The Ford Explorer ST has garnered attention for its blend of utility and performance. Among the community of enthusiasts, the “GODZLLA_ST” build by forum member MacandCheeseST stands out as a testament to the vehicle’s potential. This article delves into the comprehensive modifications undertaken in this build, highlighting the enhancements that have elevated the Explorer ST’s performance and aesthetics.​
1. Acquisition and Initial Investment
In November 2022, MacandCheeseST acquired a used 2020 Ford Explorer ST with 35,000 miles for $36,500. Recognizing the vehicle’s potential, he embarked on a modification journey, investing approximately $16,000 into various upgrades, encompassing both performance enhancements and aesthetic improvements.​
2. Performance Upgrades
Central to the GODZLLA_ST build is a suite of performance modifications aimed at amplifying the vehicle’s power and handling:​
- Fuel System Enhancements: Transitioning from the XDI Evo fuel pump to the Nostrum fuel pump addressed previous fueling limitations. This upgrade, combined with stage 3 injectors, ensured a robust fuel supply, crucial for supporting increased horsepower. Anticipation ran high for upcoming dyno pulls, with expectations of achieving significant gains on both 93 octane and E60 ethanol blends.​
- Methanol Injection: The integration of a methanol injection kit aimed to further boost performance by cooling intake temperatures and increasing the effective octane rating, allowing for more aggressive tuning.​
- Transmission Considerations: While the stock transmission held up under increased power, concerns arose when utilizing ethanol blends, which introduced torque levels that challenged the transmission’s capabilities. To address this, plans included the installation of a Sun Coast stage 3 rebuild kit, estimated at an additional $5,000, to fortify the transmission against the heightened demands.​
3. Aesthetic and Functional Modifications
Beyond performance, the build emphasized visual and functional enhancements:​
- Waido Front Splitter: Adding an aggressive stance and improved aerodynamics, the Waido front splitter became a standout feature of the build. The carbon fiber construction not only contributed to aesthetics but also reduced front-end lift at higher speeds.​
- Lamin-X Headlight Tint: Applying Lamin-X tint to the headlights provided a sleek, smoked appearance while protecting the lenses from potential damage.​
- Zeus Diffuser: Complementing the front splitter, the Zeus diffuser enhanced the vehicle’s rear aesthetics and contributed to improved aerodynamic balance.​
- Roof Rail Delete: Opting for a roof rail delete streamlined the vehicle’s profile, reducing drag and lending a cleaner look to the roofline.​
4. Suspension and Handling
To harness the increased power effectively, suspension upgrades were essential:​
- Lowering Springs: Installing lowering springs reduced the vehicle’s center of gravity, enhancing cornering stability and reducing body roll.​
- Sway Bars: Upgraded sway bars further minimized body roll, providing a more planted feel during aggressive driving maneuvers.​
- Adjustable End Links and Subframe Bushings: These components improved suspension geometry and responsiveness, ensuring that the vehicle’s handling matched its increased power output.​
5. Financial Overview
The comprehensive nature of the GODZLLA_ST build involved significant financial commitment:​
- Initial Vehicle Cost: $36,500​
- Modifications and Upgrades: Approximately $16,000, covering performance parts, aesthetic enhancements, and labor—most of which was undertaken personally by MacandCheeseST.​
- Transmission Upgrade: An additional $5,000 earmarked for the Sun Coast stage 3 rebuild kit and associated labor.​
This investment underscores the dedication required to transform the Explorer ST into a high-performance machine, balancing cost with the pursuit of automotive excellence.​
6. Community Engagement and Future Plans
Throughout the build process, MacandCheeseST actively engaged with the Explorer ST community, sharing updates, seeking advice, and contributing insights. This collaborative approach not only enriched the build experience but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts.​
Looking ahead, plans included conducting dyno sessions to quantify performance gains, particularly focusing on outputs with 93 octane and E60 ethanol blends. Additionally, further tuning and refinement aimed to optimize the balance between power and reliability, ensuring that the GODZLLA_ST remained both formidable and dependable.​
Wrap Up
The GODZLLA_ST build exemplifies the transformative potential inherent in the Ford Explorer ST platform. Through meticulous planning, strategic modifications, and active community engagement, MacandCheeseST has crafted a vehicle that seamlessly blends enhanced performance with striking aesthetics. This journey serves as an inspiring blueprint for enthusiasts seeking to elevate their own Explorer STs, demonstrating that with dedication and vision, the boundaries of performance and style are boundless.
