Not all of us can, or want to drive a Mustang everyday. Family, the need to haul larger or more stuff than a Mustang can carry, or a long commute are a few of the reasons. While we’re all die-hard Mustang fans here, we have to realize that not everyone loves our favorite pony car like we do, and that’s why Ford builds such a variety of cars.

Recently Vortech entered the EcoBoost performance segment which includes the Focus ST. Seeing a need to evolve as Ford’s performance picture has changed, Vortech developed a new intercooler for the Focus ST designed to improve performance. Additionally Vortech also very carefully engineered this product as a direct replacement for the factory piece, requiring no cutting, or other modifications. It can even use the factory flapper system to maintain fuel economy.

The Vortech intercooler is an ideal add on for Focus ST owners who already have a few bolt ons and are looking to step up their performance further. It also greatly reduces the horsepower robbing heat soak that has been an issue for the Focus ST.

We recently came across two videos from CJ Pony Parts where Bill goes through installing and testing the Vortech intercooler on a Focus ST. The first video outlines the installation, with Bill showing viewers step by step how to remove the factory unit and get the new one in place. The second video the car on the dyno.

On the dyno the engine picked up over 10 ft-lbs of torque right away, from 245 to over 255 ft-lbs, and while the peak horsepower difference on the initial pull was actually a loss of -1 at 220 hp, looking at the dyno graph shows that the engine was making about 10 more horsepower from 2,800 RPM all the way up. The same holds true for torque, and that is where this intercooler will make the most noticeable difference. On a heat soak test the Vortech intercooler also shown through with shining colors, with no loss of horsepower or torque.

So if you’re driving Ford’s hot hatch and looking for your next horsepower mod, check out the Focus ST intercooler from Vortech, and CJ Pony Parts for for your upgrade needs.