and instead must be purchased and installed using this exclusive Ford Racing Track Key flash. Once you purchase this Track Key flash, you will receive the paperwork and Track Key voucher. Then you will schedule a service appointment with the Ford or Lincoln dealer of your choice to have the software downloaded and installed into your Boss 302 Mustang. You must bring the instructions and voucher to the dealer with you when you drop off the car so that the dealer can perform the installation. After the installation is complete, the dealer will record the installation of the Track Key software with Ford Racing for the service history for your vehicle and your engine will be protected with an additional 3 year/36,000 mile warranty for any issues caused by the use of the Track Key software.
INSTALLATION AND USAGE SPECIFICALLY DOES NOT VOID THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY
Track Key software is a 50 state emission legal aftermarket engine performance software
upgrade for the 2012 - 2013 Boss 302 and Laguna Seca. It is
Track Key software must be installed exclusively through US and Canadian Ford and Lincoln Dealers. Special equipment and training is required to install the Track Key software.
Recommended Installation/Labor Time: 1 hour
Track Key software has been designed to optimize Boss 302 for track use and uses many of the same software algorithms and features employed in some of our Ford Racing turn-key race cars, such as the Boss 302R, Boss 302S, and Cobra Jet. In addition, Track Key also allows you to maintain the smooth driveability of the production car just by switching ignition keys.
Whenever the Track Key is used to start the vehicle, many engine control characteristics are changed to be more suitable for track use. These include:
In addition, the following features are added to the vehicle abilities when the Track Key is used:
"From an engine management standpoint, Ford Racing has done just about everything possible to give Track Key users a full race car experience," explains Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer. "Its not intended for use on the street for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits."
As part of the Track Key software package, Ford engineers also devised a launch control feature similar to that used on the Cobra Jet race car. Using a combination of steering wheel buttons, drivers can set the tachometer needle to a desired launch rpm. Floor the throttle and the engine will rev to the preset rpm until the clutch is released, helping aid acceleration and vehicle control from a standing start.
One key, hundreds of changesTrack Key software introduces the concept known as the dual-path powertrain control module. The industry-first, patent-pending innovation allows two separate sets of engine management software to exist on a single PCM, selected through the existing SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transceiver found in current production keys.
The Track Key PCM software, installed by an authorized Ford dealer after a customer takes delivery of the car, adjusts variable cam timing, spark maps, engine braking, fuel control, throttle response and other engine parameters more than 600 in total to provide a complete race car calibration. The result is an aggressive, race-bred driving experience all the way down to the lopey idle rumbling through the Boss quad exhaust. It is not compatible to any other Ford vehicle.
"Anything that could possibly affect all-out performance is deleted from the Track Key calibration," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. "Throttle limiting and torque management and any daily drivability enhancements are removed and replaced with a pure Ford Racing competition calibration."
When Track Key is removed and the vehicle is started with the standard key, the PCM settings are automatically drawn from the factory Boss 302 instruction set again without any additional modifications needed a huge advantage over aftermarket tuning chips and ECU reprogramming. The convenience is useful for enthusiasts who want all-out performance at the racetrack but stock drivability for their everyday driving.