Dyno results prove Ford Performance lied about their tune | Explorer St

The big question we answer in this video. Did Ford Performance lie about their performance gain. Here are the results from the dyno of our 2020 Ford Explorer St.
We tested stock 93, tuned 93 and tuned E30. The result we got were not at all what we expected! NOT AT ALL!
A lot of you that are against Ford Performance tune may be vindicated by this video?
Stay tuned......
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[@kicksnkrs8192]

This was the best breakdown for a technical mind- keep doing these!

[@SouthdownGarage]

Thank you!

[@kdh6588]

Assuming Ford created their tune for those wanting what they consider a "safe" tune from the manufacturer, 93 octane no tune is 324hp/374tq and with tune + 93 octane is 362hp/414tq. An increase of 38hp/40tq found with your dyno numbers whereas advertised by Ford Tune yields 30hp more and 35tq more. You get what Ford states to deliver essentially. As for running higher amounts of Ethanol (E30) would be more in line with those seeking (modified) tunes from ZFG, etc. and not one off tunes from Ford you can't modify further. Tuners won't use the Ford tune, grocery getters wanting a little more but safe will choose the once plug and play Ford Tune and most likely be satisfied with it....while tuners strive for more.

[@SouthdownGarage]

You can run a max of 30% ethanol, whether it's stock or on Ford Performance's tune. Could you get more with someone else's tune? Yes. This video is just showing you that you can more then Fords Advertised 30 hp.

[@DWH300]

I recommend using Palm Beach Dyno for tuning your Explorer ST. I just watched his video regarding his tune on the ST. In the hot Florida climate he was Running 0-60 times of 4.4 seconds I believe using 93 octane. He also mentioned ethanol tunes. I recommend taking a look at his U-Tube video

[@SouthdownGarage]

I'm planning on putting a new tune some improvements over the Ford Performance.

[@BlownF1501]

Great comparison and dyno info! Just a FYI for those watching. That is a "tough" Dyno to try and get numbers from. I ran my F150 on there years ago and it would run low compared to others I been on.

[@SouthdownGarage]

The problem with the Explorer is that you can't dyno sowing RPM , it freaks out and kicks out of sport mode. So, in order to get the RPMs, I had to use the data logging for the Ford Performance procal 4. Before, I didn't have the RPM's matched with the dyno. So, there is also that variable as well.

[@Mike-pb7jm]

A lot watching understand that the #s don't matter and the difference between baseline stock and other runs matter more.

[@brianjensen5200]

Finally a performance package is out in Australia for the Ranger Raptor with the 3L V6 TT. We're getting 60kw/200Nm at the wheels extra. The package includes an endorsed and warranty backed ECU flash, a gearbox flash, a bigger intercooler and a new gearbox oil cooler. That puts the engine at just under 500hp crank.

[@SouthdownGarage]

I can't wait for the ranger Raptor to come over to North America, looks like in 2024 it's available! Happy to know there will already be a package available when it arrives for more power!

[@brianjensen5200]

@@SouthdownGarage Yeah it's great. I love mine. For a 2.6 ton vehicle, it drives awesome. Fuel economy is pretty good too, for regular driving ..

[@dirtyfingersgarage]

that's great info. Think I might get a tune for my 2019 explorer sport. Thanks

[@SouthdownGarage]

No problem! Is your 2019 turbo as well?

[@dirtyfingersgarage]

@@SouthdownGarage yes it is

[@SouthdownGarage]

@Randy Johnson then it will be exciting to mod. I herd those 3.5's are pretty strong engines!

[@mandatorygoogleprofile2117]

Apologies if this is posted/recorded somewhere, and I'm just being lazy, but is there a particular mode (e.g. Sport) that the vehicle needs to be in to optimize the tune? Once the Tune is installed do the other Modes (e.g. Econ) still function BAU, or are all the modes now compromised i.e. tuned ? Me and my new ST are new to Explore'ing potential mods, so we really appreciate this analysis and really enjoy your videos.

[@SouthdownGarage]

Thank you! For mode specific, I can't answer to that power wise, because I can't test in any mode other then normal on the dyno. While driving, sport mode is the most optimized of any mode. If you want a tune that tunes each drive mode, check out my latest video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/amTFh4yultB5fbs&feature=share8

[@narcoti]

So the limiter your talking about is there from the factory its called catalyst overtemp protection, its not about saving the motor its about not sending molten catalyst out the exhaust. Different ecus do this differently, most will lower torque request and add fuel, I haven't seen them pull throttle before but I also dont mess with fords so, its probably a method of torque intervention, you probably can see it add fuel and remove timing as well.

