Modifying my Ford EcoSport with 1.40 lakh km on its odometer

I have completed 80% of the mods which I had intended, with the help of fellow enthusiasts

BHPian jithin23 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Hey All, it’ s been a quite a while since I’ve given an update on the EcoSport. May-now is kind of a sabbatical for me career wise as I wanted to explore India again (which I did in June and scaled Umling La at last on my EcoSport! Talk about utilizing the 90-day notice period to my advantage ). The current odo stands at 140,000kms. The bug for mods hasn’t dwindled yet and somehow I have completed 80% of the mods which I had mentioned as pipeline mods with the help of fellow enthusiasts who are like family to me now (Mad4Bhp – Raghu TE and Nightraven – Satya Chand Bandaru and many more [The list is loong enough and I’ll mention their names as and when necessary!], can’t thank you guys enough) !

Bhpian Mad4bhp (he’s actually crazy when it comes to automobiles. The man has done Chennai-Leh circuit on an RD 350 back in 2007 and currently owns 4 RD 350s, 1 RX135, 1 Estilo, 1 Alcazar, 2x Ecosport(both in Canyon Ridge) and 1 Eon. Huge respect towards him! ) and I have spent sleepless nights and days in verifying part numbers and validating if these parts will actually fit in our cars. Both our cars have the same mods as well. Since we had ordered parts randomly across the globe and some in India itself, the part numbers can vary and once we have compiled all the part numbers, I will share the document here once it’s completely compiled.

Here's a recap of our Pipeline Mods which are complete now:
Sliding Armrest from the UK/US spec EcoSport
OE rear disc
OEM cooled Glovebox
Sync 4 and B&O setup (Wild Card Mod)
Custom maps for drive modes (drive modes are working at last at all speeds)

Now let’s get into the heart of the content. How we did it?

Disclaimer: The pricing I’ve mentioned is for the prices we paid at the time of purchasing our parts and it can vary from country to country, vendor to vendor and even on eBay I can vary. 80% of all our parts are bought from eBay! Also, some of the mod pics will be from one of our cars as we have executed the mods on our cars together.

1. Sliding Armrest

Initially, we had ordered a few child parts from the UK and we tried to to fit it in our existing armrest slot. That wasn’t possible. So we had to keep that one as a dummy one and then we had to import the entire assembly. The entire assembly consists of the armrest assembly and the frame as one unit. Then we had to get the side trims and the rear cover for the armrest assembly. Fortunately, these were available in India and we could execute this. Though we had to remove and refit the parts twice, it was worth the effort. The fore and aft sliding range is sufficient. The internal storage is deep with two layers of storage and the Key transmitter slot position changes(applicable for Titanium and above variants). However, while installing this, the entire AC panel and the center console needs to be removed to replace the armrest assembly.

Stock Console removed. See the Airbag module below the handbrake.

The new armrest slots in perfectly. This in its normal position

This is the extended position of the armrest

The stowage space is deep and has another layer to keep some knick-knacs or a swiss knife

Total Gandhis spent for this mod:
Armrest assembly- about 15k INR (imported though)
The side covers and rear covers – 5-6k INR (sourced in India)
Total = 20k approx

2. OEM Rear Disc

This was at the back of our heads for quite a while and Fortunately we cracked a good deal on the export spec axle from the US for the rear axle. Importing it was a task though but we wanted the part to reach home. The reason for changing the rear axle is to mount the calipers as we both have an OCD for everything being the OE way rather than using an aftermarket adaptor plate(after getting the axle home we then found out that we have an OEM adaptor plate available for the 4wd Ecosport models). The Stock ABS pump and wiring can be used with a config change in UCDS. The calipers, rotors, caliper bolt and pads can be sourced in India itself. We had changed the hub to a disc compatible one as well but the stock hub too will suffice.

The Stock Rear Axles

The OEM Adaptor plate

The Rear Axle which is compatible for the disc caliper to be seated

One will need a ramp to remove and refit the axle. The drums have to be removed regardless it’s an axle swap or an adaptor swap. Some amount of brake oil is also required as we will need to bleed the brakes. If you’re planning to change only using the adaptor plate a jack stand is more than sufficient. The adaptor plate can be used for the Figo triplets as the hub and PCD is same for Figo, Freestyle and EcoSport.

The Caliper

The Axle with the Caliper mounts

End result, the brakes have a sharper bite and most of us in our group have our cars tuned, the rear discs do really aid in bringing the car to a halt faster!

Finally Mounted on the EcoSport

Side View

Disc compatible hub(even the stock hub can be used)

Dr.Manoj was the first one to get rear discs imported from Taiwan for his 2014 EcoSport(his EcoSport is a piece of art!), then Isai ettan (@drivethrulenz on Instagram) got the aftermarket rear discs on his 2020 Ecosport At and the braking difference was evident and we got the OEM ones now. Yet again we are one of the first ones to get an OEM disc brake setup.

