For Ford Explorer ST enthusiasts, power and performance are at the heart of every modification. Whether you’re hitting the drag strip, carving mountain roads, or just looking for more excitement from your daily driver, upgrading the turbos can make a world of difference. Enter CR Performance Engineering (CRP)—a company that has built a solid reputation in the performance tuning world. Their upgraded turbo systems for the 2020+ Ford Explorer ST 3.0L EcoBoost promise substantial power gains and improved efficiency. But are they worth it? Let’s dive into the details and see how these upgrades transform the Explorer ST.
Pushing the Ecoboost Platform with Serious Power Packages!
The Stock Explorer ST Turbo System: Strengths and Limitations
From the factory, the Explorer ST is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. While this is already impressive for a three-row SUV, Ford left plenty of performance on the table.
Strengths of the Stock Turbo System:
- Responsive Twin-Turbo Setup: The factory BorgWarner K03 turbos provide a balance of power and efficiency.
- Decent Stock Boost Levels: Around 15-18 psi of boost helps generate strong low-end torque.
- Reliable for Daily Driving: Designed to last without putting excessive stress on engine components.
Limitations of the Stock Setup:
- Turbo Lag: The smaller stock turbos can have noticeable lag at lower RPMs.
- Limited Top-End Power: The factory turbo setup starts to struggle above 5,500 RPM.
- Heat Soak Issues: Under heavy load, stock intercooling can struggle to keep intake temperatures down, leading to power loss.
This is where CR Performance Engineering comes in, offering upgraded turbo systems designed to eliminate these limitations while retaining OEM fitment and reliability.
CR Performance Turbo Upgrades for the Explorer ST
CR Performance has developed three stages of turbo upgrades tailored for different levels of performance enthusiasts. Each stage offers increasing levels of boost capacity, airflow efficiency, and horsepower potential.
Stage 3: 46mm Upgrade Turbo Set
Best for: Daily drivers who want a moderate boost in power without excessive modifications.
- Compressor Wheel: 46mm billet compressor wheel (larger than stock for increased airflow).
- Performance Gains: +50 to +80 HP over stock.
- Ideal For: Mild tuning setups, street performance, and reliability-focused builds.
🔹 Community Feedback: Many Explorer ST owners report smoother power delivery and a noticeable reduction in turbo lag with this upgrade. Best when paired with an intercooler and tune.
Stage 4: 46/45mm CR 8-Blade Turbine Upgrade Turbo Set
Best for: Enthusiasts looking for a significant performance increase without sacrificing drivability.
- Compressor Wheel: 46mm billet compressor wheel.
- Turbine Wheel: 45mm 8-blade turbine for better exhaust flow.
- Performance Gains: +80 to +120 HP over stock.
- Ideal For: Tuned setups with supporting mods like downpipes, upgraded fuel system, and intercoolers.
🔹 Community Feedback: ExplorerST.Club members who have installed the Stage 4 kit report a dramatic improvement in mid-range power and top-end performance. Best suited for those who want track-worthy performance while keeping some daily drivability.
Stage 5: 46/50mm CR 8-Blade Turbine Upgrade Turbo Set
Best for: Max-performance builds looking to extract every ounce of power from the 3.0L EcoBoost platform.
- Compressor Wheel: 46mm billet compressor wheel.
- Turbine Wheel: 50mm 8-blade turbine for max exhaust flow.
- Performance Gains: +120 to +200 HP over stock (with proper tuning and supporting mods).
- Ideal For: Full bolt-on setups, E85 fuel builds, and aggressive track-oriented Explorers.
🔹 Community Feedback: Stage 5-equipped Explorers are pushing 600+ horsepower with aggressive tuning. This upgrade requires extensive supporting mods, but it turns the Explorer ST into a legitimate high-performance machine.
Be careful with Boost Levels as stock internal rods are known to become external with higher Boost Applications
Performance Gains and Dyno Results
One of the most exciting aspects of these upgrades is real-world performance. Let’s take a look at some dyno-tested results from Explorer ST Club members who have upgraded to CR Performance turbos.
Baseline Stock Dyno (2020 Explorer ST, AWD):
- Stock WHP (Wheel Horsepower): ~365 HP
- Stock Torque: ~390 lb-ft
Stage 3 Turbo + Tune + Supporting Mods (93 Octane):
- WHP: ~450-480 HP
- Torque: ~500 lb-ft
Stage 4 Turbo + Full Bolt-Ons (E85 Tune):
- WHP: ~520-550 HP
- Torque: ~550+ lb-ft
Stage 5 Turbo + Meth Injection + E85 (Full Race Setup):
- WHP: ~600+ HP
- Torque: ~600+ lb-ft
🔹 On the Drag Strip: Some club members have reported quarter-mile times in the low 11s and high 10s with Stage 5 setups. That’s insanely fast for a three-row SUV!
Tuning and Supporting Mods for Best Results
While CR Performance turbos deliver impressive gains, they work best when paired with proper supporting modifications. Here’s what you’ll need:
✔️ Performance ECU Tune (ZFG, Goosetuned, Shoemaker Performance, Livernois Motorsports, LMS, Palm Beach Dyno, or 5 Star Tuning)
✔️ High-Flow Downpipes (Catted or catless for improved exhaust flow)
✔️ Upgraded Intercooler (Mishimoto, Whipple, or CVF)
✔️ Cold Air Intake (Aids turbo efficiency and spool-up time)
✔️ Larger Injectors & Fuel Pump (For E85 compatibility and max gains)
✔️ Methanol Injection (Optional) (For added cooling and octane boost)
🔹 Recommended Brands:
- Tuning: LZFG, Goosetuned, Shoemaker Performance, Livernois Motorsports, LMS, Palm Beach Dyno, or 5 Star Tuning.
- Fueling: XDI, Nostrum HP.
- Exhaust: CVF, SPD, Thermal RD, Corsa, Borla & Stainless Works.
- Cooling: Whipple, Mishimoto or CVF intercoolers.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
For Explorer ST owners who want the ultimate performance SUV, CR Performance’s upgraded turbos are a game-changer. Whether you’re looking for a mild power boost or a 600+ HP monster, there’s an upgrade to fit your goals.
Pros:
✅ Massive power gains (up to +200 HP!)
✅ OEM fitment and reliability
✅ Great for street and track performance
✅ Supports E85 for max power potential
Cons:
❌ Requires tuning and supporting mods
❌ Higher-stage turbos can stress stock components
❌ May impact long-term reliability if pushed to the limits
If you’re part of the ExplorerST.Club community and looking to take your ST to the next level, these CR Performance turbo upgrades are one of the best investments you can make. Stay tuned for more build updates and let us know in the forums —who’s going twin-turbo beast mode next? 🚀🔥
