At Hudson Auto, we recently took on an exciting project involving a previous-generation Ford Ranger 2.0-litre single-turbo facelift.
The standard Ranger produces 125 kW and 420 Nm, but rather than leaving it completely standard, we decided to take the project a step further.
We purchased the vehicle ourselves, fitted a new genuine Ford engine, including the cylinder head and sump, and then began developing a performance-focused build around it.
The goal? More power, better turbo response and a stronger overall setup.
Step 1: Upgrading the Turbocharger
One of the first modifications we made was upgrading the factory turbocharger.
The standard Ranger turbo is known for having a relatively small main shaft. For this build, we wanted something stronger and better suited to handling the additional power we planned to produce.
That’s where our TurboShop hybrid turbocharger came in.
The turbo was upgraded with stronger, more robust internal components, giving the setup the durability and capability needed for a higher-power application.
The result is a turbocharger designed to handle increased performance while maintaining the responsiveness you’d expect from a road-going Ranger.
Adding a DeGraaf Exhaust System
The turbo upgrade was paired with a DeKraaf bolt-on exhaust system.
This wasn’t just about increasing performance. The exhaust also completely changes the character of the Ranger.
The combination of the upgraded TurboShop turbocharger and DeGraaf exhaust produces a much more noticeable turbo sound, allowing you to hear the turbocharger coming on boost.
One of the standout features of this setup is the sound of the VNT system.
What Is VNT?
VNT stands for Variable Nozzle Turbine.
Inside the turbocharger are small adjustable vanes that control the flow of exhaust gases through the turbine. These vanes help the turbocharger respond efficiently across different engine speeds.
With the upgraded setup, the turbo response and sound are particularly noticeable — even at idle.
The Next Step: The Dyno
With the hardware upgrades completed, it was time to see what the Ranger could actually produce.
The vehicle’s software was calibrated for the new setup, and the next step was to put it on the dyno for fine-tuning.
This allows us to measure the vehicle’s actual performance and make adjustments to the calibration to get the most out of the upgraded turbo and exhaust system.
The big question was:
How much power can we get from the 2.0-litre Ranger?
Starting from the factory 125 kW and 420 Nm, this build had plenty of potential.
Built by Hudson Auto
This Ranger project is a great example of what can be achieved when the right components, technical knowledge and careful tuning come together.
From the genuine Ford engine replacement to the Turbo Shop hybrid turbocharger, DeGraaf exhaust system and dyno calibration, every part of the build was chosen with performance and reliability in mind.
And this is only the beginning.
Stay tuned to Hudson Auto as we put this Ranger on the dyno and reveal the final power figures.
Hudson Auto — keeping you moving, and taking performance to the next level.