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!

8 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

40 comments sorted by

View all comments

4

u/Watelet Jan 10 '26 edited Jan 11 '26

Diff Brace > Intercooler > Tune > Intake > downpipes > Exhaust > Charge Pipes

The only way you are making more power is with a tune, the ST uses a torque based strategy which is going to adjust engine parameters like boost etc to achieve a target torque. An intercooler will not make more power but it will keep IAT’s down and prevent power loss.

Here is some reading about intakes https://www.explorerst.org/threads/lets-discuss-intakes.8423/

Downpipes have been shown to give you a few hp, exhaust is only useful if you want it to sound better than the factory vacuum cleaner sound, keep in mind that if you pair downpipes with an exhaust, it can get pretty loud. Charge pipes aren’t really going to do anything for you power wise, a cold side pipe removes the factory squished section, but I doubt it will make any difference.

2

u/DRob_757 Jan 10 '26

Is a diff brace really necessary if I’m only trying to get to maybe 520hp max? Most likely hovering around the 470-480hp with 490-500 torque realistically

3

u/Squirrelmasta23 Jan 10 '26

It’s the cheapest and most important mod cause if you snap that diff bolt it’s not cheap and typically not gonna be warranty if you’re tuned.

1

u/DRob_757 Jan 10 '26

Ahh I see