[@hi-fi3889]

In the beginning, it seemed like you stopped accelerating at about 12-12.5 seconds, hitting the 1/4 mile at 13.3. Turn the audio up and it goes quiet just after 12.

[@chiefordnance]

So what was the no start fix from earlier video?

[@SouthdownGarage]

The no start issue is speratic. The starter was changed previously, and the heat shielding was missing from my buddies explorer. Also, we are unsure if the starter was the right one for the auto stop/start. More research to do.

[@ytTonyZ]

My 2022 Explorer ST has the Ford Tune and Steeda intercooler, both installed by my Ford Dealer to protect my 125,000 mile warranty. At first it bogged, until I realized that it was spinning the tires now, so I turned the traction control off. Weather has not been good in Michigan, but my dragy showed a 4.93 0-60 a 13.12 quarter @ 103mph using 1/3 e-85. Stock showed 13.77 under poor conditions. I am confident it can do better if I remove my gear from the back, and under better conditions. However, power does seem to ease up some as speed increases, but will evaluate that if it ever stops raining for 2 days in a row. Cheers, Tony Z

[@SouthdownGarage]

That's quite an improvement over stock! The big change for me was being able to spin the tires with the tune, it definitely wouldn't do that before. Seems like the weather your getting is good for you making quick quarter mile time, that's wicked. They are supposed to do a 12.9 I think on the Ford Performance tune.

[@Highlander1432]

Wow How much total were those parts+install if u don't mind me asking ?

[@ytTonyZ]

@@Highlander1432 the intercooler went on sale at Steeda for $660 and my dealer charged me $900 to install it. The Procal with tune cost $825, but I found it for $100 less at Whoosh Motorsports. Dealer installed it with other work, but I think 2 2.5 hours labor to install it. Cheers

[@rodcouey2617]

how did you get the dealer to install. I cant get them to put in the Ford tune and that is a Ford approved product

[@SouthdownGarage]

@@rodcouey2617 your Ford Dealer won't install the Ford Performance Tune on your vehicle? Did they give you a reason?

[@sinanbay1585]

After the torn does normal and sport mode still remain the same difference and both equally increase

[@SouthdownGarage]

Yes

[@scottj2985]

So it doesn't void the manufacturer power train warranty👍 ..I read your reply explaining that it would have to be proved to be the exact cause of a failure.. now my question is.. I'm about to purchase a Ford gold-certified ST which extends the powertrain to 7 years 100,000 miles from the date of in service will that warranty remain in effect with the tune as well?... And you're saying you can pick up more power and it's ok running e85 with no other mods other than a Ford tune?

[@SouthdownGarage]

I would speak to your local ford dealership where you will purchase the extended warranty from. If Ford found that the issue was related to the tune there is a chance that it would not be covered, and would fall under ford performance limited 3 year 36000 mile warranty. (From point of purchase of tune) I would speak to the dealership that you are dealing with. Chances of something happening and they sight the warranty is void is slim, but they have it in the fine print. About running E85 with no other mods, I wouldn't do that. The only thing I would do is make it an E30 blend. That's the most I would go.

[@chiefordnance]

I run 86 octane and about a 1/4 tank of E85 no issues

[@SouthdownGarage]

Are you running the Ford Performance tune as well?

[@DAVIDMARTEN]

Hello. I've been watching a lot of your videos and enjoying your knowledge and testing. Last night, I installed the CV Fab intercooler on my 2020 Explorer ST. Tomorrow morning, it goes to a local shop for the CV Fab 3" catted downpipes and Thermal R&D 3" cat-back exhaust. I spoke to a Ford service center this morning about getting the Ford Performance tune. Great guy, but he was worried that the FP tune might not be compatible with the CVF downpipes. I was wondering if you had that combination at any time. From the videos, it looks like you had the FP tune while everything was stock, then did a bunch of mods and installed the ZFG tune. I'd really appreciate your advice. Thanks!

[@SouthdownGarage]

You won't have any issues with the FP tune with the downpipes. Only thing you might need is de-foulers on the downstream O2 sensors. You will see much more power with ZFG, but you'll have to talk to your serviced advisor to see if they will help you if you go ZFG over FP Tune

[@DAVIDMARTEN]

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! For this first step, I'd like to go with the FP tune, since it is warranty friendly. Would a Ford service tech be familiar with these de-foulers you mentioned? I honestly know nothing about them. LOL Thanks again!

