Getting the track key
FR500 Member
Joined: July 1, 2008
Posts: 3,352
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From: Oxford, UK
While I would love to have it as soon as I get my car. I am willing to wait if it means that they are putting more awesomeness into the tune. I take from the way the number of modified parameters went from 200, to 300, to 400 that these guys are really serious about making it work.
Note also that this was initially being done in the engineers' SPARE time. This was not an officially sanctioned (budgeted for) feature!
From this article:
Note also that this was initially being done in the engineers' SPARE time. This was not an officially sanctioned (budgeted for) feature!
From this article:
Explain the background behind TracKey and how it came about
The whole original concept started to take shape with a bunch of Mustang enthusiasts. This was not someone at a high level checking a box and telling us that it’s time to start pursuing this type of technology. This was a fully developed skunkworks operation. There were four amazing people that we went out and literally recruited through Ford Motor Company. We got some of the best people from the calibration side in order to develop a feature that was completely off the wall. The first comments internal to Ford were “You’ve got to be kidding me, there’s no way that we’re going to do that.” We heard that so many times that we went off into a corner and developed an amazing concept that is first in the industry.
The whole original concept started to take shape with a bunch of Mustang enthusiasts. This was not someone at a high level checking a box and telling us that it’s time to start pursuing this type of technology. This was a fully developed skunkworks operation. There were four amazing people that we went out and literally recruited through Ford Motor Company. We got some of the best people from the calibration side in order to develop a feature that was completely off the wall. The first comments internal to Ford were “You’ve got to be kidding me, there’s no way that we’re going to do that.” We heard that so many times that we went off into a corner and developed an amazing concept that is first in the industry.
About how many parameters have been changed?
When we originally started off and wrote the first press release we had a great calibration setup. We had about 200 parameters, and we ran with that number. Well, like any skunkworks operation, we never stopped thinking, we never stopped developing. When we got to the actual first evaluation of it, it was close to 300. Now it’s close to 400. What we’ve fundamentally changed are the launch control RPM limiting, which was quite significant, and a significant amount of refinement to the lopey idle to make it a robust calibration.
When we originally started off and wrote the first press release we had a great calibration setup. We had about 200 parameters, and we ran with that number. Well, like any skunkworks operation, we never stopped thinking, we never stopped developing. When we got to the actual first evaluation of it, it was close to 300. Now it’s close to 400. What we’ve fundamentally changed are the launch control RPM limiting, which was quite significant, and a significant amount of refinement to the lopey idle to make it a robust calibration.
Will there be further developments to the TracKey?
We never stop developing this car. The truth is, the TracKey will be on sale through a Ford Racing dealer soon, but we view this as a beginning.
Does this mean that software updates could be available later on?
That sounds like a great idea! We view TracKey as revolutionary. It’s really a change of anything that anybody offers. Nobody else offers the ability to run two independent calibrations on a car. You can easily sit down and come up with 50 or 60 different applications for how you would do it in the future, what content you would include and how you would tie it into additional systems. All of that is part of the skunkworks operation that will continue churning as long as there are creative, hardcore engineering folks at Ford.
We never stop developing this car. The truth is, the TracKey will be on sale through a Ford Racing dealer soon, but we view this as a beginning.
Does this mean that software updates could be available later on?
That sounds like a great idea! We view TracKey as revolutionary. It’s really a change of anything that anybody offers. Nobody else offers the ability to run two independent calibrations on a car. You can easily sit down and come up with 50 or 60 different applications for how you would do it in the future, what content you would include and how you would tie it into additional systems. All of that is part of the skunkworks operation that will continue churning as long as there are creative, hardcore engineering folks at Ford.
Last edited by PTRocks; Mar 12, 2011 at 04:53 PM.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: December 13, 2006
Posts: 850
Likes: 0
I worry that they might take stuff OUT of the TracKey in order to comply with CARB. Since this certification wasn't handled months ago makes me wonder what they're having to change, as I don't think the CARB compliance snuck up on the Boss team.
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: November 20, 2010
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 1
From: Sioux Falls, SD
"Does this mean that software updates could be available later on?
