The Ford Explorer ST has been offering shoppers a high-performance crossover for years now, a perfect solution for those that want something capable of hauling the whole family that is still fun to drive. The Explorer ST comes equipped with the twin-turbocharged Ford 3.0L V6 EcoBoost powerplant that churns out 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, which are certainly impressive numbers. However, a new Ford Explorer ST performance calibration has just been revealed by Ford Performance that promises to add even more power to the mix.
Listed in the Ford Performance catalog under part number M-9603-EX30 with a retail price of $825, the Ford Explorer ST performance calibration adds a total of 30 horsepower and 52 pound-feet of torque, giving the sporty crossover a total of 430 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque, with gains of 25-35 pound-feet between 2,000-4,000 RPM. The calibration also reportedly improves throttle response through the entire rev range and optimizes the transmission shift schedule, but requires premium fuel.
Impressively and notably, these numbers give the Explorer ST more power than the recently-launched 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor, with which is shares a powerplant. In the Bronco Raptor, the 3.0L EcoBoost pumps out 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
The new Ford Performance Explorer ST performance calibration is installed using the included ProCal 4 delivery tool, and is CARB certified for 2020-2021 models, while 2022 models are legal in 49 states. Ford has determined that this calibration doesn’t adversely affect emissions when installed and used properly, but it does not have regulatory approval in California and cannot be legally registered or used on 2022 model year vehicles in that state at this time as a result.
The Explorer ST performance calibration comes with a three-year, 36k-mile warranty when installed by a Ford dealer or ASE/Red Seal certified technician. Ford notes that this dyno-tested calibration provides more power and increased drivability without sacrificing reliability, too.
We’ll have more parts and accessories to share soon, so be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and around-the-clock Ford news coverage.
Comments
I have a 2023 on order..guess I’m going to get that gizmo installed also!
Does not currently work on 2023. See my comment below
“More Power” A lot of Gas stations do not have premium gasoline. I know, I had a 2010 Shelby.
Where do you live? Every station in my state has 87, 89, and 93 octane except Wawa which has 92 octane ass their labeled Premium for same cost as others 93 octane.
Ford is charging $850 for 1.5 lbs of additional boost. I see many blowing up their motors trying to run 87 or 89 octane wanting to save money after they get their ECUs reflashed with this map. Lol. Happens all the time.
Which state having premium issues ?
You could just get a ZFG tune and get WAY more than 30hp. No warranty coverage, but they’re very well tested at this point.
Ford needs to fix that interior, not find a piddly amount of extra hp.
I wonder if that tune also works on the 2022 Platinum Explorer (which comes stock with the 400hp tune from 2022-onwards) …🤔
When they fix the rear differential bolt issue I’d welcome more power.
That graph is very misleading as it compares the tune on 93 to stock on 87 octane. If you put 93 in a stock ST, you will already see some decent gains, so it’s not apples to apples. Also, that graph doesn’t even have an X axis showing, what I assume are RPMs!
I just tried to get this installed on a 23 Explorer, dealer says it would not work on a 23 model and that Ford is “working on it” for the near future
I installed it on my 2022 ST and you can feel the difference.
It bogged on the holeshot till I turned off the Traction Control, it didn’t spin the tires before! Also had Ford dealer install a Steeda intercooler & rear sway bar. It ran a 0-60 at 4.93 and a 13.1 quarter mile at 103mph in poor conditions. I know it can do better, particularly if I take all my gear and professional dog crates out of the back.
Cheers,
Tony