Ford Maverick 300T! The Install

Doing the 300T Install on the Ford Maverick
I’ve always been a car guy like many truckers. One of the happiest days of my life was getting my driver’s license, and I’ve been fortunate to have been able to own some great performance cars and a couple full size pickup trucks.

After spending 37 years in trucking, pulling single trailers, super-sets, Rocky mountain doubles and triples throughout my career, I retired and moved back to northern Wisconsin, where I was born and raised. After going through the first winter I was done with two wheel drive vehicles and decided to go with all wheel drive. And I wanted a right size (smaller) vehicle. After so many years of trucking, I was tired of constantly having to consider parking large vehicles every time I stopped anywhere. So we started buying Ford Escapes, our last was a great 2022 model SEL optioned out with a 250hp 2.0 liter with 8 speed transmission. Great car and very quick as I discovered a road test where it ran a 14.4 quarter mile on 91 octane gas. Then last year I read that Ford was canceling the Escape line and I was not at all happy. That was our 3rd Escape. So I started looking around to research our next vehicle.

I came across an excellent review praising the Ford Maverick which I was not even aware of because I hadn’t been paying attention to trucks at all. Then I read that the Maverick was based on the same platform as the Escape, only a couple inches longer and taller. Then I saw that the same 2.0 engine and transmission were available as what we had. That perked my interest and I started doing a lot more research. Then last November, 2025,I came across a press announcement from Ford at the SEMA show in Las Vegas that Ford Racing was coming out with what they called the 300T for the 2025 and later Mavericks with the 2.0 Ecoboost. The kits were to become available in 2026, but they didn’t say when. Ford will back them with the remainder of the original factory warranty, if a dealer or ASE certified technician does the install. Power components are a turbo from the 2.3 Mustang Ecoboost, a ProCal tune from Ford engineering, a larger intercooler from MIshimoto and Borla cat back exhaust. The combination raises the horsepower from 250 to 300 and the torque from 280 to 350. After researching the incredible reliability history of the Maverick in publications like Consumer Reports, my mind was made up!

I started pricing the new Mavericks out and we took delivery of a new Lariat in January, 2026. Great little “right size” 4 door pickup that handles and drives great. The standard 2.0 Ecoboost has plenty of pep to go with it and gets a decent 27 miles per gallon on premium fuel. I spent 37 years driving semis and am now perfectly happy with small and easy to park vehicles. I don’t haul stuff around much anymore but it has a 4k tow package on it, so we’re happy.

Finally, after a long wait, Ford started shipping the turbo kits early in October. I was on a list that my dealer had ordered months ago but wouldn’t deliver because they were waiting on production. I just got my kit in on Oct 6th and my dealer scheduled the install for last Monday, Oct 12th. I’ve been in a Maverick owner’s group on Facebook and many people have asked me to document the process for others to follow. You can read them in the next couple paragraphs. Short answer, this truck is a BLAST to drive! The performance boost is impressive in that little light (3500 pounds) truck. I know there’s cheaper ways but on a brand new vehicle I’m not going to go nuts and risk damage. Each of these components has been thoroughly tested and evaluated. Ford engineers did the tune and feel the Maverick can handle 300hp and 350 torque.

UPDATE: October 12, 2026 300T Install

Day 1The Maverick is at the dealer today, Monday. 6 hours and waiting. I don't expect it to be completed until later tomorrow.

Day 2, Tuesday. Just called the dealer, they said "it's a big job", LOL. I knew that, but they didn't until the tech started on it. I figure they got about 12 hours into it by now. They said no way it'll get done today. I remember reading the Ford press release somewhere that Ford engineers figured typical install time at 18 hours.

Day 3, Wednesday 10/14/2026: The dealer just called. It is done, said everything went well. They're waiting to pull it into the wash bay and doing the paperwork. I'll pick it up in the morning. Told him not to burn out his calculator figuring the bill, LOL.