The Gandhis spent for this mod :
Axle: 20k (Import and customs are additional and I do not remember the exact cost)
Rotor, Caliper and Pads: 23-25k
Hub : 12k ( however hub isn’t required)

Total = About 62-65k including customs

3. OEM Cooled Glovebox

This was a random mod which we stumbled upon while having a quick peek into one of our friend’s pre facelift EcoSport. We then realised that if it’s there for the old EcoSport, even our car will have a provision to install it. Initially I had bought the entire glovebox but later realised that the blower comes a child part and the duct pipe which is routed to the blower is also available as a child part as confirmed by Mad4Bhp! This was a relatively an inexpensive mod and we got it unde under 1000 Rs. The function is only to keep chocolates and cold drinks cool, not to freeze them, so we cannot expect a fridge like performance, but does the job of not melting dark chocolates! Unfortunately couldn't click a pic during the mod as we had worked on this in the middle of the night with no proper lighting.

4. Sync 4 and B&O wiring

The Sync 4 APIM. Looks very similar to the Sync 3 APIM. 2 suppliers for the sync unit - Flextronics and Panasonic

Once you remove the APIM connector, these 2 white wires need to be removed with the help of a pin to ensure sync 4 works

Sync 4 was not even in my radar but Raghu anna was like he wanted wireless android auto. I told him as he always goes the OE way, why not sync 4. Let’s just experiment with it. I did refer to Cyanlabs for the wiring diagram and knew that it was a direct swap. However Ford being Ford, it did not work in my Dad’s Titanium variant as it did not have the ground and shield for reverse camera as it did not come with a reverse camera from factory. However, in my Titanium+ and Mad4Bhp’s Titanium+ and S the module worked.It wasn’t an out of box installation. In Mad4Bhp’s car we had the 12” sync 4 orientation(his APIM make was from Panasonic) and it took us a day to fix the issue and we took help from an international source. Whereas in my car the unit part number was different and the supplier was different(Flextronics make) and my sync screen acted like it had fits and used to shut off every 3-4 minutes. It took me 3-4 days to decode the issue and finally it was due to a disabled canbus line the system was shutting off frequently. 3 days after I finished the mod, Forscan and Cyanlabs release a notifitcation stating that cyanlanbs has a tool to compare the asbuilt files and we can read sync 4 data using Forscan.

Cyanlabs sync 4 Database file comparison:
https://cyanlabs.net/asbuilt-db/sync4-apim/

While installing, be mindful to open the SYNC/APIM connector and then slowly remove the wire terminal from pin number 53 and 54. For the Endevaour with sync 2, pin no. 16 and 17 too need to be removed along with 53 and 54. The screen, USB and APIM has to changed from sync 2 to sync 3 or 4. From sync 2 to sync 3, the wiring is plug and play and one need not remove any pin.

Carplay and Android auto work flawlessly on the EcoSport and there are no loss of features on the EcoSport. Sound quality has a slight dip compared to sync 3(B&O will sort this issue though). However, on the Endevaour we lose out on touchscreen enabled climate control and parallel park assist. If the 12” Sync 4 screen is used, then there are no loss of features on the Endevaour.

The operation of Sync 4 is similar to sync 3 except for a few niceties which I’ll cover in a separate post or create a video and post here soon!

It merges perfectly with the stock 8" sync 3 screen

Coming to the B&O aspect, we just wanted it for better sound quality. We used the OEM subwoofer and AMP and got the ACM(Audio Control Module) wiring imported. We haven’t found time to sit and configure the B&O AMP yet, but we have installed the wiring in Mad4Bhp’s car.

B&O Amp for Ford(pic from ebay for reference)
Compatible across all Ford EU models

B&O compatible ACM for the EcoSport

The Sub sits snug onto the rear wheel well slot in the boot

The Finished Subwoofer

With the custom speaker grill

Unfortunately, we cannot use sync 4 on the Freestyle and Aspire as the minimum supported screen size for sync 4 is 8” and the Freestyle/Aspire has a 6.5” screen.

Total Gandhi Spent on this mod(including import costs):
Sync 4 APIM about 20k
B&O ACM about 14k
B&O Amplifier about 7-8k
B&O rear subwoofer about 10k

5. Custom Drive Modes

This was a dream of mine from the day I had that Puma ST cluster. I had done some research on how the drive modes work in a Puma by reading across Ford internal sites and over there it was mentioned the ABS, PSCM/EPAS(Steering Module) and of course the mode switch(some are placed on the steering and some beside the HVAC console. And, yes, this is one the first EcoSport globally to have all the drive modes working efficiently without the use of any additional canbus OBD or piggy back devices. Everything works as per OEM standards

The Puma/Fiesta ABS module which is required for this mod

The Puma/Fiesta/Focus wiper stalk with Lane Keep Assist is another pre-requisite for this mod

The Line Items which have been loaded from a Puma using UCDS

A short video on how it works on the EcoSport
https://youtu.be/GQBoWM3zeA4?si=zU4FHlML5DHHPcAc

Before I start on how I got it done, let me give everyone a gist of how drive modes works in real world scenarios and its operation principle.
Drive modes alters the throttle, brake and steering sensitivity based on the mode selected. In certain cars, it alters even the suspension and exhaust settings.
Then I started collecting and adding parts one by one over a period of 1.5 years. First the speedometer, then the Puma/Focus/Fiesta/Escape ST steering with drive mode button, Puma/Focus/Fiesta/Escape wiper stalk with Lane Keep assist, ABS module from the Puma/Focus/Fiesta/Escape and the steering motor (this is optional in order to improve steering sensitivity as per each drive mode) from the Puma/focus/fiesta/escape. I’d suggest parts from the Puma as the part compatibility rate is the highest with the EcoSport in terms of configuration.

