The Mustang Forum for Track & Racing Enthusiasts

Taking your Mustang to an open track/HPDE event for the first time? Do you race competitively? This forum is for you! Log in to remove most ads.

  • Welcome to the Ford Mustang forum built for owners of the Mustang GT350, BOSS 302, GT500, and all other S550, S197, SN95, Fox Body and older Mustangs set up for open track days, road racing, and/or autocross. Join our forum, interact with others, share your build, and help us strengthen this community!
IMG_3606.jpeg

S197 My Boss Build Thread Profile - S197 Mustangs

Yellow Blaze Boss 302

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

That may be a little understated, but it is 1000% true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..................My tach should start at six grand LOL................................alright, maybe 4 or 5.........................
 
Question for you how long ago did you order the track key kit and have it installed? I ask because I purchased my second 12’ Boss 302 about 7 months ago and was told by the original owner they had the track key (red) but never had it programmed to the car. It does in fact drive just as the regular black key with no changes in the car. For reference back in 2013 I purchased my first 12’ Boss with 600 miles on it and the track key was already programmed and provided for me when I bought the car. Anyways I since sold that car as of 2016. I’m aware of all the different calibrations it changed and my favorite were the throttle response, engine braking and lopey idle whether on track (Sebring) or street it was the only key I used. I know there are aftermarket routes but I put over 25,000 trouble free miles on my first Boss with strictly the factory track key tune and never had any issues (99% stock) so if possible I would like to keep my new Boss on the factory track key tune as well. I called several local dealers (I’m near Orlando) and they said no problem it would be about $300. I unfortunately did not do anymore research until after purchasing the vehicle as the same dealers were now asking for a track key kit with a voucher code to calibrate the car and then activate the track key program. They could not help. I called ford performance a few times and they said they discontinued the kit but if I found a kit I could buy it and they would help get the car calibrated before I took it to the dealer to have the ecu flashed. I found a trackey kit (with pro scan tool) on American Muscle and I placed the order (7/2024) with the sales guy guaranteeing me it was available. A few months later after many delivery date changes I’m told they have to cancel the order because the kit is discontinued. I was told a few companies like Livernois in Michigan were working on a go around to get it installed and to contact them. I tried and spoke to them but never got any responses or follow up from them. This has been a huge let down and a wild goose chase. I love the car but if you have driven the car with the track key and then without it’s almost night and day difference. So those that never had it programmed have no idea what they are missing. I do plan to track the car atleast in HPDE events. Believe it or not I've contemplated selling the car because of it. I really hope it does not come to that because it is a competition orange just like my first. So long story long my question is did you purchase a track key voucher from Sarasota Autonation recently and if so can I get your contact there? Is it a Ford Performance dealership? Some dealers I’ve called are clueless to what I’m even asking when I say track key. Thanks I appreciate it a ton!
I ordered the same kit from American Muscle. Which was available at the time. The shipment includes an Air Filter and voucher. From there, you create an account on Ford Performance website, submit a form with the associated voucher details.

Literally, the next day, Ford delivered the Pro Cal Tuner with SD card. In my opinion, it was worth ordering. With the Track Key Tune loaded, I was able to utilize the "adjust octane" parameter for the 91 octane available in my region.

For some, the Track Key tune is a novelty, but one I like having.
 
