PCM Flash Needed for Oil Cooler + PP Rad on 2024 GT (Non-PP)

[Cool66]

Title: Ford Performance needs to step up — PCM flash for OEM oil cooler + PP rad needed

Hey everyone — just wanted to put this out there and hopefully get Ford Performance to listen:

I’ve installed the OEM Ford Performance oil cooler and Performance Pack radiator on my 2024 Mustang GT (non-Performance Pack), but the PCM doesn’t actually support the hardware. Oil temps are still inferred values based on the stock algorithm, so you're not getting the full benefit of the upgrade — and in some cases, it can make things worse if the car adjusts incorrectly.

I’m not asking Ford to unlock the PCM — just a simple flash/update to the existing software to support factory parts. Something like what they already do for supercharger kits (Whipple, Roush, Shelby). A paid, warranty-compliant PCM flash would solve this and could easily be sold as part of a Ford Performance “Cooling Kit” for non-PP cars.

Here’s the deal:

• These parts are being sold by FP partners, but with no software support.
• When an oil cooler is added, the PCM still uses the stock inferred temps, causing a mismatch that can trigger unnecessary power reduction—especially during track use where real performance matters.
• It’s leading to tons of confused, frustrated owners — check the threads on this.
• Ford’s leaving $$ on the table and potentially risking engines running hotter than they should.

How we can help:

We recognize that Ford Performance (FP) maintains strong working relationships with key aftermarket partners such as Whipple, Roush Performance, and Shelby American—organizations that already collaborate with FP to develop and deliver emissions-compliant performance packages backed by official PCM calibrations and warranty support. These partnerships demonstrate that FP is both capable of and responsive to aftermarket-led innovation when there is clear customer demand.

Given that context, it stands to reason that if these respected partners were made aware of the growing number of customers requesting a dealer-installable PCM flash update to support the addition of OEM cooling hardware—specifically the Ford Performance oil cooler and Performance Pack radiator—they may be in a unique position to advocate for such a solution directly with FP.

To support this effort, I’ve attached a sample letter that can be used or adapted to communicate this request to the appropriate teams at Whipple, Roush, or Shelby American. By engaging these partners and demonstrating that there is a meaningful and growing market demand, we may be able to prompt Ford Performance to consider offering a formal calibration update that enhances both vehicle performance and customer satisfaction, all within the existing framework of FP-supported upgrades. Please consider tagging the below FP partners along with any other FP partner that you feel can provide a voice for change.

Please consider tagging:

• @WhippleSuperchargers
• @RoushPerformance
• @ShelbyAmerican
• @FordPerformance

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[AZ_Ryan]

I was considering this mod until I found out the cars electronics weren't compatible to read the new temps. What a stupid thing coming from Ford.

 

[goodlettjr]

Few observations.

1. Ford Performance does not offer a radiator. You bought and converted your non PP car to a PP radiator.
2. Ford Performance does offer an oil cooler. Assuming this is the one that you bought it specifically states it is a “service replacement” and not an upgrade / conversion.

I don’t see in any foreseen circumstances that Ford would sell tuning / reprogramming abilities for this.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Few observations.

1. Ford Performance does not offer a radiator. You bought and converted your non PP car to a PP radiator.
2. Ford Performance does offer an oil cooler. Assuming this is the one that you bought it specifically states it is a “service replacement” and not an upgrade / conversion.

I don’t see in any foreseen circumstances that Ford would sell tuning / reprogramming abilities for this.

Vendors are marketing this upgrade/conversion. Re-flashing to read correct temps shouldn't be big deal as long as it's a Ford part.

 

[goodlettjr]

Vendors are marketing this upgrade/conversion. Re-flashing to read correct temps shouldn't be big deal as long as it's a Ford part.

Don’t disagree.

But just because someone markets it means it will work. Reflashing from Ford will come down to what it costs to get an EPA cert. That is very costly for both the fee paid to the EPA and internal labor cost from Ford’s pocket. I would estimate the overall cost to Ford at $750,000 to $1,000,000 plus for testing, internal labor, and support moving forward for 7 years of the last one sold. Assuming they pull a 25% margin on selling a tune, it would take waaaaaay more tunes sold that the market is demanding. They are way better served to put out their “safe” HP tune and call it a day.

This is going to fall directly on the aftermarket, but they would only do it if the demand is enough. Outside of that, people will have to purchase or reflash with FDRS a PP VIN on the module.

 

[Billycar11]

Don’t disagree.

But just because someone markets it means it will work. Reflashing from Ford will come down to what it costs to get an EPA cert. That is very costly for both the fee paid to the EPA and internal labor cost from Ford’s pocket. I would estimate the overall cost to Ford at $750,000 to $1,000,000 plus for testing, internal labor, and support moving forward for 7 years of the last one sold. Assuming they pull a 25% margin on selling a tune, it would take waaaaaay more tunes sold that the market is demanding. They are way better served to put out their “safe” HP tune and call it a day.