October 15, 2026: Well, the 300T install is done! Picked it up at the dealer this morning, unfortunately a rainy, crappy weather day. First the drive: I jumped in and started it and was a bit shocked at how noisy it was before remembering the Mav is always noisy after a cold start for a few minutes. We had to run about 50 mile round trip on an errand so had a chance to feel it out. The acceleration was great when putting your foot in it. I’ll bet it will turn a quarter mile well down in the 13s. It’s got what I wanted and I am really happy. By the time we got home I was more used to the noise, and did not feel it would be an issue. If you stay soft on the throttle, it’s not bad at all. Now, the cost breakdown: Turbo, tune, intercooler and Borla total was $3550 plus some tax and shipping on the Borla. The labor is about what I expected at $200 per hour. Looks like the engineer’s time estimate was right on target with turbo labor $2320, intercooler $1020, Borla $100 and programming $300. One thing to consider if you do it yourself, the A/C needs to be evacuated and recharged to R&R the intercooler. And it will need an alignment as the subframe needs to come out for the turbo replacement. They also did an oil & filter change. Also had sales tax of almost $400. So the total out of pocket cost for me for the parts, professional installation and factory backed warranty was right about $7500. The only thing else I may do is have the Lobo springs installed if I don’t have to replace the wheels and tires.

The final verdict, I love this little truck. It does everything I need it to do. And it really scoots and is so much fun to drive. There’s a slight turbo lag but it seems no different from the stock setup. And if you’re in a situation, let's say, that you are behind a slow vehicle waiting to pass, you can press the button on the steering wheel for “Sport Mode”. That will downshift and keep the motor in it’s power band and will instantly go at the touch of the throttle. So, we ended up with a fully loaded Lariat that we paid about 37k for and put in 7k to make it a great ride for about 44k. And the MSRP of our previous 22 Escape was over 40k. So this hot rod truck is only 4k more than the Escape. We’re very happy.

Link: More Classic Car Stories

Book Review - Fearless, by Eric Blehm

I can honestly say that this is a book I will remember for the rest of my life. I happened across it while looking for an interesting ebook to borrow and read from my local library on-line. After I started on it, it was a struggle to even put the Kindle down!

It’s about a Navy Seal who was a member of Team Six before that team killed Usama Bin Ladin in 2011. It’s not a typical Seal or Green Beret book, of which many are very good. It's a true full biography of the life and times of Adam Brown. Born in Arkansas in 1974, Adam overcame seemingly impossible obstacles to rise to true greatness.

And, when I say true, I mean true. There is no embellishment, enhancement or distortion of the facts to make it an “interesting” read. There are far too many actual witnesses to events. The author, Blehm, actually interviewed many dozens of family, friends, neighbors, superiors and teammates. He quotes the transcripts of statements given by witnesses. Thoroughly researched and documented, the author was relentless in getting a complete and accurate story.

This biography will bring out all the emotions: happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, surprise, jubilation and yes, tears. And I did say anger. You will be angry with Adam. You will be inspired by Adam. And you will feel the deepest respect for Adam. I just don’t want to spoil the read by saying too much.

I read it for free from my library and I saw that you can get it as an eBook for a couple bucks or paperback for about $9 on Amazon. Also available as an audiobook. Haven’t checked other sources. It’s close to 400 pages and there are no negative reviews.

This book will move and inspire you, I promise. Like I said, I’d like to say more, but don’t want to spoil it! You will have a hard time putting it down. If you decide to read it, I would refrain from reading reviews and be prepared for an amazing true story of a real modern day hero and the surprises that will come. One of the finest books I have ever read. Available as an audiobook for all you road drivers out there! Comments are certainly welcome, but please don't give out too many details for those considering reading it. I went into it without knowing the outcome and the twists and turns of his life through the book were so extraordinary!

Links to other of my book reviews:

Lone Survivor Book Review

Book Review - Every Day a Holiday, Every Meal a Feast

Every Day a Holiday, Every Meal a Feast - Free Chapter!

