2017 2.0T Lincoln MKZ Reserve Performance Enhancers - Are They A Bust?

[MKZIan]

Howdy again! So I've been compiling a bunch of what seems to be "performance enhancers" for the Lincoln, and I just wanted to come here to confirm 100% each one worked by taking the communities feedback. I will be dropping each link below so you may judge it for yourselves. I am planning on purchasing all of these come Christmastime, so I just wanted to triple check they did. 

 

https://www.carid.com/2017-lincoln-mkz-performance-chips/banks-pedalmonster-throttle-controller-3233828855.html?parentsubmodel[]=ENGINE|2.0L

 

https://www.racechip.us/shop/lincoln/mkz-from-2013/2-0t-1999ccm-240hp-176kw-251lb-ft.html (I believe this one is fake, or just is over-hyped due to it being a chip).

 

https://www.livernoismotorsports.com/product/LPP631108

 

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Universal-car-alcantar-led-av-ailable_1600061835526.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.56772d02ZYoWIM (this looks incredibly fake, but another user here said he purchased it from this website, and it worked. This isn't a performance upgrade, but still a cool toy.)

 

https://www.boombaracing.com/ford-eb-blow-off-valve/ (Another cool toy, but I wanted to ask if this will fit my vehicle, and I also wanted to know how loud it is, due to my car being a quieter, I don't want an intense WOOOSH.)

 

That's about it, I'll leave it to you guys to judge. ?

[MKZIan]

I'm adding two more things haha

 

https://www.carid.com/2017-ford-fusion-air-intakes/kn-air-intakes-63-series-450632730.html

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/817552-12-18-focus-20l-na-flowmaster-forceii-catback-single-exit-exhaust-system-nonst.html

[bbf2530]

 

Hi MKZ. Forget about the "Performance Chip" (useless), the "PedalMonster Throttle Controller" (useless), the blow-off valve (useless unless you only want noise), and the catback exhaust (again, it is for a Focus, not an MKZ).

 

And if you convert to the aftermarket steering wheel, you will likely lose the steering wheel controls for your MKZ, which control an awful lot of features on your MKZ.

 

As far as the air intake: Again, only get it if you want more intake noise.

However, it will do nothing for performance, horsepower, torque and/or mpg's. In fact, it may even harm performance, since it will pull in hot engine compartment air, instead of the cold air that the factory intake pulls in through the snorkel.

 

The Livernois tuner is about the only one that will give you any performance gains. Just be aware that using it can/will place your 6 year/70,000 mile Powertrain warranty in jeopardy, if you should have any type of engine/powertrain warranty claims.

 

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[MKZIan]

2 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi MKZ. Forget about the "Performance Chip" (useless), the "PedalMonster Throttle Controller" (useless), the blow-off valve (useless unless you only want noise), and the catback exhaust (again, it is for a Focus, not an MKZ).

 

And if you convert to the aftermarket steering wheel, you will likely lose the steering wheel controls for your MKZ, which control an awful lot of features on your MKZ.

 

As far as the air intake: Again, only get it if you want more intake noise.

However, it will do nothing for performance, horsepower, torque and/or mpg's. In fact, it may even harm performance, since it will pull in hot engine compartment air, instead of the cold air that the factory intake pulls in through the snorkel.

 

The Livernois tuner is about the only one that will give you any performance gains. Just be aware that using it can/will place your 6 year/70,000 mile Powertrain warranty in jeopardy, if you should have any type of engine/powertrain warranty claims.

 

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

I don't know what I'd do without you bbf. I really don't. 

 

Also, I was not reading the label correctly on the exhaust system. I really can't find any exhaust systems so I'm giving up hope on it. I found the Borla one is too quiet for my taste, as I'm trying to boost the sound. Like I've said in a million other posts, links to any universal/100% fitment exhaust systems would be greatly appreciated, as I've spent hours searching and still can't find one.

 

As for the Throttle Controller, why is it considered useless? I'm sorry for not knowing, I'm new to the whole modifying thing. I know how to fix things, not make them better.