The main challenge was in configuring the ABS module. I did try with UCDS but me being the quirky me tried to change all the values at once. Drove the car without a functional ABS module for 3 weeks . Collateral damage was the reverse sensors too weren’t working (no beeps either) as it is dependent on the ABS module partially( seriously an over-engineered car which is good!) Then I reached out to Satya for help in configuring the ABS module. I had a donor Puma VIN in place and he did his magic with the settings of the ABS module in UCDS, voila Drive modes started working. Since I hadn’t installed the steering motor, we had to switch off the drive mode settings for the steering wheel for the drive modes to work across various speeds. The braking response is evident across different modes, however the accelerator response has subtle changes though.

The Transition is smooth and nice

I’ll explain the modes and its functions as well. There are 5 Driving modes in total.

Normal: The car behaves as a stock car with stock settings from the factory. Braking , Steering and acceleration are as per factory spec

Eco: As the name suggests, the braking bite is slightly on the spongier side, steering is lighter at lower speeds(not feather light though) and throttle response is a bit dull in this mode. I wouldn’t drive on this mode.

Sport: My Favourite Mode. Justifies the Eco’Sport’ tag and my car’s character. Steering weighs up perfectly as per the speed you’re driving, brakes are 15-20% sharper than the normal mode and throttle response is more crisp. I like the black and red themed dial too.

I'm giving a subtle hint for my next mod

Slippery: Didn’t find much difference between this and sport mode but I believe this gives better control in slippery or icy road conditions. The theme too is in ice blue color. Damn, I should have had this mode while descending Baralacha La

Similar color scheme as the eco mode in the slippery mode too

Trail: Throttle response is similar to Sport mode but with the traction control turned off. You get a nice topographic map contour in green color. Useful for mild trails and off road.

Lesson learned: Get the top most variant in anything you buy and I improvised on my dad’s vision by getting the highest variant car which is my car. Else, I wouldn’t have gotten the drive modes done as the ABS module and wiring is different for vehicles without traction control. I will change the engine wiring which is compatible for traction control and install hill assist in my dad’s car by using my stock ABS module (that has the gyro in built I believe). But why Ford, Why couldn’t you democratize the wiring and modules at least!( I can go on for days on their shortfalls and gaps) No wonder they had losses.

The Total Gandhi Spent on this mod(I’ll focus only on newly acquired parts as I already had the meter long ago):
ABS Module(Imported): About 10k
Wiper Stalk: 8k
Steering with mode switch: About 20-21k

Well the Total no.of mods in my car I do not have a count of. All I know is that the no.of mods will keep adding and will not reduce anytime in the future.

Pipeline Mods:
OE cooled seats -Much needed
Driver Alert System – Much needed for me as I drive 600-800 kms sometimes in a day
A full Engine+ 6 speed MT gearbox swap to the 1.5 EcoBlue 4x4 diesel from Europe – Working on sourcing the mechanical parts such as subframe, independent suspension. Need to find a totaled EcoSport in Europe and I’ll get it shipped in a container.
Diesel Automatic Transmission in my Blue car – The Ford Focus, C-Max and Kuga had the 1.5 TDCi 6 speed AT. So I believe the engine, gearbox and its related wiring needs to be changed. Or if the 6F15 gearbox on the EcoSport Petrol and Figo Petrol can handle 300-350 nm torque, then why not?

Can you guess this mod? This too is in the pipeline. I thank my International source for giving this unit away for free for testing purposes

Wait, before I sign off for this set of mods, we have a bonus mod too in place. I will share the details of that mod in the next 3-5 days(Hint: It is a very important accessory but an OEM one).

People might think why am I or we are spending a bomb on a brand that’s defunct in India. Simple, this car helped me reclaim my life back by giving me a ton of memories, travelling across the country, gave me a car community across the world (Yes, I have made friends globally due to this car from Argentina to Australia, not just across India), A group of friends who turned into family apart from my biological family and had my own share of personal and professional waves, but yet the moment I look at my car, everything fades away and that car has channeled the insane me into a sane Jithin we see today! I wish Ford India had realised this potential and hopefully they stumble upon these threads which have captialized the potential of their cars and resurrect Indian operations. On a side note, I'll keep posting pics and documents pertaining to part numbers as and when time permits. Till then I’ll need to complete that Umling La Travelogue :P.

Have a Happy Dusshera and Deepavali!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.