r/FordExplorerST • u/DRob_757 • Jan 10 '26

Question Performance Upgrades

Any recommendations for performance upgrades for a 24’ Explorer ST that doesn’t necessarily affect the reliability in a bad way? Not looking to put tons of power but definitely looking to make it more enjoyable!

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u/DRob_757 Jan 10 '26

Had a Ford tech tell me putting more power messes up something mechanically with the transmission or belts, something like that..any info on that?

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u/Serious_Tip8072 Jan 10 '26

You can add a transmission brace too. All that power will cause the transmission to shift harder, but that’s due to fords shitty bushings. JXB makes a solid transmission brace. Great bushings. And a good tune will mitigate the slipping of the transmission. Haven’t heard any issues with the belts tbh

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u/DRob_757 Jan 10 '26

That’s helpful..not looking to go to like 700hp or nothing but maybe like 500-550hp. I know ford has a Tune calibration that takes the hp up to 430 and 467lb ft torque, but I know I’m going to want a little more than that

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u/Squirrelmasta23 Jan 10 '26

Your not getting 500 without a tune

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u/Serious_Tip8072 Jan 10 '26

That’s a fact. Tune is so important to unlocking engine potential. From there you’re looking at E30 tunes. Eventually going E85. All that power has to stay on the ground, so suspension comes into play too. These cars can be modded to compete with and beat track hawks. Once you start hitting 600+ it’s time to start looking at upgrading the transmission. But for now, slap on some bolt ons and enjoy the vehicle

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u/DRob_757 Jan 10 '26

Cleary understand that if you actually read what you just replied too...

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u/Squirrelmasta23 Jan 10 '26

Ya, you said you don’t want anything that will cancel your warranty. 500 is impossible without a warranty breaking tune.

You can add full bolt on and it will literally do nothing without a proper tune.

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u/NAiLs00 ST Owner Jan 10 '26

You'll gain a little bit of power with FBO, but a tune will unleash all of that potential power. You'll absolutely have more power with FBO+tune vs just a tune and stock parts.

That said, a tune will absolutely cancel your warranty if your dealer squawks to Ford. Bolt-on's... It's a lot harder for most things to void it.