Piston Slap: Fusing the Perfect Ecoboost Ford Milan?

TTAC commentator MWebbRambler writes:

Sajeev,

I wrote to you earlier about adding aftermarket LED lights on my wife’s Chevy Traverse. Now I’m back with a question about adding aftermarket tint to my 2013 Ford Fusion (photo above).

The reason I’m considering the tint is because the car sits out in the hot Kansas sun all day. My current employer does not have a parking garage and shade is minimal. I keep the car waxed and use Meguiar’s on the interior to protect the plastics and rubber, but I’m wondering if tinting the windows will help. I’ve looked at a couple of aftermarket companies that offer a “lifetime” guarantee on their work, but I’m still leery of chips or bubbles after several years. I’ve also asked my local dealer about tinting the windows, but they apparently outsource the work to a local shop. I’m tempted to stick with my current approach, which is to use a sunshade for the windshield and apply Meguiar’s once a month.

Also, since you’re a Lincoln-Mercury fanboi, what aftermarket upgrades would you consider for my whip? I’m thinking of replacing the stock 18-inch wheels with 17-inchers — at least for the winter season — but welcome your sage advice. Though, you should know up front that an LS swap is out of the question. (HOW DARE U NO LS4-FTW SON! — SM)

Sajeev:

The first — and most important — upgrade a Lincoln-Mercury fanboi such as myself demands is a complete rebadge to a Mercury Milan. Okay, maybe a Ford Milan, as the blue ovals are a bit challenging to re-theme with a Mercury emblem.

From there, get your Ford Milan (*wink*) tinted ASAP and get a performance computer tune for better engine performance, more turbo boost and a far sharper transmission. (I use tuners that use SCT software.) Tint will last 10 to 20 years if you get the more expensive stuff — and keys, seat belts, kids and pets aren’t allowed to scratch it.

While aftermarket computer tunes are fantastic, remember the pitfalls of tuned computers with your factory warranty.

MWebbRambler:

I’m interested in the SCT tune. I’ve also thought about a cat-back exhaust and a boost adjustment. Steeda has a lot of stuff in their catalog, but I’ve been looking at products from other tuners too. The downside is, I’ve got the 1.6 and not the 2.0 Ecoboost engine. Don’t judge me — I did not want MyFord Touch and got a stupid-good deal on a 2013 closeout. The 1.6 makes similar power to my old Infiniti I30, but is quicker off the line. I just wish it had more top end.

Sajeev:

The tune will accomplish the boost adjustment; turbos love to make more power when unhindered by a non-performance factory tune (i.e. there’s no such thing as a Milan/Fusion ST). And if this YouTube video is even mildly truthful, the 1.6 is no slouch: an extra 50+ horsepower at the wheels and 60+ pounds-feet of torque on 93-octane gas? Go on and get that, SON!

The exhaust tubing is probably good enough, except the muffler is usually a mild restriction to turbocharged applications. See if a muffler from a 2005-present Mustang GT (i.e. cheap, high performance and durable) will fit in its place, but I have a feeling you will need to run an aftermarket unit instead.

Or, perhaps mufflers are for wussies!