How to make my explorer quicker?

[Vanzant68]

I have a 2014 explorer limited 4WD with 3.5 V6. I do not have the echo boost (will next time) and I am not satisfied with zero to 60 acceleration at all. I think it comes from the factory in a very under empowered set up. I've never done modifications to a car before but it seems the two logical options are upgrading the air intake system and or getting a tunner and redo things that way. If I can only afford one of those two options which do you recommend? Would like to hear from those who've done it and are happy with results. Thanks.

 

[pup5581]

I have a 2014 explorer limited 4WD with 3.5 V6. I do not have the echo boost (will next time) and I am not satisfied with zero to 60 acceleration at all. I think it comes from the factory in a very under empowered set up. I've never done modifications to a car before but it seems the two logical options are upgrading the air intake system and or getting a tunner and redo things that way. If I can only afford one of those two options which do you recommend? Would like to hear from those who've done it and are happy with results. Thanks.

Intake probably won't add anything really...will really only change the sound. myabe a few HP but you won't notice a few HP. A tune can get you a bit quicker i am guessing..different shift points...throttle more responsive ect...not sure how a tune is on the non sport models ect.

Downpipes...exhaust..high flow cats can usually get some HP

 

[jmr061]

Tune is the first thing you will to do.

 

[peterk9]

I have a 2014 explorer limited 4WD with 3.5 V6. I do not have the echo boost (will next time) and I am not satisfied with zero to 60 acceleration at all. I think it comes from the factory in a very under empowered set up. I've never done modifications to a car before but it seems the two logical options are upgrading the air intake system and or getting a tunner and redo things that way. If I can only afford one of those two options which do you recommend? Would like to hear from those who've done it and are happy with results. Thanks.

Welcome to the Forum. :wavey:
I always get a bit of a chuckle when someone buys an SUV and isn't happy with things like 0-60 times.
I will move your post to the 'Modified' sub forum where there is lots of info on adding tunes etc. A tune is available for the NA 3.5L V6. Happy motoring.

Peter

 

[explosportguy]

I have a 2014 explorer limited 4WD with 3.5 V6. I do not have the echo boost (will next time) and I am not satisfied with zero to 60 acceleration at all. I think it comes from the factory in a very under empowered set up. I've never done modifications to a car before but it seems the two logical options are upgrading the air intake system and or getting a tunner and redo things that way. If I can only afford one of those two options which do you recommend? Would like to hear from those who've done it and are happy with results. Thanks.

Hi Vanzant, welcome to the dark side. You'll find many like-minded enthusiasts in the 'modified' section and we're in good company (Jeep GC SRT8, Dodge Durango RT, Mercedes ML AMG, Porsche Cayanne, . . .) SUVs can haul in more than one way

My standard disclaimer first, doing any of the things you read in my posts could void your warranty and/or blow up your Explo. Make sure you can afford to bear the cost of the consequences of any mods.

Having said that, I did a tune first. It's a brave new world with car mods and, IMHO, the first thing to do is optimize what you were given from the factory. Intake mods, exhaust mods, etc, will only get you marginal performance increases if you do not have a tune. Without changing anything else, I shaved a 1/2 second off of my 0-60 time in my Sport (from 6.4 to 5.9 sec). That's a material performance increase for a 4,800 lb vehicle. I'm going to replace my rear mufflers with Magnaflows and I'm stopping there. The Magnaflows are for a sound bump only. They'll do nothing for the performance. No matter, the tune is enough for me.

Even though the tune voids my warranty and could lead to premature failure of my engine and / or drive train, for me it's worth the risk. After the Magnaflow swap I'm on to other projects for my other other vehicles. The Explo will be exactly where I want it to be.

 

[pup5581]

Hi Vanzant, welcome to the dark side. You'll find many like-minded enthusiasts in the 'modified' section and we're in good company (Jeep GC SRT8, Dodge Durango RT, Mercedes ML AMG, Porsche Cayanne, . . .)

My standard disclaimer first, doing any of the things you read here could void your warranty and/or blow up your Explo. Make sure you can afford to bear the cost of the consequences of any mods.

