MP215 - Impressions, Feedback, and Questions

[Pete]

I have been running the MP215 kit for over 4,000 miles (car has 24,000+ miles). I still remember when I first installed it. I was shocked by how the car felt. There was such a surge of torque in 3rd gear. The top end had even felt like it wasn't just dying off. Now after driving the car for over 4000 miles it feels balanced. Although there are times when pushing the car where I want more top end (I guess that is what the MR230 kit is for). But I am really happy with the tune. It limits my spending on the car and I get to enjoy it. Instead of worrying about what part I want to buy next. Peak boost is usually 23 psi depending on the weather, 22 on a hot day (90+ degree). There is ease of mind, the tune is CARB approved and warranty friendly. It also keeps the balance of the car in check. If you are a power junkie and want as much power as you can get a regular AP from COBB would be a better outlet. But if you want something that drives like the car from the factory (including being warranty friendly) and with a bit more flare go with the MP215.

Edit: Also I felt that boost came on sooner as my car starts making boost around the 2k mark.

 

[timboslice]

It's a good tune! Although you do pay a premium for it, I found it was money well spent. Makes the car a lot more enjoyable on the highway with the improved top end. If you want to go bigger for cheaper, there are plenty of other options.

 

[MPA]

I had a '09 WRX with an off the shelf tune from a shop, and definitely noticed gains down low.

I was looking at the MP215 as well, but it's just the AP, air filter and lower filter box? it just seemed like a lot of money for what it is, even if you do get to keep the Ford warranty.

 

[CanadianGuy]

I was looking at the MP215 as well, but it's just the AP, air filter and lower filter box?

Yes that is the content plus a badge. the warranty is the big factor there. If that is not a concern just get the cobb accessport and load ots maps. Can always revert back before a service should you want to.

 

[timboslice]

Yes that is the content plus a badge. the warranty is the big factor there. If that is not a concern just get the cobb accessport and load ots maps. Can always revert back before a service should you want to.

+1 for that custard yellow badge. Adds at least +30HP

 

[pelotonracer2]

Still on the fence about the MP215 kit. I had a Cobb AP V1 on my old 04 STi and stage one didn't really feel any different.

Does the MP215 kit change how hard the boost hits/spools? From what I've read, the torque logic is still programmed in, so 1st isn't really any noticeable, correct?

Stage 1 OTS Cobb tune makes the FiST feel like a completely different car!

 

[mister2dood]

I just got the MP215 installed a week ago, and I'm really happy with it. Drives just like stock, but with noticeably more power in 3rd gear and beyond. I timed some 40 - 80mph runs in third gear with the Torque App on the same stretch of road on days with similar ambient temps (around 45 - 50F),and I dropped nearly a full second, 0.8 seconds on average. All this with the warranty still intact - I like it!

 

[Maxpowa]

Have been considering the MP215 kit as well, but was wondering if forums could help clarify some confusion I have. I've gone to the Mountune website and there are two examples of the warranty print-out. One states that you must buy the kit from a ford retailer and have them (the dealer) install it. The other print-out doesn't state that you need to buy it from the ford retailer and explains that anyone, as long as they're ASE certified, can install the kit. Your thoughts on this?

And as far as the warranty is concerned, if any problem(s) is linked back to the MP215 upgrade, Ford will cover the repairs?

Sorry for the stupidity. I hate the language of legal and binding documents. I'm not ashamed to ask for help and clarification.

 

[CanadianGuy]

. The other print-out doesn't state that you need to buy it from the ford retailer and explains that anyone, as long as they're ASE certified, can install the kit. Your thoughts on this?

The form stating Ford dealership is the older form. Last year Mountune and Ford changed it to the ASE certified. Personally I was able to install all the mechanical and have Ford simply perform the Tune. Full warranty.

And as far as the warranty is concerned, if any problem(s) is linked back to the MP215 upgrade, Ford will cover the repairs?

That is the theory. But some dealerships may (if they are reputable) state they don't have any experience with the ST and may suggest a different dealership depending on the problem that would have more experience. May want to call around fopr teh dealerships you are thinking about and see what they advise in terms of if they work on ST (any).

 

[Maxpowa]

thank you for the information. I'll call around and see what my options are from each dealership.