 

The BOV is for sound. Sorry for not specifying. 

 

[bbf2530]

13 minutes ago, MKZIan said:

I don't know what I'd do without you bbf. I really don't. 

 

Also, I was not reading the label correctly on the exhaust system. I really can't find any exhaust systems so I'm giving up hope on it. I found the Borla one is too quiet for my taste, as I'm trying to boost the sound. Like I've said in a million other posts, links to any universal/100% fitment exhaust systems would be greatly appreciated, as I've spent hours searching and still can't find one.

 

As for the Throttle Controller, why is it considered useless? I'm sorry for not knowing, I'm new to the whole modifying thing. I know how to fix things, not make them better.

 

The BOV is for sound. Sorry for not specifying. 

 

 

Hi MKZlan. You are very welcome. And I am assuming other members will jump in with their own thoughts and opinions.

 

Concerning the throttle controller...Forgive me for answering a question with a question, but...What in the world is it needed for? "Faster response"? For what? My opinion is: It is an accelerator pedal. No need to make it more complicated than it is.

 

It takes, lets say 1/100th of a second to press the accelerator to the floor. So you are paying ~$300 for perhaps 1/100th of a second (probably less) of so called "improved throttle response"? If it even does that. I understand it will allow a certain amount of throttle adjustment, to be more sensitive/less sensitive through the pedal range. But again, I don't see the necessity of spending ~$300 for that. So my opinion is: It is an accelerator pedal. No need to make it more complicated than it is.

 

Also...I look suspiciously at any product that brags about what it does when it fails as a selling point (its "ActiveSafety failsafe circuitry" blurbs). Yes, I understand what the advertising states. I just find it humorous (and perhaps a bit disconcerting) that they spend almost 1/3 of their marketing spiel on that page talking about what it does when it fails. ?

 

So...my opinion is: It is an expensive toy/bell/whistle, and the novelty will quickly wear off. Then it will be placed somewhere in a box in the garage.  It will do nothing to enhance the enjoyment of your MKZ and it will not impress friends or family. At least not any that know much about cars.

 

Keep in mind that I respect the right of others to disagree...So good luck with whatever you decide to do. ?

[MKZIan]

1 hour ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi MKZlan. You are very welcome. And I am assuming other members will jump in with their own thoughts and opinions.

 

Concerning the throttle controller...Forgive me for answering a question with a question, but...What in the world is it needed for? "Faster response"? For what? My opinion is: It is an accelerator pedal. No need to make it more complicated than it is.

 

It takes, lets say 1/100th of a second to press the accelerator to the floor. So you are paying ~$300 for perhaps 1/100th of a second (probably less) of so called "improved throttle response"? If it even does that. I understand it will allow a certain amount of throttle adjustment, to be more sensitive/less sensitive through the pedal range. But again, I don't see the necessity of spending ~$300 for that. So my opinion is: It is an accelerator pedal. No need to make it more complicated than it is.

 

Also...I look suspiciously at any product that brags about what it does when it fails as a selling point (its "ActiveSafety failsafe circuitry" blurbs). Yes, I understand what the advertising states. I just find it humorous (and perhaps a bit disconcerting) that they spend almost 1/3 of their marketing spiel on that page talking about what it does when it fails. ?

 

So...my opinion is: It is an expensive toy/bell/whistle, and the novelty will quickly wear off. Then it will be placed somewhere in a box in the garage.  It will do nothing to enhance the enjoyment of your MKZ and it will not impress friends or family. At least not any that know much about cars.

 

Keep in mind that I respect the right of others to disagree...So good luck with whatever you decide to do. ?

Thank you very much. You just saved me $300, or in other words, $300 to spend else-where. I believe it would come in handy for a street race at 40+mph but I don't exactly do that. 

 

If you have any other power enhancers that you know would be a good fit for the lincoln, let me know, because this car is a build I'm going to have for a while.

[TomV]

The MKZ already has a factory throttle controller, it's call SPORT mode. ?

