In the realm of high-performance SUVs, the Ford Explorer ST stands out as a formidable contender. However, for enthusiasts like Forrest Folmsbee from Boise’s P Coast, the stock performance is merely a starting point. His 2020 Explorer ST, aptly named ‘SCORPIOUS,’ has undergone a series of meticulous modifications, transforming it into a powerhouse on wheels. This edition delves into the comprehensive upgrades that have elevated SCORPIOUS to its current formidable status.
Powertrain Enhancements
XDI 60% High-Pressure Fuel Pump and Big Injectors
To support increased power demands, Forrest integrated the Xtreme-DI (XDI) 60% High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) along with XDI’s larger injectors. This combination ensures a consistent and ample fuel supply, crucial for maintaining optimal engine performance under enhanced boost conditions.
Whipple Front-Mounted Megacooler
Heat management is pivotal in high-performance applications. The Whipple front-mounted megacooler significantly reduces intake air temperatures, thereby enhancing combustion efficiency and preventing power loss due to heat soak.
DIY Charge and Intake Piping
Demonstrating hands-on expertise, Forrest crafted custom charge and intake piping. These bespoke components optimize airflow to and from the turbochargers, minimizing restrictions and maximizing efficiency.
Transmission and Exhaust Upgrades
RSA Transmission with PPE Deep Pan
To handle the increased torque, SCORPIOUS is equipped with an RSA-modified transmission, known for its durability and performance enhancements. Complementing this is the PPE deep transmission pan, which increases fluid capacity and improves cooling, ensuring consistent performance during spirited driving.
SPD Catted Downpipes and 3″ Borla Exhaust with Carbon Fiber Tips
Enhancing exhaust flow, the SPD catted downpipes reduce backpressure, allowing the engine to breathe more freely. This modification, paired with a 3-inch Borla exhaust system featuring carbon fiber tips, not only amplifies the auditory experience but also contributes to performance gains.
Suspension and Wheel Setup
Fitted Visions Adjustable Coilovers
Handling is as crucial as power. The Fitted Visions adjustable coilovers provide SCORPIOUS with a lowered stance and improved handling dynamics, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments to suit various driving conditions.
Shelby Wheels with ET Street Tires
Grip is paramount for translating power to the pavement. The choice of Shelby wheels wrapped in ET Street tires ensures maximum traction, especially during aggressive launches and cornering.
Interior and Chassis Enhancements
Forrest has also focused on reinforcing the chassis to complement the performance upgrades. By incorporating components from the Police Interceptor Units, such as enhanced chassis bracing, SCORPIOUS benefits from increased structural rigidity. It’s noteworthy that this modification involves sacrificing the third-row seating, a trade-off Forrest deemed worthwhile for the performance gains.
Aesthetic and Functional Modifications
Beyond performance, SCORPIOUS boasts aesthetic enhancements that reflect its aggressive capabilities. The carbon fiber exhaust tips add a touch of sophistication, while the lowered stance from the coilovers gives the vehicle a more menacing presence on the road.
Community Engagement and Recognition
Forrest actively shares his journey with SCORPIOUS on social media platforms, engaging with the Explorer ST community and beyond. His Instagram profile showcases various stages of the build, offering insights and inspiration to fellow enthusiasts.
Forrest Folmsbee’s SCORPIOUS exemplifies the synergy between meticulous planning, hands-on craftsmanship, and a passion for performance. Each modification has been thoughtfully selected and implemented, resulting in a Ford Explorer ST that not only stands out aesthetically but also delivers exhilarating performance. SCORPIOUS serves as a testament to the potential that lies within the Explorer ST platform, inspiring others to explore the boundaries of automotive customization.
Forrest Folmsbee didn’t just build an eye-catching Explorer ST — he carved his name into the record books. His 2020 Explorer ST, known as SCORPIOUS, recently became the fastest West Coast Explorer ST on stock turbos, laying down an astonishing 11.14-second quarter mile at 121.81 MPH.
This time wasn’t just a fluke. It was the result of meticulous tuning, calculated weight reduction, efficient fuel delivery, and the kind of street-meets-strip commitment that most only talk about. The record was set on a prepped drag strip in solid weather conditions, with Forrest piloting the SUV like a seasoned pro.
And get this — he’s still on stock turbochargers, a fact that makes the time slip even more impressive. With XDI’s 60% HPFP and big injectors, a Whipple front-mounted megacooler, and a ZFG e-tune dialed in for the build, Forrest pushed every ounce of potential from the stock turbos. That 121.81 MPH trap speed? It tells the full story of just how dialed in the powerband really is.
The Shelby wheels wrapped in sticky ET Street tires, paired with Fitted Visions coilovers, helped him put the power down cleanly — a must for getting a 4,700+ lb SUV down the strip with zero drama.
In a world where most enthusiasts believe you need bigger turbos to go fast, SCORPIOUS stands as proof that optimization beats overkill, and that a stock-turbo Explorer ST, when properly built and tuned, can run with the best of them.
by Explorer ST Fans