Once Upon a Time in Phoenix - And History Repeats

It's a politician's dream. Have a 3rd party provider put up speed enforcement cameras all over the city, have that provider run the program, and sit back and watch the cash roll in by the multimillions! Safety? No, that's just a convenient way to sell it to the public. It's ALL about the revenue!

Decades ago Phoenix figured they had a cash cow just waiting to be milked. Interstate freeways that run through the city have a 65mph speed limit. Nobody drives 65 mph through Phoenix unless they are in a traffic jam. Otherwise the customary speed is 80+ mph. I spent a lot of time working and driving down there in the 1990s. I repeat, almost nobody drives 65!

So the legislature allowed the speed camera company to install cameras on the major interstates through the city. And then the tax collectors started planning on how to spend the new windfall about to come in. Remember, they sold this using the smoke screen of safety.

But, soon enough, the politicians were shaken awake from their dreams. Why? Well the majority of commuters on the freeways drive the same route every day. And right away, they became aware of when and where every speed camera installation occurred. So they would drive their customary 80+ mph until they came to a camera and then slam on the brakes to get in compliance. Well, there are many other infrequent users of that freeway who knew nothing about those cameras. Almost immediately, they were crashing into the backs of commuters. And they weren't just having fender benders. They were having very serious crashes that killed people and tied up freeways for hours on end! By the early 2000s all speed cameras were removed from the interstate highways!

Then they resorted to place them in smaller towns on the main drag where non-residents and tourists had to pass through on their travels. Of course, the locals knew exactly where the cameras were setup, so they drove like saintly nuns when passing them. The only ones nailed were those out-of-towners and tourists who were easy pickings to fill their cash needs. And, they couldn't afford to travel back to fight and ticket!

All in the name of safety, except that it's not, and never was! It's all about revenue.

But guess what? They're back! On the interstates. This year, 2026, the legislature approved the program to be restarted. Ain't that a “kick in the head”?

So, the whole country is in an uproar over Flock cameras that only read license plates, but are silent on this government revenue scam. After all that fiasco in Phoenix they haven’t learned that speed limits should be set according to the scientific 85% rule. It's been proven over and over the rational way to set speed limits. It's just a shame that we the people don't demand an end to this abuse.

You can help by joining the National Motorists Association, which I have.

Vision Zero is a No for Me

Your Freedom to Drive Is Under Attack

"I Can't Drive 55" - 21 Years of Stupid

Speed Traps and Toll Roads in the Land of Lincoln

The Frustrating Zipper Merge - Proper Signage is a Simple Solution!

We’ve all been there. Signs saying “Road Construction Ahead”, way ahead, miles ahead. And when you’re still one, two or more miles to go, the signs start saying that the right or left lane is closed ahead. 

The average motorist traveling down the highway wants to get where he/she is going in an efficient orderly fashion without conflict. He/she might then decide they will merge early, very early. They assume everyone behind them will see what a nice person they are and follow them over. But then that nice person will start fuming as traffic continues blowing by using the lane they just left. But all the drivers merging over, including that one, have slowed that lane down drastically and needlessly. The potential risk also increases as drivers are forced to brake and change lanes at speed. 

Believe me, I drove semi trucks for over 36 years, and know that feeling well. I also struggled with wanting to merge early so I didn’t have to worry about someone not letting me over when needed. I’ve also often witnessed semi trucks slowing to match the congested lane so those “scofflaws” couldn't pass in the faster empty lane. And I confess to doing it myself occasionally. I completely understand the frustration, and, I think there is an obvious solution if we think about it.

Consider what the intent of the merge rule is: The following is a Wisconsin DOT Explanation:

“How does it work?

When you see a Lane Closed Ahead sign, continue to drive in your lane until you are prompted to merge. When you reach this point, take alternating turns with other drivers to merge into the single lane of traffic.

