The McLaren 720S is already one of the fastest production supercars of its generation. But with the right combination of carefully selected hardware and proper ECU calibration, the twin-turbocharged platform has considerably more performance potential.
Our SPL1 Performance Division recently completed a comprehensive performance upgrade package on this 2020 McLaren 720S, combining exhaust flow improvements, supporting hardware, ignition maintenance, and an ECU Tuning Group Stage 2 performance calibration.
The upgrades included:
- Valvetronic Designs exhaust system
- Catless downpipes
- Exhaust valve controller
- ECU Tuning Group Stage 2 Performance ECU tune
- Steso Performance silicone boost hose set
- NGK Laser Iridium spark plugs
With the complete setup and Stage 2 calibration, this McLaren 720S is now tuned to produce over 900 horsepower.
This project is a good example of why higher-level performance builds should be approached as a complete system. Making more power is only one part of the equation. The hardware, calibration, ignition system, and supporting components all need to work together.
Valvetronic Exhaust System and Catless Downpipes
One of the most significant hardware changes on this 720S was the installation of a Valvetronic exhaust system paired with catless downpipes.
On a high-output twin-turbocharged engine, reducing exhaust restriction can help the engine move exhaust gases more efficiently and support increased performance when paired with appropriate ECU calibration.
The catless downpipes replace the more restrictive factory catalytic converter sections, while the aftermarket exhaust further changes the flow characteristics and sound of the vehicle.
The result is a dramatically more aggressive exhaust character that better reflects the performance capability of the 720S.
Why an Exhaust Valve Controller?
A valve-controlled exhaust provides another important benefit: control.
With the exhaust valve controller, the driver can manage the exhaust valves rather than being limited entirely by the factory operating strategy.
This allows the exhaust system to provide a more aggressive sound when desired while retaining greater control over exhaust volume depending on the driving situation.
For a road-driven supercar, this flexibility can be particularly valuable. A high-performance exhaust system does not necessarily need to operate at maximum volume at all times.
ECU Tuning Group Stage 2 Performance ECU Tune
Hardware modifications alone do not fully optimize the performance potential of a modern McLaren.
The ECU controls critical engine parameters that determine how the vehicle responds to changes in airflow and exhaust configuration. After completing the supporting modifications, this 720S received an ECU Tuning Group Stage 2 performance calibration.
With the complete setup, the vehicle is tuned to produce 900+ horsepower.
A properly matched Stage 2 calibration can optimize parameters related to:
- Boost control
- Fuel delivery
- Ignition strategy
- Throttle response
- Torque management
- Power delivery
The objective is not simply to chase a peak horsepower number. A well-developed performance calibration should allow the upgraded components to operate together as a complete package while delivering predictable and usable performance.
On a vehicle with the capabilities of the McLaren 720S, proper calibration is especially important when moving significantly beyond factory power levels.
Steso Performance Silicone Boost Hose Upgrade
As boost pressure and engine output increase, supporting components become increasingly important.
For this build, we installed a Steso Performance silicone boost hose set as part of the overall performance package.
The boost system on a twin-turbocharged engine is responsible for carrying pressurized air through the intake system. Upgrading factory hoses with performance-oriented silicone components can provide increased durability and resistance to the elevated pressure and heat associated with modified applications.
This type of upgrade may not attract the same attention as a new exhaust system or a 900+ horsepower ECU tune, but supporting modifications are an important part of building a more complete performance package.
At higher power levels, overlooking relatively simple supporting components can become an unnecessary weak point.
NGK Laser Iridium Spark Plugs
We also installed a new set of NGK Laser Iridium spark plugs.
Spark plugs play a critical role in combustion, and their condition becomes even more important as engine output and cylinder pressures increase.
On tuned turbocharged vehicles, worn or unsuitable spark plugs can contribute to issues such as:
- Misfires under load
- Inconsistent combustion
- Poor high-RPM performance
- Reduced engine smoothness
Installing fresh, appropriate spark plugs before or alongside significant performance tuning helps ensure the ignition system is properly maintained for the increased demands being placed on the engine.
It is a relatively small component that plays an essential role in a high-performance build.
Why Performance Modifications Should Work as a Complete System
This McLaren project demonstrates an important principle of performance tuning: the best builds are planned as systems rather than collections of individual parts.
The exhaust and downpipes improve exhaust flow.
The ECU calibration optimizes engine operation for the upgraded hardware.
The silicone boost hoses strengthen an important part of the pressurized intake system.
The fresh NGK spark plugs help support reliable ignition under increased engine load.
Each component serves a different purpose, but together they create a more complete performance package.
For vehicles operating at this level, selecting compatible components and matching them with the correct calibration is far more important than simply installing individual modifications based on advertised horsepower gains.
From a Factory Supercar to a 900+ HP McLaren 720S
The factory McLaren 720S is already an exceptionally capable vehicle, which makes extracting additional performance very different from modifying an ordinary street car.
At these power levels, increases in acceleration and engine output can be substantial.
The completed package gives this 720S a much more aggressive character through the combination of the Valvetronic exhaust and catless downpipes, while the ETG Stage 2 calibration unlocks significantly more performance from the twin-turbocharged platform.
The result is a McLaren tuned to produce more than 900 horsepower while benefiting from supporting upgrades selected to complement the overall setup.
McLaren Performance Upgrades and ECU Tuning in Richmond, BC
Speed Projects Laboratory’s SPL1 Performance Division provides professional performance installation, ECU tuning, diagnostics, and maintenance services from our facility in Richmond, BC, serving enthusiasts throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Our performance services include:
- ECU performance tuning
- Exhaust system installation
- Downpipe installation
- Intake and boost system upgrades
- Spark plug service
- Cooling upgrades
- Suspension and brake upgrades
- Wheels, tires, and alignment
- Performance diagnostics
- Track Perparation
Whether the goal is improving the driving experience of a street car or building a significantly higher-output performance vehicle, modifications should be selected based on the vehicle, supporting hardware, intended use, and overall build goals.
Final Thoughts
This 2020 McLaren 720S arrived as an already exceptionally capable supercar and left with an entirely new level of performance and character.
With a Valvetronic exhaust system, catless downpipes, exhaust valve controller, Steso Performance silicone boost hoses, NGK Laser Iridium spark plugs, and an ECU Tuning Group Stage 2 performance tune, the complete package is now tuned to deliver 900+ horsepower.
More importantly, the project was approached as a complete performance package rather than simply adding one modification and chasing a horsepower number.
For McLaren owners in Richmond, Vancouver, and throughout the Lower Mainland looking to upgrade, maintain, or tune their vehicles, SPL1 can help develop and install a performance package tailored to the vehicle and the owner’s goals.