That sounds like a great idea! We view TracKey as revolutionary. It’s really a change of anything that anybody offers. Nobody else offers the ability to run two independent calibrations on a car. You can easily sit down and come up with 50 or 60 different applications for how you would do it in the future, what content you would include and how you would tie it into additional systems. All of that is part of the skunkworks operation that will continue churning as long as there are creative, hardcore engineering folks at Ford. "
So give us Version 1.1.1.1 and we'll update as new versions are available......
That sounds like a great idea! We view TracKey as revolutionary. It’s really a change of anything that anybody offers. Nobody else offers the ability to run two independent calibrations on a car. You can easily sit down and come up with 50 or 60 different applications for how you would do it in the future, what content you would include and how you would tie it into additional systems. All of that is part of the skunkworks operation that will continue churning as long as there are creative, hardcore engineering folks at Ford. "
So give us Version 1.1.1.1 and we'll update as new versions are available......
Mach 1 Member
Joined: October 29, 2010
Posts: 964
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I agree just release the 49 state version and let CA wait on CARB. I really hope the new legislation goes through congress that makes CARB obsolete and NHTSA the ruker of emission rules!!!
Cobra R Member
Joined: January 4, 2011
Posts: 1,811
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Originally Posted by 2006stiguy
I agree just release the 49 state version and let CA wait on CARB. I really hope the new legislation goes through congress that makes CARB obsolete and NHTSA the ruker of emission rules!!!
And if it goes through I hope the NHTSA don't end up
Ruking like CARB
Bullitt Member
Joined: March 15, 2011
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: SE Michigan
Activating the Trackey
I just spoke to a service manager at a Ford Racing dealership in Michigan. He knew nothing about the Trackey. After explaining to him what it was, he said he would check it out and get back to me. He indicated he would be surprised if ONLY Racing dealerships and not all selling dealers would have the capabilities to activate the Trackey. He mentioned a Ford Technical communication system call "IDS" that he would most likely get the info from and that all dealers had that ability. I'll post if I hear back
Cobra Member
Joined: January 24, 2011
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 1
From: NY
Originally Posted by Bossdog
I just spoke to a service manager at a Ford Racing dealership in Michigan. He knew nothing about the Trackey. After explaining to him what it was, he said he would check it out and get back to me. He indicated he would be surprised if ONLY Racing dealerships and not all selling dealers would have the capabilities to activate the Trackey. He mentioned a Ford Technical communication system call "IDS" that he would most likely get the info from and that all dealers had that ability. I'll post if I hear back
Bullitt Member
Joined: March 15, 2011
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: SE Michigan
activating Trackey
The service manager I contacted at the "Ford Racing" dealership, called me back after about 1 hour. He was as excited about the Boss and Trackey as we are. He contacted his regional Ford contact who was familiar with the trackey. This guy was told that the Trackey fucnction would come on the Boss ACTIVE. Just put the red Key in and go. This contradicts what all the articles are saying. I guess we won't really know until someone gets one delivered. Mine is at least 2 months out. I'll keep digging.
Next I spoke direct to Ford Corporate customers service. They indicated it was a dealer activated feature, just like all the pubished articles indicate.
Next I spoke direct to Ford Corporate customers service. They indicated it was a dealer activated feature, just like all the pubished articles indicate.
Last edited by Bossdog; Mar 15, 2011 at 04:44 PM.
Bullitt Member
Joined: February 12, 2011
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
The service manager I contacted at the "Ford Racing" dealership, called me back after about 1 hour. He was as excited about the Boss and Trackey as we are. He contacted his regional Ford contact who was familiar with the trackey. This guy was told that the Trackey fucnction would come on the Boss ACTIVE. Just put the red Key in and go. This contradicts what all the articles are saying. I guess we won't really know until someone gets one delivered. Mine is at least 2 months out. I'll keep digging.
He must have watched the Boss infomercal on Speed TV.
