Focus XR5 ST — Stage 3 ECU Tune
- 104% increase in power output
- 88% increase in torque delivery
- Reduced cylinder temperatures via E85 fuel
- Improved boost control with wastegate management
- Exhaust burbles and pops
- Enhanced drive-by-wire responsiveness
The XR5 Turbo platform responds well to a proper turbo upgrade, and this 2006 example proves it. Running a 3076 Pulsar turbo, front-mount intercooler, full exhaust, and a complete fuel system overhaul including high-pressure pump and injectors, the car lifted from 115 kW to 235 kW at the wheels on E85. Torque came in at 227 Nm, up from 175 Nm.
The factory ECU was retained and calibrated to suit the hardware and fuel. E85 provided the octane headroom needed for a build of this size, though it does mean planning fill-ups carefully outside metro areas. This one's intended for closed-circuit competition use, where the fuelling and turbo setup can be leaned on hard.
Can the factory ECU handle a 3076 turbo and E85 on these Focus ST models?
Yes. The factory ECU can be calibrated to support the larger turbo, upgraded fuel system, and E85, as shown here. The calibration needs to account for the injector scaling, fuel pump capacity, and ignition timing appropriate to ethanol blends.
What sort of power gain should I expect from a similar turbo and fuel upgrade?
This build gained 120 kW at the wheels, going from 115 kW to 235 kW. Results will vary with the specific turbo, fuel system capacity, and how conservative the calibration needs to be for the intended use.
Is E85 practical for a car like this in Australia?
E85 availability is decent in metro areas but patchy in regional zones. For a competition-focused build, it's manageable with planning. You'll also see higher fuel consumption compared to 98 RON.
Workshop & Dealer Access
Protunes supplies ECU calibration files exclusively to approved workshops, tuners, and dealers throughout Australia. Platform: Factory.
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