Question for you how long ago did you order the track key kit and have it installed? I ask because I purchased my second 12’ Boss 302 about 7 months ago and was told by the original owner they had the track key (red) but never had it programmed to the car. It does in fact drive just as the regular black key with no changes in the car. For reference back in 2013 I purchased my first 12’ Boss with 600 miles on it and the track key was already programmed and provided for me when I bought the car. Anyways I since sold that car as of 2016. I’m aware of all the different calibrations it changed and my favorite were the throttle response, engine braking and lopey idle whether on track (Sebring) or street it was the only key I used. I know there are aftermarket routes but I put over 25,000 trouble free miles on my first Boss with strictly the factory track key tune and never had any issues (99% stock) so if possible I would like to keep my new Boss on the factory track key tune as well. I called several local dealers (I’m near Orlando) and they said no problem it would be about $300. I unfortunately did not do anymore research until after purchasing the vehicle as the same dealers were now asking for a track key kit with a voucher code to calibrate the car and then activate the track key program. They could not help. I called ford performance a few times and they said they discontinued the kit but if I found a kit I could buy it and they would help get the car calibrated before I took it to the dealer to have the ecu flashed. I found a trackey kit (with pro scan tool) on American Muscle and I placed the order (7/2024) with the sales guy guaranteeing me it was available. A few months later after many delivery date changes I’m told they have to cancel the order because the kit is discontinued. I was told a few companies like Livernois in Michigan were working on a go around to get it installed and to contact them. I tried and spoke to them but never got any responses or follow up from them. This has been a huge let down and a wild goose chase. I love the car but if you have driven the car with the track key and then without it’s almost night and day difference. So those that never had it programmed have no idea what they are missing. I do plan to track the car atleast in HPDE events. Believe it or not I've contemplated selling the car because of it. I really hope it does not come to that because it is a competition orange just like my first. So long story long my question is did you purchase a track key voucher from Sarasota Autonation recently and if so can I get your contact there? Is it a Ford Performance dealership? Some dealers I’ve called are clueless to what I’m even asking when I say track key. Thanks I appreciate it a ton!
I’ll share my experience…. I’m skeptical of the reality of the following, but maybe it will get you in a direction you’d like to go. I did end up getting the boss I mentioned previously (I, and my family love it!) but the dealer said they ordered a key online and have a good relationship with the local ford dealership that is very familiar with SVT related topics, they got it programmed successfully! They kept the specifics very vague so I don’t know where they ordered from and which ford dealership they took it to. Schrier Automotive in Omaha, NE. Russ Durken was the salesman I went through but it was the sales manager that ended up doing most of this part. If you call them, you can leave this next part out…. Due to a few clues, like an old envelope which included the old version instructions vs what is found online now, I think the previous owner of the car just “found” the key… maybe not though, so they may not actually know how to get it done. I feel the same way you do, no the key isn’t necessarily required, but it’s a pretty big part of the package. Good luck.
 
I ordered the same kit from American Muscle. Which was available at the time. The shipment includes an Air Filter and voucher. From there, you create an account on Ford Performance website, submit a form with the associated voucher details.

Literally, the next day, Ford delivered the Pro Cal Tuner with SD card. In my opinion, it was worth ordering. With the Track Key Tune loaded, I was able to utilize the "adjust octane" parameter for the 91 octane available in my region.

For some, the Track Key tune is a novelty, but one I like having.
I was bummed when they canceled my order. Do you remember about how long ago you successfully ordered the kit? Thanks
 
I’ll share my experience…. I’m skeptical of the reality of the following, but maybe it will get you in a direction you’d like to go. I did end up getting the boss I mentioned previously (I, and my family love it!) but the dealer said they ordered a key online and have a good relationship with the local ford dealership that is very familiar with SVT related topics, they got it programmed successfully! They kept the specifics very vague so I don’t know where they ordered from and which ford dealership they took it to. Schrier Automotive in Omaha, NE. Russ Durken was the salesman I went through but it was the sales manager that ended up doing most of this part. If you call them, you can leave this next part out…. Due to a few clues, like an old envelope which included the old version instructions vs what is found online now, I think the previous owner of the car just “found” the key… maybe not though, so they may not actually know how to get it done. I feel the same way you do, no the key isn’t necessarily required, but it’s a pretty big part of the package. Good luck.
Thank you for the information. I will definitely reach out to them and see what they say. I will report back either way. If I may ask how long ago did you go through this process of getting your car programmed? I do t mind at all taking the trip to Nebraska if need be, I figure more seat time. I realize my car is almost 13 years old so I’m trying to be patient. I’m really excited for this new found hope lol. Thanks again!
 
I was bummed when they canceled my order. Do you remember about how long ago you successfully ordered the kit? Thanks

Thank you for the information. I will definitely reach out to them and see what they say. I will report back either way. If I may ask how long ago did you go through this process of getting your car programmed? I do t mind at all taking the trip to Nebraska if need be, I figure more seat time. I realize my car is almost 13 years old so I’m trying to be patient. I’m really excited for this new found hope lol. Thanks again!
This was late August of 2024.
 
I was bummed when they canceled my order. Do you remember about how long ago you successfully ordered the kit? Thanks

5 Star tuning

VR

This was early June 2024 when I ordered.

Check the links above. They show “In Stock”

Another option is Lund Tuning. My understanding is, they can tune th Ford Red Key tune functionality. I am not familiar with the details, such as, does the PCM need a current “red key” flash, etc. nonetheless worth investigating.
 
5 Star tuning

VR

This was early June 2024 when I ordered.

Check the links above. They show “In Stock”

Another option is Lund Tuning. My understanding is, they can tune th Ford Red Key tune functionality. I am not familiar with the details, such as, does the PCM need a current “red key” flash, etc. nonetheless worth investigating.
Thanks bud I appreciate the reply and will definitely reach out to them if the Jegs order falls through for their kit like my American Muscle order did.
 