 

[mister2dood]

Most, or maybe all, of the places that can install Ford Racing parts can do the Mountune parts. I found a local shop near me that way. The shop was familiar with the process for registering the parts to protect the warranty, and forwarded me the email from Ford confirming that the parts were registered properly.

http://fordperformanceracingparts.com/wheretobuy/userlocation.asp

 

[claytonluke81]

So Ford doesn't have to install it? Just an ASE certified mechanic?

 

[Zormecteon]

So Ford doesn't have to install it? Just an ASE certified mechanic?

As of the latest warranty form, YES, any ASE certified shop. .. Check with mountune, as the warranty pdf online

http://fordperformanceracingparts.com/warranty/Select_Parts_Warranty_Statement_2014.pdf

has not been updated to reflect this change.

 

[Jking]

I had the a Ford dealer install the 215 and Intercooler at the same time. They had never done a Fiesta, but seemed to do a good job, but I am pretty sure they did not register them properly.

 

[DaveG99]

I had the a Ford dealer install the 215 and Intercooler at the same time. They had never done a Fiesta, but seemed to do a good job, but I am pretty sure they did not register them properly.

Did you go with the standard 215 tune even with the intercooler? Does adding the intercooler still keep the warranty?

 

[marc89gti]

Did you go with the standard 215 tune even with the intercooler? Does adding the intercooler still keep the warranty?

Yes the mountune intercooler is one of the approved parts by Ford Racing. It's in the Ford Racing catalog.

 

[Jking]

Did you go with the standard 215 tune even with the intercooler? Does adding the intercooler still keep the warranty

The 215 tune is locked and can only be uninstalled by Ford, so I can't put something like a Cobb Stage2 tune on it to make better use of the intercooler. My thinking was a little extra cooling couldn't hurt in the summer in city traffic. I got the silver no logo one and you really can't tell it from stock. Like mentioned above it is a warranty approved item.

 

[DaveG99]

I'm really looking forward to getting some bolt on mods done to this car even though I just got my car saturday. I really don't want to void my warranty so I'm probably going to bite the bullet and go with the mountune stuff. I'm assuming the mountune intake would work on my 2016 car since it doesn't replace the intake pipe and only the bottom of the box. As of right now no one makes an intake that works with the 2016's.

 

[PhoenixM3]

Warranties are for pussies.

 

[IrishST]

Warranties are for pussies.

LOL

I'm torn on it personally. I used to be a dealer tech for Mazda, even worked for Ford for a bit, and having those ~5 years of experience in a non shade-tree environment has left me with plenty of skills to work on my own car so from that perspective, I'm not scared of losing my warranty. That said... I can fix my own car, but I don't want to pay for it, especially if it is truly caused by a defect and not my mods. The only things I'm not comfortable with anymore are internals, but if it isn't in the engine, I'm good. Clutch? Got this. Full engine swap? Sure, rent an engine hoist and handle it, no problem. Now that I don't do it for a living I actually rather enjoy it again, but I really don't enjoy paying for it.

The problem is even if a defect caused your issue, chances are high that if you're tuned and they know they are going to deny your claim and say you have to pay it. Yes, yes, I know all about the MM warranty act, but the thing is they can deny the claim and put the ball in your court to pursue a legal battle and that can take a long time. If you should happen to lose? Well now you're out the cost of the repair and the legal fees, and they might even add more onto the cost for the extra diagnostic time it took them to fully determine the cause as your mods.

I do NOT expect a manufacturer/dealer to pay for breakage that I did in fact cause. If I decide to run 35psi of boost and melt the engine, that's on me and I would never expect them to pay for it since I'm the moron that did it in the first place. The problem is all in the dealer mindset to immediately blame the mods. This is why I'm so heavily considering the MP215 kit instead of buying just the AP from Cobb or Mountune with their respective maps. It's a lot more expensive, and you have to pay someone to do piss easy work, but it does keep that warranty nice and fresh.

What I've considered doing is putting money aside every month, like $100-200, and call it the "warranty fund". This way if I do grenade my engine I have a stash to pull from to pay for it and if I don't, I can keep the money for the next car I mod, or use it as a down payment or something. Also, if I don't go MP215 I think I will buy my AP from Mountune since you get a Randy tune to start and 45 days of support for remapping based on your data logs and that is a helluva lot better than a canned OTS map for the same price, in my opinion. Especially since the Mountune bought AP includes Cobb's stuff too if you want to use them anyway.