This is going to fall directly on the aftermarket, but they would only do it if the demand is enough. Outside of that, people will have to purchase or reflash with FDRS a PP VIN on the module.

dont think they would need to get it recertified by the epa it is the the tune from the pp mustang vs non pp so already was approved

 

[Alan Applegate]

As an Eco-Boost owner, I suspect it would show higher temps than a GT when driven hard, as most turbo'd vehicle do. I don't drive aggressively, but if you look at the various temperatures displayed on the dash with 100°+ ambients, the readings would probably scare a lot of drivers.

These facts alone, do not mean Ford didn't due diligence in engineering their vehicles. This is why I wonder about owners doing after-market mods (supposedly) to correct faulty factory engineering! If in fact that was (is) the reason, then the logical question is... Why didn't up buy the upgraded model to begin with?

I often read posts complaining about the difference in price between the GT and the Dark Horse. There are several reasons why this is so, and it isn't to soak buyers! One of those reasons is the engine internals are different than those on a GT's. If all out performance was my goal (owning an EB certainly indicates that's not my goal), I'd buy a Dark Horse (rather than a GT) and stick a Whipple on it. I certainly wouldn't buy a GT and then throw a bunch of parts at it hoping I'd end up with a Dark Horse!

 

[Benvolio]

I was considering this mod until I found out the cars electronics weren't compatible to read the new temps. What a stupid thing coming from Ford.

I am in the exact same boat and I don’t know if a dealership would flash the correct PCM strategy if you paid them to install it.

 

[Cool66]

Few observations.

1. Ford Performance does not offer a radiator. You bought and converted your non PP car to a PP radiator.
2. Ford Performance does offer an oil cooler. Assuming this is the one that you bought it specifically states it is a “service replacement” and not an upgrade / conversion.

I don’t see in any foreseen circumstances that Ford would sell tuning / reprogramming abilities for this.

Appreciate the feedback and your observations. Full disclosure, I have been working with FP Customer Support and Engineering since October of 24 regarding this issue. Ultimately, they have been very helpful but unfortunately their hands are tied by upper management at this point. I'm hopeful that will change in the coming months.

Regarding the radiator, FP offers the DH Radiator and Fan package (M-8005-H). You have the option to order the radiator by its self under PR3Z-8005-A. The PP (GT and EB Mustang) and DH share the same 31mm radiator and brushless fan. The Non PP Mustang radiator is 18mm and the brushless cooling fan has approximately 550 less cfm. This particular package was offered earlier this year. I recently installed the DH package which has resulted in reduced ECT's and has lowered my inferred oil temps by a couple of degrees. FP Engineering provided the above information to me during our discussions.

As for the oil cooler, FP initially advertised the cooler as a "Performance Upgrade". When it became public approximately 3-4 weeks ago, FP Customer Service reached out to me with the product information. After numerous emails and a couple of phone calls with FP Customer Service and Engineering discussing the algorithm concern, FP emailed me stating they had over looked the algorithm issue, thanked me for bringing it to there attention, and were going to retitle the advertisement as a "Service Replacement". As a thank you from FP, they sent me a FP detailing kit. Unfortunately, several aftermarket companies are still advertising the oil cooler as a "Performance Upgrade". In a mechanical sense it is an upgrade. Unfortunately, the PCM continues to infer and display oil temps based on an algorithm for a Non PP car. Interesting enough, the only 2024 model that comes with an actual oil temp sensor is the DH-R.

Finally, EPA/CARB EO cert for the OTA/hard flash update are not required as provided by FP because the package is offered on the PP model. The bigger question according to FP was the
SAE J2534 Pass-Thru Compatibility with the method of the OTA/hard flash which they confirmed met industry standard protocols.

Ultimately, the flash will happen in due time. I'm just attempting to push the process along. Hopes this helps and appreciate your observations.

 

[goodlettjr]

@Cool66 I really do hope you get what you are looking for. I spent 8 years working for Ford on the Power Stroke diesel side and if history is an indicator they will just stop selling / offering it. Will it make money? That is a pass or fail moment. Then everything has to go through lawyers and they heavily weigh the exposure of liability. If they can throw a 50 state label on it then it will make it. If not, that will be the end of it. I hear you on the fact that that programming is used in the PP model, but temperatures change NOx and other CARB/EPA parameters. You are now taking a piece of a certified package and splitting it out. That is why I believe it will have to be certified. For these reasons, I unfortunately don’t see it happening.

Edit: Appreciate the full back story.

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