[@DAVIDMARTEN]

​@SouthdownGarage Well. I just spoke to my Ford service guy. Since we spoke on Thursday, he talked to his tech and he said that the CVF downpipes I installed have made it so that I won't be warrantied (for the drivetrain anyway). So, I decided I might as well go big and I'll be contacting ZFG on Monday. By the way, after the downpipes and exhaust was installed yesterday, my ST now sounds AMAZING!!

[@S97795]

Does this tune fix the stock transmission tuning on the 10 speed allowing it to shift smoother?

[@SouthdownGarage]

No it doesn't. It only removes torque limiting on the transmission. You'll have to get an aftermarket tune to tune the transmission.

[@jwuonog]

What is in the tune that allows it to detect the ethanol and make more power? I wonder if such a thing happens on the stock tune as well.

[@SouthdownGarage]

It doesn't detect Ethanol, it detects knock, and will allow you to adjust knock adder to a maximum of 6. The stock file as well does the same thing. I also did a video on that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpbShoeumtxrkLc

[@thastinger345]

It is lack of knock, ethanol has a motor octane of about 105, so if 93 octane is your base fuel you can add the ethanol to increase octane and decrease sensed preignition. The ECU pulls timing when it detects knock, all else equal, higher octane should equal less knock and more timing applied by the ECU. All that assumes the injectors, fuel pumps, maf etc can meter the additional fuel.

[@user-df3jj8my3d]

So your saying that EGTs cap the tune and not overall power? So if you can lower EGTs (bigger exhaust, methanol injection, etc.) then the tune has more room for growth?

[@SouthdownGarage]

It may, I hit a ceiling on how much Ethanol I could add, which should have lowered EGT's. Meth could help, I would imagine as long as it isn't being used for power increases

[@tkostang]

All ecoboost twin turbo engine need a larger intercooler. Probably reason for the stock #’s dropping

[@SouthdownGarage]

100% agree. This one does have the upgraded intercooler.

[@Xavier1320]

The 13.3 looks like you let off early??

[@chiefordnance]

Doesn't Ford say the power increase won't be realized till 5,000 rpm in this kit? Also, start watching eng oil pan for leaks the RTV will give, takes new pan with gasket.

[@SouthdownGarage]

5000 RPM is probably where peak hp is, just like peak torque being between 2000 - 4000 RPM.

[@cardwellthomas3065]

Hi, i have a 2017 ford explorer sport with a 3.5L ecoboost. My question is if i purchase the Ford performance tuner will it come already with the performance tune on it that you are using yourself in this video?

[@SouthdownGarage]

Yes

[@cardwellthomas3065]

Will the tuner work for the 3.5l sport. It looks like its just for the ST

[@SouthdownGarage]

​@cardwellthomas3065 you'll have to contact ford performance for the tune for your year of explorer.

[@217267]

What is ford performance kit and how can i get it. Is it available world wild?. Is there a published article for this from ford?. Thanks.

[@eastbayreefer3366]

So changing the charge pipe and bov intercooler void warranty ?

[@SouthdownGarage]

The changes to your vehicle have to be proven to be the direct cause of failure. Installing charge pipes, BOV and intercooler shouldn't restrict your engine. Always talk to your Ford service rep before modifying your vehicle. They can always let you know what areas they will cover.

[@eastbayreefer3366]

Thanks for the info

[@eastbayreefer3366]

Told the wife and kids I’ll make the family car go woooshhh

[@SouthdownGarage]

@@eastbayreefer3366 it sounds wicked with the charge pipes and BOV! People on the road take a second look at you when it goes off. They look really confused, but that little boy inside us has a massive grin 😁.

[@eastbayreefer3366]

One more question so my 2020 already has a stock bov I think so that one can get replaced right and will it have two bov one for the charge pipe and the one underneath the air intake ? Sorry noob to the turbo life

[@LSDdreams808]

These are technically the fastest SUV on the market especially with a nice tune they make easy work of track hauks.

[@SouthdownGarage]

Yes, with just an Ethanol tune the quickest I've done was 11.65, the quickest yet was 11.41 done by someone else.

[@johnalcala]

I would think the Lincoln Aviator can get this tune as it has the same exact engine.

[@SouthdownGarage]

You can, but for some reason they won't be under warrenty.

[@chadwalker50]

What is the weight of the ST?