Cobra Member
Joined: June 7, 2010
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 0
From: Earth
I just spoke to a service manager at a Ford Racing dealership in Michigan. He knew nothing about the Trackey. After explaining to him what it was, he said he would check it out and get back to me. He indicated he would be surprised if ONLY Racing dealerships and not all selling dealers would have the capabilities to activate the Trackey. He mentioned a Ford Technical communication system call "IDS" that he would most likely get the info from and that all dealers had that ability. I'll post if I hear back
The service manager I contacted at the "Ford Racing" dealership, called me back after about 1 hour. He was as excited about the Boss and Trackey as we are. He contacted his regional Ford contact who was familiar with the trackey. This guy was told that the Trackey fucnction would come on the Boss ACTIVE. Just put the red Key in and go. This contradicts what all the articles are saying. I guess we won't really know until someone gets one delivered. Mine is at least 2 months out. I'll keep digging.
From my dealer today:
The nearest Ford Racing dealer is Rusty Eck Ford in Wichita, Kansas. We cannot program the key. Sorry.
Bullitt Member
Joined: December 16, 2010
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: IL
It has also been said that the trackey won't be available until summer. Basically what it boils down to is anyone you ask will somehow talk to another person who has a completely different view of things. It doesn't seem like there is much information that is consistent in regards to this car. Sadly, it doesn't seem like anyone will know anything too concrete until after the first quarter cars are all moving like they should be...which from the sound of things could take quite some time 
Bullitt Member
Joined: August 28, 2006
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
I'm wondering if the Track Key will have a warranty or not. I'll be mad if they offer a 3/36 if installed at time of delivery or a 1/12 if done after delivery. If it's not ready when I get my car.....sometime 1st QTR!
Ford Racing Performance Parts are sold "as is" with no warranty. A Limited Warranty is available for some select parts and will be denoted by the following logo... 
1) Crate Engines
Ford Racing Performance Parts warrants the original retail purchaser for 12 months or 12,000 miles on our Performance Crate Engines.
2) FR1 & FR3 Power Packs for the 2005 - 2010 Mustangs and Shelby GT500
The warranty will cover parts and labor to replace defective components on Ford Dealer installed parts only.
The warranty will cover parts and labor to replace defective components on Ford Dealer installed parts only.
1) Crate Engines
Ford Racing Performance Parts warrants the original retail purchaser for 12 months or 12,000 miles on our Performance Crate Engines.
2) FR1 & FR3 Power Packs for the 2005 - 2010 Mustangs and Shelby GT500
The warranty will cover parts and labor to replace defective components on Ford Dealer installed parts only.
- A 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty is applicable if installed at the time of new vehicle delivery
- A 12 month / 12,000 mile warranty is in effect if installed after the date of vehicle delivery but prior to expiration of 3 years / 36,000 mile vehicle warranty
The warranty will cover parts and labor to replace defective components on Ford Dealer installed parts only.
- A 1 year / 12,000 mile warranty is applicable when installed by an Authorized Dealer ( Ford, Lincoln Mercury or Shelby Automotive) prior to the vehicle reaching either 36 months or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first).
- View Ford Racing Limited Warranty for details
Last edited by GT_350; Mar 15, 2011 at 03:15 PM.
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: November 20, 2010
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 1
From: Sioux Falls, SD
This TracKey issue is 
For those of us that bought the Boss wanting to use it on track, it was a big factor in the purchase decision. Hopefully they'll at least make it available to the after-market if they can't get CARB approval like tomorrow.
For those of us that bought the Boss wanting to use it on track, it was a big factor in the purchase decision. Hopefully they'll at least make it available to the after-market if they can't get CARB approval like tomorrow.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: May 30, 2004
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
It's not a list, but it's as close as I can get off the top of my head:
http://www.fordracingparts.com/wheretobuy/main.asp
http://www.fordracingparts.com/wheretobuy/main.asp
Mach 1 Member
Joined: December 13, 2006
Posts: 850
Likes: 0
It's not a list, but it's as close as I can get off the top of my head:
http://www.fordracingparts.com/wheretobuy/main.asp
http://www.fordracingparts.com/wheretobuy/main.asp
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: November 20, 2010
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 1
From: Sioux Falls, SD
Ford's been just as helpful in getting us info on TracKey as they've been with most guys' builds. I don't have the luxury of telling my customers "We'll get it to you when we get it to you" and keep them as customers.