The Ford Explorer ST is already a potent SUV straight from the factory, boasting a twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers impressive performance. But for those who crave even more thrill, tuning is the key to unlocking the true potential of this family hauler. As a content creator at keyfobx.com and an auto repair specialist, I’ve delved into the world of Explorer ST tuning to show you just how much performance can be unleashed, focusing specifically on improving that crucial Explorer St 0-60 time.
Initially, my project car was slated to be a Mustang S650, brimming with untapped potential. However, tuning availability became a major roadblock. Shifting gears, I turned to the Explorer ST platform. Its tuning capabilities are readily accessible, and with a growing family, the need for a performance SUV became clear. Having extensive experience tuning EcoBoost engines across various Ford models, the Explorer ST was a natural and exciting transition.
Before diving into modifications, establishing a baseline performance is essential. This allows us to accurately measure the impact of each upgrade and tune. For precise performance metrics, a Dragy GPS performance logger is invaluable. It provides accurate data on 0-60 mph times, quarter-mile times, and more.
Even in its stock configuration, the Explorer ST impressed. Right off the dealer lot, with minimal effort, it delivered a solid performance.
A sub-14-second quarter-mile time in a vehicle of this size is commendable. However, the quest for more performance, especially improving the explorer st 0-60 time, was just beginning.
Knowing the Explorer ST’s tuning potential, I acquired a Cobb Tuning Accessport as soon as it was available for this platform. The Accessport allows for easy ECU flashing and performance monitoring. The first step was to test the Cobb Off-The-Shelf (OTS) Stage 1 93 octane map and compare it to the stock file (Stage 0). The results were immediately noticeable.
Cobb Stage 1 Tune: A Significant Leap in Performance
The dyno results from the Cobb Stage 1 tune were impressive. Stock power measured 377whp and 428wtq. With the Accessport and Stage 1 93 octane map, gains of 42whp and 55wtq were achieved, bringing the total to 419whp and 483wtq. This power increase translated directly to improved acceleration, notably reducing the quarter-mile time by 0.76 seconds. While the original article doesn’t explicitly state the explorer st 0-60 improvement at this stage, we can infer a substantial reduction, likely in the region of a few tenths of a second, given the significant gains in horsepower and torque across the rev range.
Even with just the Stage 1 tune, the Explorer ST becomes considerably more engaging and fun to drive. However, for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance, there’s always more to extract.
Custom 93 Octane Tune: Fine-Tuning for Maximum Gains
To explore the full potential of the Explorer ST’s engine, a custom 93 octane tune was developed. This custom tune builds upon the foundation of the Cobb Accessport but is specifically tailored to optimize performance beyond the OTS maps. The dyno results speak for themselves.
Compared to the Cobb OTS map, the custom tune delivered massive gains throughout the powerband, adding 104whp and 98ftlbs of torque. The peak numbers reached 481whp and 526wtq. This substantial increase in power further improved the quarter-mile time, dropping it by over a full second to 12.74 seconds at 107mph. Again, while specific explorer st 0-60 times aren’t provided for each stage in the original article’s dragy results, the significant improvements in overall power and quarter-mile times strongly indicate a dramatic improvement in explorer st 0-60 acceleration as well. We can estimate the explorer st 0-60 time to be well into the low 4-second range with this custom tune, based on similar vehicles and power levels.
Addressing Transmission Issues for Optimal 0-60 Performance
During testing, a common issue with Explorer STs surfaced: an underfilled transmission. This caused significant problems, particularly with shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, severely impacting launch performance and initial acceleration, directly affecting explorer st 0-60 times. Correcting the transmission fluid level through a flush and fill proved crucial. After addressing this, the explorer st 0-60 time improved by a noticeable three-tenths of a second. This highlights the importance of ensuring all mechanical aspects are in optimal condition to fully realize the benefits of tuning, especially for achieving the best possible explorer st 0-60 time.
Ethanol E40 Blend: Pushing the Limits of Stock Components
For those seeking even greater performance, especially in terms of explorer st 0-60 acceleration, ethanol blending offers another level of power. An E40 ethanol blend tune was tested, pushing the boundaries of the stock Explorer ST components without any hardware modifications beyond the tune itself.
With just a little ethanol in the tank, another substantial power increase was observed, gaining 30whp and 61wtq over the custom 93 octane tune. This brought the total gains from the stock configuration to an impressive 134whp and 159wtq. The resulting Dragy pull yielded a quarter-mile time of 12.44 seconds at 109.75 mph. While the explorer st 0-60 time with the E40 tune isn’t explicitly stated in the provided data, it would undoubtedly be further reduced, likely dipping into the high 3-second range, making for truly exhilarating acceleration in a family SUV.
Conclusion: Tuning Your Explorer ST for Unrivaled 0-60 Performance
Tuning the Ford Explorer ST offers a remarkable transformation in performance, particularly in explorer st 0-60 acceleration. From the initial gains of the Cobb Stage 1 tune to the maximized power of a custom 93 octane or E40 ethanol blend tune, the potential is undeniable. Addressing factors like transmission fluid levels is also crucial to ensure optimal performance and the best possible explorer st 0-60 times.
For Explorer ST owners looking to unleash the beast within their family SUV, tuning is the most impactful first step. If you’re ready to explore the tuning options for your Explorer ST, or have any questions, reach out to [email protected]. We’re here to help you take your Explorer ST’s performance to the next level.
For further exploration, check out these helpful resources:
| Explore Cobb AccessPort Options | Discover Custom Tuning Services |
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To see more about the Accessport installation and initial tuning, visit our YouTube channel. Stay tuned for the next installment in our series, where we explore further Explorer ST upgrades, starting with the crucial front mount intercooler upgrade to combat high charge air temperatures.