[@SouthdownGarage]

4700 lbs

[@ScoobyDrewski]

And it is still under warranty?

[@SouthdownGarage]

As long as it's installed by a red seal mechanic, then yes.

[@mustang43058]

@@SouthdownGarage Incorrect. That is a Ford Performance warranty. Not a Ford warranty. Ford can still deny a warranty claim if they say this tune was the cause of the failure.

[@SouthdownGarage]

@mustang43058 rhere is a lot of misconception about this. They actually have to prove that it caused the failure. They can't just deny warranty just because they feel like it. If the dealership does, you can go to Ford head office, and inform them of this and they will deal with the dealership.

[@slaminggears]

Intercooler is a must

[@SouthdownGarage]

100%

[@brentmorris8626]

DANG

[@prime0078]

Have you dynoed it running just regular 87?

[@SouthdownGarage]

I dyno'd stock on 87. I wasn't interest in the 87 on Ford Performance as from my fuel comparison were I tested 93 with 30% ethanol. It made more hp then the ford Performance would on 87.

[@prime0078]

Oh. I was just wondering if there was a noticable difference on the dyno between 87 vs 93 before a tune was even added

[@SouthdownGarage]

@@prime0078 100% its noticable increase

[@kennethelliott5985]

Yo! Wtf is up with the police intercepter suv wheels?

[@SouthdownGarage]

I know right! I got cussed out at a gas station for having them lol! I know it's a dirt bag move, but I love the look!

[@icyhotmike]

Ugly but less rotation mass which does make it slightly faster

[@snooka2484]

Custom dyno tune will always be better than a canned tune for obvious reasons.

[@dennistate9951]

Too lean causes High Exhaust Gas Temps. Not Too Rich.

[@V8KindOfGuy]

Yes! and the reason for dumping fuel in is to cool off the cats. Thats what happens when exhaust temp limiter turns on, dumps fuel to cool the cats.

[@dennistate9951]

@V8KindOfGuy the rest of the people who watched this video are going to repeat this for the rest of their lives as if it's facts. "Too rich causes heat" Not very many people know that 14.7:1 is lean and most cars from the factory run that A/F ratio while in closed loop. If you think you know what you are talking about why do research

[@dennistate9951]

@V8KindOfGuy something else. When you add fuel it cools down cylinder Temps which in turn cool down EGTs His EGTs were high cuz he was running out of fuel pump, injector or he had too much e85 in the tank. Too solve the issue all he had to do is put less e85 in and more 93octane in the tank.

[@V8KindOfGuy]

@@dennistate9951 Agreed

[@chebrneck]

Ford claims stock ST is 400HP. Why are you only getting 320+?

[@SouthdownGarage]

A big portion is parasitic driveline loss, they have dyno'd to 335 hp stock. This one dyno'd at 324 hp on this day, which could be a number of reasons why that happened. Weather being a big one or even ethanol percentage being lower in the 93 would effect power.

[@invalidusername_5101]

400crank

[@goyslop4289]

Vehicles are almost always rated for crank HP on paper, by the time that power gets through the awd system to the wheels 330ish sounds pretty accurate.

[@garys9718]

This test was done in Mexico, on a closed course 🤣🤣

[@SouthdownGarage]

Always!

[@garys9718]

@@SouthdownGarage 🤣

[@garys9718]

Great video, 👍

[@SouthdownGarage]

@@garys9718 thank you!

[@vincendetroit]

Cats fail on explorers a lot

[@soulja4187]

Then you remove them. Here in Florida we don’t have emissions test

[@MoparAdventure]

wow my scat dynos higher than this :o I'm not a fan of these. You cant push an engine to its absolute limits and maintain reliability in the long term.

[@SouthdownGarage]

This is no where near the limit, this is a factory tune. I'm running over 500 hp and tq with zero issues. There are guys running almost 800hp on the stock internals

[@Kelty101]

The stock cats on these trucks are junk from factory….

[@SouthdownGarage]

Your the second person to mention that. What fails in them? I haven't looked into it.

[@Kelty101]

@@SouthdownGarage the welds crack and leak. The fumes in our last one (2021) came into the cabin. We dumped it because I have a 4 yr old and my wife drives him in it all the time. I looked at our new 2023 and the welds look worse on this new one. I am not impressed! Ford should be doing better.

[@SouthdownGarage]

@Rick Hilgendorf oh that, it's because of the engine vibration, change the midpipes ASAP to Fen Fab ones and you'll be set.