After hearing so many great things about the Ecotek device, I decided to take the plunge myself and obtain one for my MK2 XR2. The device is designed so that the fuel and air mixture in the inlet manifold is better mixed ensuring cleaner and more effective combustion, the technology involved is similar to the "Swirl" technology employed by Formula one race teams in their engines!

The device claims some impressive advantages, some dubious, some not so dubious, but I decided to take a completely open minded view of the device until I had tested it and could make my own judgement on its effectiveness. Claims such as reduced fuel consumption, reduced emissions and better throttle response are a few of the said claims. Does it work then? Read on....

To fit the Ecotek was very easy, after a quick look to locate my brakes servo pipe I noticed that the bore of the Ecotek's T-piece would be too big for the aforementioned pipe. The easiest solution (as described in the documentation that came with it) was to obtain some 9.5mm fuel pipe and use it as sleeving. This was both cheap and easy to do.

After fixing about 2" of pipe on either side of the Ecotek device, I simply cut the servo hose and inserted the Ecotek in-line. After running the engine up I setabout "Tuning" the device which involved turning the outer part of the filter to a certain point and then locking it off.

The first thing that struck me was the induction noise, (similar to a carb but on the overrun) although very audible with the bonnet open inside the car it was quite bearable - had it not been, pipercross noise reducers and filters are available!

A quick spin later and a few noticeable improvements, gear changes seemed smoother both up and down and tick over was somehow smoother too!

Having driven several hundrerd miles with the device on I can confirm that on average I was gaining 5% in the number of miles per tank. To put this into perspective on average I was obtaining around 180-200 miles per tank, this figure was upped to 200-220 miles with the device fitted - no mean increase when added up over a period of time!

The ecotek is available in three different colours, Red, Blue and Gold to fit in that much better with colour coded engine bays, and as previously mentioned for anyone who can't tolerate the noise or who just wants to keep the Ecotek in optimum condition a range of filter/silencers are also available.

FastFords.org.uk Rating of

4 out of 5

The recommended UK retail price of the device is £55.50 inclusive of fitting plus VAT (£65.21 inclusive) or £48.99 mail order including post packing and VAT.

For more information on the Ecotek or to order one please visit Ecotek Here