Having said that, I did a tune first. It's a brave new world with car mods and, IMHO, the first thing to do is optimize what you were given from the factory. Intake mods, exhaust mods, etc, will only get you marginal performance increases if you do not have a tune. Without changing anything else, I shaved a 1/2 second off of my 0-60 time in my Sport (from 6.4 to 5.9 sec). That's a material performance increase for a 4,800 lb vehicle. I'm going to replace my rear mufflers with Magnaflows and I'm stopping there. The Magnaflows are for a sound bump only. They'll do nothing for the performance. No matter, the tune is enough for me.

Even though the tune voids my warranty and could lead to premature failure of my engine and / or drive train, for me it's worth the risk.

When you do mufflers..can you shoot me a vid? i want to do this as well but i really don't want to hate the sound...don't think i will though haha

 

[explosportguy]

When you do mufflers..can you shoot me a vid? i want to do this as well but i really don't want to hate the sound...don't think i will though haha

Hi Pup, will do Hopefully before the end of this week. I'll talk to a couple of shops tomorrow.

 

[kars85]

Very little can be done, short of spending thousands, to make a >2 ton vehicle quicker. The weight to HP ratio to gain any noticeable difference is a big hurdle to overcome with just basic bolt ons/ECU flashes. My 2 centavos!

 

[VanillaCrumbCakes]

Hi Vanzant, welcome to the dark side. You'll find many like-minded enthusiasts in the 'modified' section and we're in good company (Jeep GC SRT8, Dodge Durango RT, Mercedes ML AMG, Porsche Cayanne, . . .) SUVs can haul in more than one way

My standard disclaimer first, doing any of the things you read in my posts could void your warranty and/or blow up your Explo. Make sure you can afford to bear the cost of the consequences of any mods.

Having said that, I did a tune first. It's a brave new world with car mods and, IMHO, the first thing to do is optimize what you were given from the factory. Intake mods, exhaust mods, etc, will only get you marginal performance increases if you do not have a tune. Without changing anything else, I shaved a 1/2 second off of my 0-60 time in my Sport (from 6.4 to 5.9 sec). That's a material performance increase for a 4,800 lb vehicle. I'm going to replace my rear mufflers with Magnaflows and I'm stopping there. The Magnaflows are for a sound bump only. They'll do nothing for the performance. No matter, the tune is enough for me.

Even though the tune voids my warranty and could lead to premature failure of my engine and / or drive train, for me it's worth the risk. After the Magnaflow swap I'm on to other projects for my other other vehicles. The Explo will be exactly where I want it to be.

Hi Vanzant, welcome to the dark side. You'll find many like-minded enthusiasts in the 'modified' section and we're in good company (Jeep GC SRT8, Dodge Durango RT, Mercedes ML AMG, Porsche Cayanne, . . .) SUVs can haul in more than one way

My standard disclaimer first, doing any of the things you read in my posts could void your warranty and/or blow up your Explo. Make sure you can afford to bear the cost of the consequences of any mods.

Having said that, I did a tune first. It's a brave new world with car mods and, IMHO, the first thing to do is optimize what you were given from the factory. Intake mods, exhaust mods, etc, will only get you marginal performance increases if you do not have a tune. Without changing anything else, I shaved a 1/2 second off of my 0-60 time in my Sport (from 6.4 to 5.9 sec). That's a material performance increase for a 4,800 lb vehicle. I'm going to replace my rear mufflers with Magnaflows and I'm stopping there. The Magnaflows are for a sound bump only. They'll do nothing for the performance. No matter, the tune is enough for me.

Even though the tune voids my warranty and could lead to premature failure of my engine and / or drive train, for me it's worth the risk. After the Magnaflow swap I'm on to other projects for my other other vehicles. The Explo will be exactly where I want it to be.

Hey there. Hope I’m not too awful late to the chat. I have a 2014 F. Exp Sport and need mods done but I’m just a girl and have no real car expert mechanic guidance. Where or what tune should I invest in? Is that like a chip mod or something?

I’ve looked into upgrading the air intake system but as you stated, the info I found also said to go w a tune first.
I put some chrome heart shaped pipes on my babygirl but they do nothing for beastlier pipe noises nor added hp.

What else can a girl get done to that thang. I need more speed but also don’t want to upgrade to a faster daily driver as I’m a mom of 4.

