2.3 EcoBoost, tuning? Performance?

[metroplex]

Anyone here run the 2.3 engine in their 16up Explorer? It seems to be slower than the 3.5 base V6 but I often wondered what it could do with an E30 tune. should I have gone with the 2.3 instead of the 3.5?

 

[Limited02]

Livernois has a tune for your NA 3.5. Might give you that extra pep you're looking for.

 

[metroplex]

They probably just added some spark advance at WOT especially for the E85. I could do that myself, am waiting for hptuners support on the 2018. Looks like Ford went speed density on the 16-up so no more MAF sensors.

But I was curious if anyone had the 2.3 and got that tuned? Max airflow for the 2.3 on the Mustang Eco seems to be about 43 lb/min but I don't recall any of the Mustang Eco being tuned to over 400 hp with stock turbos.

 

[Limited02]

I know they've tuned the Mustang, Focus RS and Lincoln MKC 2.3's, but can't say about the Explorer. From the gains the 2.3 has shown, a tuned one in the explorer would certainly be more exciting than a tuned NA 3.5.

Their tuned NA 3.5 gained decent power throughout the RPM IIRC.

 

[fast_dave]

Due to fuel costs in the UK the 2.3 Explorer has quite a following.

TDI - Tuning seem to be the only ones doing a 2.3 Ecoboost Explorer tune successfully.

From STOCK 280 HP/ 310 Ft Lb Torque, up to 344 HP / 350 Ft Lb Torque TUNED in (7) user changeable modes.

LINK: Ford Explorer 2.3 EcoBoost 280 BHP / 284 PS / 209 KW / 420 NM / 310 LBFT CRTD4 MULTI Channel Petrol Tuning Box Chip

Datasheet Link: https://tdi-tuning.com/variant-datasheet

 

[metroplex]

I'm just wondering if it was better for me to have gotten the 2.3 EcoBoost instead, but talking to the Mustang EcoBoost owners, the stock turbo/intercooler/fueling setup only allows for about 300 whp and up to 340 whp with some mods. I haven't been able to pull my stock 18 Explorer tune to see where it can be improved, but with a bump in spark advance with E85 fueling, I think 300 whp is feasible if not a very close target. It won't be as fast as a tuned Explorer Sport, but it should run in the mid 15s.

 

[FlipSavage]

Anyone here run the 2.3 engine in their 16up Explorer? It seems to be slower than the 3.5 base V6 but I often wondered what it could do with an E30 tune. should I have gone with the 2.3 instead of the 3.5?

I have a 17' 4wd with the 2.3 and have been pleased with the power output for a stock vehicle. i test drove both the 2.3 & the 3.5 NA before purchasing and felt the 2.3 was better in the performance area. Plus i think the 3.51 gearing helps that comes standard on the 4wd. Not planning on doing much till after extended warranty & service plan run out.

 

[jhu8]

I have a 17 with the 2.3L and feel its pretty good performance wise. I have never driven a turbo before this vehicle but there appears to be a slight turbo lag but you can definitely feel(and hear) when the turbo kicks in for sure. You start pulling big time. I'd be interested in a tune as well. But for it was does now, I am happy.