 

I'm not doing any performance mods to my 2.0L. It's adequate for moving a nearly 4,000 lb. car around and gets decent fuel mileage. I choose the 2.0L for highway commuting and hope its simplicity will be less costly on future repairs. For example, I only have 1 turbo, no PTU and only two drive axles to replace. As a DIY mechanic, the 2.0L gives me a little more room to get my hands / wrenches in the engine compartment. 

 

That said, the 2.0L MKZ still has lots of modifications available. There are suspension, wheel, audio, and appearance upgrades all over the place to customize it. Based on member feedback, the 3.0L is the one to get for performance.

[MKZIan]

1 hour ago, TomV said:

The MKZ already has a factory throttle controller, it's call SPORT mode. ?

 

I'm not doing any performance mods to my 2.0L. It's adequate for moving a nearly 4,000 lb. car around and gets decent fuel mileage. I choose the 2.0L for highway commuting and hope its simplicity will be less costly on future repairs. For example, I only have 1 turbo, no PTU and only two drive axles to replace. As a DIY mechanic, the 2.0L gives me a little more room to get my hands / wrenches in the engine compartment. 

 

That said, the 2.0L MKZ still has lots of modifications available. There are suspension, wheel, audio, and appearance upgrades all over the place to customize it. Based on member feedback, the 3.0L is the one to get for performance.

That's the exact reason I got this vehicle. Its difficulty to find, and make parts make it an extremely satisfying car to build. The satisfaction of making a build that's considered rare in the community is from what I see as the purpose of my Lincoln. I cannot wait to make it my toy. But safely. That's why I'm on this forum.

 

I previously owned an extremely beautiful 2010 Nissan Maxima, but I, unfortunately, was caught off guard by a dumb teen who rear-ended me, totaling my car, and his. I saw the lincoln that I currently have and fell in love with him. This car is so beautiful. Everyone that gets in my car is caught off guard by the beauty of the interior. Many call it a rocket ship.

 

But I always crave more. I always want to make things better. I try and educate myself, but for this build, I didn't want to. I needed people that knew about the car better than I did, so when I finish my build, I won't be afraid of losing anything I spent my money on. Whether it be severe, or a simple fix, I don't want anything to happen to this car.

 

There will be a lot of custom work done to this car, starting with the exhaust. Very excited about this build, and I am excited to share it.

 

Thank you all for your great help.

 

[Izzy3906]

Hello MKZlan I have a 2014 2.0 and eliminated that big fish tank of a muffler and added two borla mufflers and replaced the resonator with a vibrant resonator

and I am very pleased with how it sounds especially when I hit the highway and step on the gas pedal.

Also added a blow of valve and it makes a good combination on the sound with the mufflers.

[MKZIan]

On 11/12/2021 at 7:26 PM, Izzy3906 said:

Hello MKZlan I have a 2014 2.0 and eliminated that big fish tank of a muffler and added two borla mufflers and replaced the resonator with a vibrant resonator

and I am very pleased with how it sounds especially when I hit the highway and step on the gas pedal.

Also added a blow of valve and it makes a good combination on the sound with the mufflers.

Thank you very much. I might consider that.

[Zondedo]

Why modify the exhaust?  If your car had a V-8 or even maybe a V-6 I would understand but when you modify the exhaust on a four-cylinder engine it ends up sounding like a lawnmower. At least from where I am from modifying the exhaust on a four-cylinder is not cool.   So many kids in my area put fart cans on their Honda Civic thinking it sounds good.  It’s horrible and just annoys everyone around them. I hope Michigan votes legislation to prevent this and other annoying modifications like Harleys with straight pipes.  An MKZ is a luxury car and Lincoln got it right the first time.  It’s designed to be quiet.  By modifying your exhaust you will not impress your friends or family.  Remember, just because something is possible does not make it a good idea.  A modification like this will likely reduce the resale value of your car.

