Performance mods for more power?

[SmoothJ]

I am perfectly happy with the HP, Torque, and the 0-60 of the F150L, but I am wondering if there would be some way to squeeze a bit more power from the motors. I know the batteries would be a limiting factor due to the current architecture, but unlike ICEs we are mod limited and can’t add really to much.

To add more context as to where I got the question/idea… while I was at the NYIAS on Monday, I took a test drive in several electric vehicles. One of those was a Mach-e and I was surprised of the mid 3 second 0-60 time and quicker 0-40 time (track limited). I was used to hard launches in the F150L and the Silverado EV that I demoed prior to this, but the Mach-e launch put a “holy crap” look on my face.

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[jetfixr1]

The 2024 MMEs were offered a performance upgrade that you paid for and shaved a half second of the 0-60 time. They were able to do this because the motors were changed to the Lightnings motors and I guess Ford was able to squeeze some more out of it. Some time ago EA members were surveyed about bringing this to the Lightning. Its definitely on their mind.

 

[Danface]

Ya need a biggah cahborator

 

[SmoothJ]

The 2024 MMEs were offered a performance upgrade that you paid for and shaved a half second of the 0-60 time. They were able to do this because the motors were changed to the Lightnings motors and I guess Ford was able to squeeze some more out of it. Some time ago EA members were surveyed about bringing this to the Lightning. Its definitely on their mind.

I remember that survey. I wasn’t sure if they also had something in mind for the F150L too.

 

[RickKeen]

You can drop weight to improve performance on may fronts.

Start with the lowest optioned version with ER battery (yes, the SR battery is somewhat lighter, but cannot produce as much power - the ER versions are generally faster)
(no power seats, no leather seats, no power tailgate, no tailgate steps, no sunroof, no pro power, no max tow, no tow tech)

Ditch all the extra stuff people carry around in their trucks all the time: charger, extension cord, adapters, tools, jumper cables, air compressor, shovel, snow scraper, cargo straps, recovery strap, guns?, lawn chairs, extra clothes, hitch ball mount & ball,

Ditch accessories like bed liner, bed cover, tie-downs.

If you want to get extreme, remove back seats, spare tire, speakers, amp, tailgate (or really extreme remove the entire pickup bed), hitch, pro-power outlets & wiring, skid plates and battery armor (stay on-road).

Get the lightest low profile rims. Lightest, low profile performance tires.

 

[Danface]

You can drop weight to improve performance on may fronts.

Start with the lowest optioned version with ER battery (yes, the SR battery is somewhat lighter, but cannot produce as much power - the ER versions are generally faster)
(no power seats, no leather seats, no power tailgate, no tailgate steps, no sunroof, no pro power, no max tow, no tow tech)

Ditch all the extra stuff people carry around in their trucks all the time: charger, extension cord, adapters, tools, jumper cables, air compressor, shovel, snow scraper, cargo straps, recovery strap, guns?, lawn chairs, extra clothes, hitch ball mount & ball,

Ditch accessories like bed liner, bed cover, tie-downs.

If you want to get extreme, remove back seats, spare tire, speakers, amp, tailgate (or really extreme remove the entire pickup bed), hitch, pro-power outlets & wiring, skid plates and battery armor (stay on-road).

Get the lightest low profile rims. Lightest, low profile performance tires.

Ditch the driver and go all remote control!

 

[Lightning Rod]

Ya need a biggah cahborator

Yep.

A good 4 barrel should do the trick.

 

[Henry Ford]

I know the batteries would be a limiting factor due to the current architecture, but unlike ICEs we are mod limited and can’t add really to much.

I bet wiring is the limiting factor. At some point enough current will release the magic smoke. Where is that point?

 

[SmoothJ]

You can drop weight to improve performance on may fronts.

Start with the lowest optioned version with ER battery (yes, the SR battery is somewhat lighter, but cannot produce as much power - the ER versions are generally faster)
(no power seats, no leather seats, no power tailgate, no tailgate steps, no sunroof, no pro power, no max tow, no tow tech)

Ditch all the extra stuff people carry around in their trucks all the time: charger, extension cord, adapters, tools, jumper cables, air compressor, shovel, snow scraper, cargo straps, recovery strap, guns?, lawn chairs, extra clothes, hitch ball mount & ball,

Ditch accessories like bed liner, bed cover, tie-downs.

If you want to get extreme, remove back seats, spare tire, speakers, amp, tailgate (or really extreme remove the entire pickup bed), hitch, pro-power outlets & wiring, skid plates and battery armor (stay on-road).

Get the lightest low profile rims. Lightest, low profile performance tires.

I wonder if this has been done already.

With a current 0-60 in upper 3s/lower 4s for the F150L (depending on trim), you might get another second. However I would worry about grip at that point.

The Mustang Mach-E Rally has 480-horsepower, 700 lb-ft of torque (which is slightly less less than the F150L), and has a curb weight of 4,920 lbs. So based on the specs, and marketing, it has a 0-60 mph of 3.3 second.

So if you drop the weight of the F150 to that of the Mach-E Rally, you will be ahead of the since you have more HP/Torque.

 

[SmoothJ]

I bet wiring is the limiting factor. At some point enough current will release the magic smoke. Where is that point?

That will be BECM and battery limited before the wires will catch on fire. If you manage to reflash the BECM, you might be able to get a bit more juice out of the pack. However I would worry about battery cooling at that point.

 

[jimfigler]

 

[tubby]

Maybe this is not a valid answer to the thread main question, but for your slight need for increased power/quicker speed/torque/head hitting the head rest quicker/tummy muscles tightening faster & harder fix, why not just put the Lightning in Sport Mode. I would say most of us if not already with just Normal Mode would now be in the "Holy Crap" arena...?

 

[djwildstar]

I think Ford Performance had the same thought that you did. On the other hand, they have access to resources we don't. The result: two motors in the front, one in the rear, for a total of 1,600 horsepower and between 3,815 and 8,113 lb-ft of torque. The spoilers generate 6,000 lb of downforce at 150 MPH.

Ford: F-150 Lightning SuperTruck Claims King of the Mountain at Pike's Peak
Motor Trend: Here's What Makes the Lightning SuperTruck so Super

 

[F150ROD]

I remember that survey. I wasn’t sure if they also had something in mind for the F150L too.

I mean they were already offering that option to Mach-E's so I was assuming this was for the Lightning.

At this point, I really thought Ford would have opened up the battery pack a bit more offering more performance, power and range. Meaning a Comfort/Range Mode, A true Sports mode etc.

Unfortunately, I think we are stuck with what we have. That survey was most likely meant for T3 which will most likely be slower than ours to begin with but with more range and efficiency.

 

[Athrun88]

With enough money, anything is possible.

Probably the only way to meaningfully add more power without having to hack the software or exceed any of the current design limitations of the hardware would be to add more motors. Go with a Tri or Quad motor setup, hook it up to the high voltage system and let her rip. While you're at it, you could throw in 4 wheel steering so we can do the crab walk too, lol.

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