The only way this can be effective is if we are all aware of the zipper merge and follow its rules.

When driving in this situation, slow down and alternate while merging. The zipper merge allows for everyone to move at the same rate, minimizing delays for all. When traffic is heavy and slow, it is much safer for motorists to remain in their current lane until the point where traffic can orderly take turns merging.”

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/safety-eng/ZipperMerge.aspx

Now, think about this, it’s supposedly verified that the Zipper Merge when properly done results in 40% less congestion. I find that believable. Can anybody say that it doesn’t make sense?

I feel the problem could be addressed easily by all those road signs announcing “Zipper Merge Ahead”. Or simply “Lane Closed Ahead”, but do NOT say which lane is closed! Traffic will logically continue without sudden braking or lane changes. Obviously, if the motorist doesn’t know which lane is closed, most would continue in the lane they are in. But, of course, any accident that would happen leaves the various city, county, state and feds vulnerable to lawsuits instigated by the ambulance chasing lawyers Or you could redo the signage in a way that people should understand, as in the attached photo.

I saw a local TV station's story about this tonight which refreshingly addressed the subject. I guess all we can do is try and pass the info on.

It could all be resolved, I think, with simple, proper, common sense signage. Much less stress and temptation for road rage.

And I’m so glad to be retired!

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Words to the Wise About Gap Insurance - Never Buy From Car Dealers!

I first published a post about this back in 2017 on my blog. A few months prior, I had just discovered Gap insurance, did some research on it, and found what a gold mine it was for car dealers. If you feel you need it, there's a much cheaper way!

"7/1/2017: A couple months ago, I wrote a post titled Why I Absolutely Hate Buying Cars about my recent experience buying a car from a dealer.

Prior to this year, the last time I bought from a dealer was in December of 2008. I purchased a 2009 Malibu that Chevrolet had just redesigned for the new model year. I bought it from Gus Paulos Chevrolet and they gave me an excellent deal on it. It certainly helped that the 2008 recession was full on, cars weren't selling and dealer lots were full. They gave me financing that matched my credit union rate and didn't try to find ways to rip me off like this most recent dealer attempted to do. The contract was clean and no "extra" charges were added to what we originally agreed to. Since moving to Salt Lake City from Wisconsin in 1993, I've bought three new vehicles from Gus Paulos and they have been fair to deal with. That Malibu turned out to be a great car and I seriously considered getting another, but decided on a slightly used 2016 Nissan Altima dealer fleet car that had only been titled for 6 months.

What a difference this year I had with this other cutthroat dealership! Prior to a couple months ago, I had never heard of "Gap Insurance" and had to ask what it was when this latest dealer tried to include it on my contract for $895.00 and throw it into the finance agreement so I could pay interest on it! The finance guy stated that if I totaled the car in an accident and received less than I owed on it I wouldn't be responsible for the difference! I refused and almost walked out on them until he redid the contract, taking it out along with a couple other things they were trying to get me for.

Since then, I've done a little research on this Gap Insurance thing. My thoughts: First, if you ever think you need it or want it, you can get it through most car insurance companies for a couple dollars a month! (My car insurance renewal is coming up next month and I actually just checked a quote I had for Progressive: $6.00 for six months.) Don't get it through a crooked car dealer that charges $895.00 and tries to throw it on your finance agreement. I am still so aggravated that jerk thought he could sneak that past me, it makes me wonder if there was sign on my forehead that said "stupid"?

Second, if you are so upside down between your finance agreement and what the car is worth, you probably made an incredibly BAD deal. You can't trust a car dealer to be looking out for your interests, they will clean your pockets out of everything they can get. You have to examine every line on the contract and finance agreement and understand what you are getting charged for.

In a conversation with one of our drivers this past week, he told me about buying a new vehicle and falling for the exact same thing. He never realized what he was signing for until after the deal was done. By that time it was too late and it cost him over a thousand dollars.

Don't become a victim!"

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