Keep us posted
So unfortunately I have not so good news but I’m trying to remain optimistic about the situation. I called “5 Star Tuning” in South Carolina and confirmed they could still get the trackey kit offered on their site. The rep said he’s sure once I got the kit it would be a quick trip to a dealer or anyone that has access to a “IDS” machine to flash the program onto the car. He stated most dealers use those machines but if I could not find anyone to do it by me they have a mobile tuner in Tampa area or I could bring the car to them in South Carolina and they could flash it on. He stated it shouldn’t take longer than an hour and shouldn’t cost more than $200. Needless to say I purchased the kit for $464 on 1/13. I was told I would get an alert once it shipped and reaffirmed they could get the product as it was available. Today I called to get an update and I was told id get a call back. About an hour later I got a call back stating the kit was out of stock and the vendors they use had no idea when it would be available and back in stock. They said “it could be a few weeks or a few months”. They ensured me that the kit was not discontinued and that it would eventually become available but they had no idea when. They offered to refund me my money or wait and see if the kit becomes available.. Of course I was bummed but I have not lost faith lol. I’ll wait a bit longer and see if the notification comes through saying it’s enroute… 😩 The Saga Continues……
 
Aw crap. Alternatively, from what I have read, Lund does tuning for the Red Key.
I’ll reach out to Jegs and Lund Tuning tomorrow and see what they say. 5 Star did say they could adjust throttle response, Give it a ghost cam which would give it the lopey idle and do something with the engine breaking. He said they bought a boss back in the day did Tuning with it and drove it on the street to see what they could adjust to squeeze better characteristics out of it essentially their version of the track key I guess .It would be aftermarket, of course. They are right in South Carolina, but they said they could send pro tuner with it already loaded on there mapped to whatever fuel you use kind of like Cobb with the access port if anybody’s a Subaru person also. So depending on what they say we’ll see what happens. I also reached out and got to speak to Rich at Kenny Brown Performance who’s a real knowledgeable and nice guy. I inquired about Apex EC-7 wheels and he was more than willing to inform me on both staggered and square wheel setups. Anyways, I’ll update when I get something else so if somebody is going through this in the future, at least have a better idea on the current stuff available as far as track key goes.
 
Im in the same boat here, bought a 2013 Boss 302 less than a year ago... i know im late on trackey hope unfortunately. So my car had the trackey active on it at one point from the original owner but when he sold it to a dealership in 2022 i guess by emission laws the dealer had to take any tune on it off in order to sell it, which got rid of the red key track tune. I know its devastating. Im told by ford performance that if this happens i need a new voucher code from the calibration kit again. Which would be a new one of these...

Ford Racing 12-13 Mustang Boss 302 TracKey Calibration with High Flow KN Air Filter - M-9603-MBTKA​


if there is anyone on here who know where to actually find one of these that is IN STOCK or has one and willing to sell it please contact me!
 
Im in the same boat here, bought a 2013 Boss 302 less than a year ago... i know im late on trackey hope unfortunately. So my car had the trackey active on it at one point from the original owner but when he sold it to a dealership in 2022 i guess by emission laws the dealer had to take any tune on it off in order to sell it, which got rid of the red key track tune. I know its devastating. Im told by ford performance that if this happens i need a new voucher code from the calibration kit again. Which would be a new one of these...

Ford Racing 12-13 Mustang Boss 302 TracKey Calibration with High Flow KN Air Filter - M-9603-MBTKA​


if there is anyone on here who know where to actually find one of these that is IN STOCK or has one and willing to sell it please contact me!
Hey how’s it going sorry for the late response. I haven’t had any luck. So it sounds like yours was partially enabled if you’re getting the message atleast. Mine doesn’t even get that far. After talking with Ford Racing a lot. I would give them a call. They may be able to get you going. It’s Ford Racing Techline (1-800-367-3788) ask for Tom. He walked me through a few procedures to see if I could even get the message to come up and mine would not. From what I understand about it the kit is the second part and the calibration is the first part. It sounds you already have the calibration part but best of luck finding a kit. I looked all over and found and purchased two from different sites that confirmed they could get it. I ended up with refunds on both being told it was discontinued. Before I got my second Boss they offered a newer version of the kit but that apparently was discontinued just after I got mine. I’ve reached out to more places and everyone is saying the same thing they can get the same features that the track key enables but it would be an aftermarket tune. I have been on the fence a lot about doing it but I don’t want the car to have issues later because it was not a factory option tune from Ford and I’ve heard horror stories. That was the best part to me was that it was a Ford option, Ford tested tune for the Boss specifically. Engine braking , no limiter, faster throttle response, and the lopey idle were the main ones I wanted. Really made the Boss special. The car is still fun to drive and I wouldn’t know any better had I not already had one with it previously. It’s really a completely different driving experience driving with the track key enabled (especially on the track) as hard as that is to believe. Good luck and I hope this helps you on your journey to getting your car activated. Keep in touch especially if you find a way to get it to work and I will do the same. Take care, Dennis
 
