The Ford Explorer ST is an impressive performance SUV, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque straight from the factory. With its twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6, it has plenty of potential—but Ford leaves a lot of power on the table due to factory restrictions, emissions regulations, and conservative tuning. That means your ST isn’t performing at its true capability, and a few key modifications can unlock massive improvements in power, sound, and handling.
Whether you want faster acceleration, a more aggressive exhaust note, or improved handling, these first five modifications will transform your Explorer ST into a high-performance beast. This guide will cover the best upgrades, including performance gains, recommended brands, and installation tips.
1. Cold Air Intake (CAI) – Improve Airflow & Turbo Response
Why It’s Needed
The stock air intake on the Explorer ST is restrictive, limiting airflow to the twin turbos and reducing power potential. A cold air intake (CAI) allows for increased airflow, improving throttle response and horsepower while also producing a more aggressive turbo spool sound.
Best Cold Air Intakes for the Explorer ST
| Brand | Features | Estimated HP Gains | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&B Filters | High-flow cotton filter, enclosed airbox for lower temps | 10-15 HP | $350-$400 |
| AFE Momentum GT | Large 9” air filter, one-piece sealed housing | 8-12 HP | $450-$500 |
| K&N Performance | Washable high-flow filter, increased airflow | 5-10 HP | $300-$350 |
| AEM Dryflow | Synthetic filter for easy maintenance, good for wet conditions | 5-8 HP | $250-$300 |
🔥 Recommended: S&B Filters Cold Air Intake – Best balance of performance, price, and filtration.
Installation & Benefits
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Installation Time: ~30-45 minutes (simple bolt-on mod)
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Benefits:
✅ Increased airflow for better turbo efficiency
✅ Improved throttle response & slight horsepower gain
✅ Enhanced turbo sound
2. Exhaust System – Unlock Power & Aggressive Sound
Why It’s Needed
The stock Explorer ST exhaust is quiet and restricts airflow, limiting the potential of the EcoBoost V6. Upgrading to an aftermarket exhaust will improve exhaust flow, enhance turbo spool, and add a deep, aggressive tone to your ST.
Best Exhaust Systems for the Explorer ST
| Brand | Type | Sound Level | Estimated Gains | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBRP | Cat-Back | Deep & throaty | 10-15 HP | $650-$900 |
| Borla S-Type | Cat-Back | Aggressive but refined | 10-15 HP | $1,200-$1,400 |
| Thermal R&D | Cat-Back | Deep, low drone | 8-12 HP | $1,000-$1,200 |
| SPD | Downpipes | Loud & aggressive | 20-40 HP (with tune) | $500-$900 |
🔥 Recommended: Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust – Best sound quality with minimal drone.
Installation & Benefits
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Installation Time: ~1-2 hours (direct bolt-on)
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Benefits:
✅ Better exhaust flow for increased power
✅ More aggressive exhaust sound
✅ Improved turbo spool and efficiency
3. Performance Tuner – Unlock Hidden Horsepower
Why It’s Needed
The stock ECU tuning on the Explorer ST limits boost pressure and fuel mapping, restricting power. A performance tuner allows you to increase horsepower and torque safely, optimizing turbo efficiency, throttle response, and fuel delivery.
Best Tuners for the Explorer ST
| Brand | Power Gains (HP/TQ) | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Livernois MyCalibrator | +50-80 HP / +80-100 TQ | Custom tune, improved shift points | $600-$800 |
| 5 Star Tuning | +40-70 HP / +70-90 TQ | Various tune options, E85 support | $500-$700 |
| HP Tuners | +50-100 HP / +80-120 TQ | Custom tuning software for professionals | $400-$600 |
| SCT X4 | +30-50 HP / +50-80 TQ | Pre-loaded tunes, data logging | $400-$500 |
🔥 Recommended: Livernois MyCalibrator – Most refined and proven tunes for the Explorer ST.
Installation & Benefits
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Installation Time: ~15-30 minutes (plug-and-play)
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Benefits:
✅ Massive power gains (+50-100 HP)
✅ Better fuel mapping & turbo boost control
✅ Increased throttle response & improved transmission shifts
4. Intercooler Upgrade – Reduce Heat, Increase Power
Why It’s Needed
The stock intercooler heats up quickly, leading to heat soak and power loss. A larger intercooler provides better cooling, allowing the Explorer ST to maintain higher performance levels under hard driving.
Best Intercoolers for the Explorer ST
| Brand | Core Size | Estimated Gains | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wagner Tuning | 50% larger | +10-20 HP | $900-$1,200 |
| CVF Titan | 40% larger | +10-15 HP | $700-$900 |
| Mishimoto | 35% larger | +8-12 HP | $600-$800 |
🔥 Recommended: Wagner Tuning Intercooler – Best cooling efficiency with great power retention.
Installation & Benefits
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Installation Time: ~1-2 hours
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Benefits:
✅ Lower intake air temperatures
✅ More consistent power output
✅ Improved turbo efficiency
5. Lowering Springs or Coilovers – Improve Handling & Stance
Why It’s Needed
The Explorer ST sits high from the factory, which leads to body roll and less aggressive handling. Lowering springs or coilovers improve cornering ability, stance, and overall stability.
Best Suspension Upgrades for the Explorer ST
| Brand | Type | Lowering Amount | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| H&R Springs | Lowering Springs | -1.5″ | $300-$400 |
| Eibach Pro-Kit | Lowering Springs | -1.2″ | $350-$450 |
| KW V3 | Coilovers | Adjustable | $2,000-$2,500 |
🔥 Recommended: H&R Lowering Springs – Best balance of price, handling, and ride quality.
Installation & Benefits
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Installation Time: ~2-4 hours
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Benefits:
✅ Lower center of gravity for better handling
✅ Reduced body roll & improved cornering
✅ More aggressive stance
The Final Thoughts
These first five modifications will dramatically improve your Explorer ST, making it faster, louder, and more fun to drive. If you’re serious about unlocking its true potential, these upgrades are a must.
🚀 Which mod are you starting with first? Let us know in the comments!