Edited November 15, 2021 by Zondedo

[MKZIan]

33 minutes ago, Zondedo said:

Why modify the exhaust?  If your car had a V-8 or even maybe a V-6 I would understand but when you modify the exhaust on a four-cylinder engine it ends up sounding like a lawnmower. At least from where I am from modifying the exhaust on a four-cylinder is not cool.   So many kids in my area put fart cans on their Honda Civic thinking it sounds good.  It’s horrible and just annoys everyone around them. I hope Michigan votes legislation to prevent this and other annoying modifications like Harleys with straight pipes.  An MKZ is a luxury car and Lincoln got it right the first time.  It’s designed to be quiet.  By modifying your exhaust you will not impress your friends or family.  Remember, just because something is possible does not make it a good idea.  A modification like this will likely reduce the resale value of your car.

Opinion rejected. Fart can embraced.

 

But for real, my vehicle sounds extremely good. I have taken the fish tank of a muffler off and have been asked multiple times if my car is a 2.7 liter. It actually doesn't sound like a fart can whatsoever. And the shop I am getting the exhaust done has worked on thousands of I4's. He's the best in South Carolina. He can make it sound great. I can also customize the tone/loudness factor of said exhaust. I can get a deeper, louder tone, or a performance Esque, more quiet tone. 

[Zondedo]

28 minutes ago, MKZIan said:

Opinion rejected. Fart can embraced.

 

But for real, my vehicle sounds extremely good. I have taken the fish tank of a muffler off and have been asked multiple times if my car is a 2.7 liter. It actually doesn't sound like a fart can whatsoever. And the shop I am getting the exhaust done has worked on thousands of I4's. He's the best in South Carolina. He can make it sound great. I can also customize the tone/loudness factor of said exhaust. I can get a deeper, louder tone, or a performance Esque, more quiet tone. 

It’s your car and you can obviously do whatever you want to it.  You must be a younger guy.  I’ve been around cars for A long time and I’ve never heard a four-cylinder that sounds good with modified exhaust.  It won’t make the car any faster but will just annoy those around you.  When you’re done please post a sound clip.  I’ll bet it sounds like a lawnmower.

Edited November 15, 2021 by Zondedo

[MKZIan]

11 minutes ago, Zondedo said:

It’s your car and you can obviously do whatever you want to it.  You must be a younger guy.  I’ve been around cars for A long time and I’ve never heard a four-cylinder that sounds good with modified exhaust.  It won’t make the car any faster but will just annoy those around you.  When you’re done please post a sound clip.  I’ll bet it sounds like a lawnmower.

Yep, I'm considerably younger than most. 18. But still, I strive for my dreams. I make things happen. Even if people hate it, I don't care. I am happy with what I have, and they can suck it. I've heard many many incredible I4's. I will post a before/after sound clip. I am also installing a steeda air intake along with a BOV.

[Izzy3906]

34 minutes ago, MKZIan said:

Yep, I'm considerably younger than most. 18. But still, I strive for my dreams. I make things happen. Even if people hate it, I don't care. I am happy with what I have, and they can suck it. I've heard many many incredible I4's. I will post a before/after sound clip. I am also installing a steeda air intake along with a BOV.

Cant wait to hear it.

[MKZIan]

10 minutes ago, Izzy3906 said:

Cant wait to hear it.

You've helped so much. And your MKZ looks beautiful. 10/10

[Izzy3906]

11 minutes ago, MKZIan said:

You've helped so much. And your MKZ looks beautiful. 10/10

Thank you so much

[ForgedMKZ]

I like the list definitely agree most of those mods if not all are gags, some do make some nice noises but generally don’t improve performance. 
BUT the Cold air intake along side a front mount intercooler and a 3 inch down pipe are necessary as “full bolt ons” in order to go big turbo. 
mom actually rebuilding my engine with forged internals and full bolt ons. Pair that with a tune with the SCT tuner and it will be a lot of power gained and ready for big turbo. I do also have an exhaust cutout so it can have a good flow but also not big neighbours when needed lol.

Not sure about the 3.7 litre V6 platforms, but remember the 2L ecoboost is the same as Ford Focus ST and Ford Fusion and you can modify this platform ALOT

[Multitask]

Kinda like putting playing cards on your bike, to make it a motorcycle