The Ford Explorer ST, with its robust 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine, offers impressive performance out of the box. However, for those seeking to truly unleash its potential, Ford Explorer Tuning offers significant gains. This article delves into the transformative power of tuning, showcasing real-world results achieved through various stages of performance enhancement.
From Stock to Stage 1: A Noticeable Leap
Before embarking on any tuning journey, establishing a baseline is crucial. Using a performance data logger like Dragy allows for accurate measurement of initial performance metrics. In stock form, the Explorer ST delivers a respectable sub-14 second quarter-mile time, impressive for a family-sized SUV.
The Cobb Tuning Accessport, a popular tuning platform, unlocks a new level of performance with its Stage 1 93 octane map. This off-the-shelf tune yielded significant gains:
- Power Increase: 42 whp and 55 wtq
- Total Output: 419 whp and 483 wtq
- Quarter-Mile Improvement: 0.76 seconds
These results demonstrate the immediate impact of even a basic tune, transforming the Explorer ST into a more responsive and powerful machine.
Custom Tuning: Pushing the Boundaries
While off-the-shelf tunes provide substantial improvements, custom Ford Explorer tuning allows for further optimization. A custom 93 octane tune, developed through meticulous testing and refinement, extracted even more power from the EcoBoost engine:
- Power Increase: 104 whp and 98 wtq over stock
- Total Output: 481 whp and 526 wtq
- Quarter-Mile Improvement: Over 1 second, achieving a 12.74-second run at 107 mph
This significant power boost highlights the potential of personalized Ford Explorer tuning to cater to specific driving styles and fuel preferences. Addressing common issues like transmission underfilling further enhances performance, leading to even quicker acceleration times.
Unleashing the Fury with Ethanol
Ethanol blends offer another avenue for performance enhancement. Switching to an E40 blend (40% ethanol) resulted in further gains:
- Power Increase: 134 whp and 159 wtq over stock
- Quarter-Mile Time: 12.44 seconds at 109.75 mph
This demonstrates the potent combination of Ford Explorer tuning and ethanol, maximizing power output without requiring additional hardware modifications. While even greater performance is attainable, this setup provides a balance between exhilarating power and everyday drivability.
Conclusion: Transforming Your Explorer ST
Ford Explorer tuning unlocks the true potential of this already capable SUV. From simple off-the-shelf tunes to custom calibrations and ethanol blends, the possibilities for performance enhancement are vast. Whether you seek a mild boost in responsiveness or a full-fledged transformation into a high-performance machine, tuning offers a path to personalize and maximize your Explorer ST driving experience. Contact a reputable tuner to explore the options available for your specific needs and goals.
| Accessport for Ford Explorer ST | Custom Tuning Graph for Ford Explorer ST |
|---|---|
| .jpg) |
