Hypertech's Max Energy Spectrum Flash Programmer

We add power and efficiency to a 2016 Mustang with Hypertech’s Max Energy Spectrum 50-State-legal flash programmer.

Let’s face it, it’s tough being a car guy in 2023! Vehicle prices are through the roof, it is nearly impossible to get performance parts in a timely fashion, and the price of gas is astronomical! Thankfully, adding performance AND efficiency to your car or truck is still easy thats to Hypertech and its Max Energy Spectrum flash programmer.

Jamie Dent of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an avid automotive enthusiast. While an AMC AMX and a late-’80s Silverado live in the garage, Dent jumps behind the wheel of this 2016 V6-equipped Mustang for daily transportation. Although the V6 cranks out enough ponies for some exhilarating mountain drives, Dent was still looking for more performance.

Jamie Dent of Chattanooga, Tennessee is a certified car guy with some awesome toys. In addition to a 1987 Silverado and a 1969 AMC AMX, he has a 2016 V6-equipped Mustang that handles his daily-driver duties. While the V6 Mustang packs enough punch to enjoy spirited drives through the Tennessee mountains, Jamie was after more performance and better fuel economy. For this he turned to Hypertech and the company’s Max Energy Spectrum flash programmer.

With the OBDII cable connected, the Max Energy Spectrum will power up and read the VIN to identify the vehicle.

Hypertech’s Max Energy Spectrum

The Hypertech Max Energy Spectrum flash programmer is designed for the performance-minded individual looking to extract the most from their car or truck. This advanced programmer allows for full control of the vehicle’s ECM. This enables you to adjust a wide range of parameters that influence the vehicle’s performance. These parameters include air/fuel ratio, ignition timing, and transmission shift points. When optimized, this can result in a significant increase in horsepower, torque, and overall vehicle performance.

The Hypertech Max Energy Spectrum comes with a variety of pre-loaded performance tunes. Hypertech optimized these tunes to provide the best possible performance and are tailored to suit different driving styles and conditions. You choose from a variety of performance options such as street, tow, or race. You can also switch between tunes at any time, allowing you to easily adjust your vehicle’s performance to suit your needs.

Hypertech’s Max Energy Spectrum is extremely simple to use. Simply plug the device into your OBDII port and turn the vehicle on, but do not start the engine.

One of the most significant benefits of using the Hypertech Max Energy Spectrum Flash Tuner is the increase in horsepower and torque. With the device installed, you can expect to see an increase of up to 25 horsepower and 40 lb-ft of torque. This means your Mustang will accelerate faster, have a more responsive throttle, all with increased fuel economy.

Another key feature of the Max Energy Spectrum Flash Tuner is its ability to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and data log engine parameters. This allows you to monitor and troubleshoot any issues that may arise with your vehicle’s performance.

The installation of the Hypertech Max Energy Spectrum Flash Tuner is simple and can be done in a matter of minutes. Additionally, the device comes with detailed instructions and all necessary hardware for installation. The programmer simply plugs into the OBD-II diagnostic port. Once the device is plugged into the diagnostic port, you will be prompted to turn on your vehicle’s ignition. From there, the device will automatically recognize your vehicle’s make, model, and year and begin the tuning process.

On The Road

“The first time driving after installing my first tune, I was amazed at the power increase,” explain Dent. “The tires chirped going into 2nd gear with only moderate throttle input! There was an obvious increase in torque and horsepower, and that was not even the most aggressive tune the Spectrum had to offer. There were two more levels above that. I’m simply amazed at how much power Ford is leaving on the table with their factory tuning.

Once the Max Energy Spectrum has identified your vehicle, you can access the main menu. From here you can navigate to the Tuning, Datalogging, and Diagnostic capabilities of the device.

Dent accessed the Tuning menu. This gives you the ability to open the preloaded tune files, as well as the custom tuning features. We went with the custom tuning menu.

When you access the tuning menu, you can make changes to engine parameters like ignition timing, rev limiters, and fueling curves. You can also make changes to the transmission calibration.

The Max Energy Spectrum allows you to maximize your calibration based on the fuel you use. Octane levels in gasoline varies depending on your location. Hypertech allows you to choose from 87, 89, 91, and 93+ octane within the calibration parameters.

“The car was so much more fun to drive!” Dent adds. “Giving in to the temptation to step on it with the increased horsepower and torque was negating any extra fuel savings. After some tweaking to the tunes (and my left foot), I found the sweet spot. Increased torque and hp when I step on it, and extra fuel economy when I’m cruising down the road. My combined city/highway mileage has increased to 28 mpg. That’s 1 MPG above the mileage I used to get on the highway! I’m easily getting an extra average 40-50 miles on a tank of gas.

“My car is much more fun to drive while also going further on a tank of gas. I’m enjoying the power increase and the spending decrease. It’s the best of both worlds.”

With the engine parameters selected, Dent move on to the transmission. The Max Energy Spectrum allows you to change your shift points and shift firmness. You can even change the tire size in the calibration to ensure your speedometer is accurately displaying the correct speed.

Beyond engine and transmission tuning, you can also change when the cooling fans turn on and off and adjust the throttle response. Drive-by-wire throttle control can leave the drive feeling slightly disconnected from the vehicle. Increasing throttle response can greatly improve the vehicle’s driving dynamics.

The final step before loading the new calibration file is reviewing the changes to ensure the changes being made are accurate. Once the information is verified, simply press accept.

The Max Energy Spectrum begins the process of loading the tune file by first extracting the factory calibration. This information is saved in the Hypertech device and can be used to return the vehicle to the factory calibration when the vehicle needs to go in for service. After the device uploads the new tune, you’re ready to enjoy additional power, throttle response, and fuel economy!

The Hypertech Max Energy Spectrum Flash Tuner is an excellent investment for any Mustang enthusiast looking to take their vehicle’s performance to the next level. It provides a high level of control over the vehicle’s performance. This allowing enthusiasts to extract the maximum potential from their 2016 V6 Ford Mustang. Whether it’s for track use, daily driving, or towing, this device is a must-have for any Mustang enthusiast.