Hey how’s it going sorry for the late response. I haven’t had any luck. So it sounds like yours was partially enabled if you’re getting the message atleast. Mine doesn’t even get that far. After talking with Ford Racing a lot. I would give them a call. They may be able to get you going. It’s Ford Racing Techline (1-800-367-3788) ask for Tom. He walked me through a few procedures to see if I could even get the message to come up and mine would not. From what I understand about it the kit is the second part and the calibration is the first part. It sounds you already have the calibration part but best of luck finding a kit. I looked all over and found and purchased two from different sites that confirmed they could get it. I ended up with refunds on both being told it was discontinued. Before I got my second Boss they offered a newer version of the kit but that apparently was discontinued just after I got mine. I’ve reached out to more places and everyone is saying the same thing they can get the same features that the track key enables but it would be an aftermarket tune. I have been on the fence a lot about doing it but I don’t want the car to have issues later because it was not a factory option tune from Ford and I’ve heard horror stories. That was the best part to me was that it was a Ford option, Ford tested tune for the Boss specifically. Engine braking , no limiter, faster throttle response, and the lopey idle were the main ones I wanted. Really made the Boss special. The car is still fun to drive and I wouldn’t know any better had I not already had one with it previously. It’s really a completely different driving experience driving with the track key enabled (especially on the track) as hard as that is to believe. Good luck and I hope this helps you on your journey to getting your car activated. Keep in touch especially if you find a way to get it to work and I will do the same. Take care, Dennis
So I managed to track down a voucher code, I bought this brand new unused version 1 kit. Part number is M-14204-MBTKA. Lucky I know. So now I need to findout if steps 2 through 21 on the manual ... just for the key activation part of the process can still be done through the IDS software. Thats my road block right now .... the second part which is actually flashing the pcm with the procal 2 i will be able to do no problem. Do you know if this can still be done? Who can do it ? Im located in Florida
 
Hey how’s it going sorry for the late response. I haven’t had any luck. So it sounds like yours was partially enabled if you’re getting the message atleast. Mine doesn’t even get that far. After talking with Ford Racing a lot. I would give them a call. They may be able to get you going. It’s Ford Racing Techline (1-800-367-3788) ask for Tom. He walked me through a few procedures to see if I could even get the message to come up and mine would not. From what I understand about it the kit is the second part and the calibration is the first part. It sounds you already have the calibration part but best of luck finding a kit. I looked all over and found and purchased two from different sites that confirmed they could get it. I ended up with refunds on both being told it was discontinued. Before I got my second Boss they offered a newer version of the kit but that apparently was discontinued just after I got mine. I’ve reached out to more places and everyone is saying the same thing they can get the same features that the track key enables but it would be an aftermarket tune. I have been on the fence a lot about doing it but I don’t want the car to have issues later because it was not a factory option tune from Ford and I’ve heard horror stories. That was the best part to me was that it was a Ford option, Ford tested tune for the Boss specifically. Engine braking , no limiter, faster throttle response, and the lopey idle were the main ones I wanted. Really made the Boss special. The car is still fun to drive and I wouldn’t know any better had I not already had one with it previously. It’s really a completely different driving experience driving with the track key enabled (especially on the track) as hard as that is to believe. Good luck and I hope this helps you on your journey to getting your car activated. Keep in touch especially if you find a way to get it to work and I will do the same. Take care, Dennis
Need to findout how to get steps 2 through 21 done on the IDS... here is the manual and the steps im referring to.
 
So I managed to track down a voucher code, I bought this brand new unused version 1 kit. Part number is M-14204-MBTKA. Lucky I know. So now I need to findout if steps 2 through 21 on the manual ... just for the key activation part of the process can still be done through the IDS software. Thats my road block right now .... the second part which is actually flashing the pcm with the procal 2 i will be able to do no problem. Do you know if this can still be done? Who can do it ? Im located in Florida

Very interesting. Where did you find the kit? I’ve heard the dealers have updated software and don’t use IDS anymore.Tom at Ford Race Techline can walk you through activating it. Atleast that’s what I was told if I could find a voucher. I’m in FL as well. Longwood near Orlando. I’m very curious now as you have again sparked hope lol.
 

Buy TMO Apparel

Buy TMO Apparel
Top