 

[peterk9]

^^ Welcome to the Forum.
I don't know if any of the posters here are still around. The latest post was by pup5581 on March 23. 2023.
I'm not into mods since I lease my vehicles and as always, the speed you drive is always up to the driver.
You can do a 'Search' on the forum for the different 'tunes' that members have used/recommended. Here is one thread I found.

Which Tune To Go With?

So I've been doing some reading and searching, and it seems that there are two very good tunes for the EX. I'm trying to decide between the Livernois and Unleashed tunes. Both seem to provide custom tuning to your vehicle, but only one uses a tuner that can do datalogging, show real time values...

www.explorerforum.com

Peter

 

[VanillaCrumbCakes]

^^ Welcome to the Forum.
I don't know if any of the posters here are still around. The latest post was by pup5581 on March 23. 2023.
I'm not into mods since I lease my vehicles and as always, the speed you drive is always up to the driver.
You can do a 'Search' on the forum for the different 'tunes' that members have used/recommended. Here is one thread I found.

Which Tune To Go With?

So I've been doing some reading and searching, and it seems that there are two very good tunes for the EX. I'm trying to decide between the Livernois and Unleashed tunes. Both seem to provide custom tuning to your vehicle, but only one uses a tuner that can do datalogging, show real time values...

www.explorerforum.com

Peter

Thanks for the feedback. The forum isn’t too easily navigated so all tips are so appreciated.

 

[LuckyRabbit]

It’s a big ass SUV with a transverse mounted small bore V6

If you want majorly better 0-60 times sell it and buy something that focuses on 0-60 performance

Real world, different measures of speed, lots who think teslas are fast, slam the gas and thats how they judge “fast”, they don’t really corner or are too concerned with body roll and brakes etc


All that said I have a some sports cars and have friends with all sorts of stuff, most of them don’t SCCA or anything like that, stomp & go types, I have a 3.5 PIU I got at auction, stone stock minus better lights and some floor mats, most folks can not out perform it, they’ll out accelerate but the first corner I feel I’m behind a old lady in a golf cart lol

 

[VanillaCrumbCakes]

It’s a big ass SUV with a transverse mounted small bore V6

If you want majorly better 0-60 times sell it and buy something that focuses on 0-60 performance

Real world, different measures of speed, lots who think teslas are fast, slam the gas and thats how they judge “fast”, they don’t really corner or are too concerned with body roll and brakes etc


All that said I have a some sports cars and have friends with all sorts of stuff, most of them don’t SCCA or anything like that, stomp & go types, I have a 3.5 PIU I got at auction, stone stock minus better lights and some floor mats, most folks can not out perform it, they’ll out accelerate but the first corner I feel I’m behind a old lady in a golf cart lol

I push my truck competitively on a regular basis, just for funsies, nothing major, but I’ve been underestimated by quite a few men in my city, leaving their egos a bit sore. I haven’t been a speed demon/ car enthusiast very long, but I’m a decent little driver. I think a lot of people just hit the accelerator obnoxiously, not paying attention to the machine they are driving.

You have to know your vehicle, how it handles. Personally, I feel like I built a bond w my truck, a relationship, you could even say. IMO you have to learn the car. Tesla’s have nice specs….. I guess, but overall, I don’t think they are anything special. Kinda hate them actually. Sorry not sorry.

So, prior to my Sport, I’ve always preferred sedans/coupes w a bit of power, the handling on a small “bullet” compared to my big arse “boat” I have now has been something to get accustomed to. I’ve literally had to learn to trust my Sport, swift turns and sharper curves, which was nerve wracking. What can I do to make it feel more controlled/better/steadier handling during higher speed times? Would that be my suspension?

 

[VanillaCrumbCakes]

It’s a big ass SUV with a transverse mounted small bore V6

If you want majorly better 0-60 times sell it and buy something that focuses on 0-60 performance

Real world, different measures of speed, lots who think teslas are fast, slam the gas and thats how they judge “fast”, they don’t really corner or are too concerned with body roll and brakes etc


All that said I have a some sports cars and have friends with all sorts of stuff, most of them don’t SCCA or anything like that, stomp & go types, I have a 3.5 PIU I got at auction, stone stock minus better lights and some floor mats, most folks can not out perform it, they’ll out accelerate but the first corner I feel I’m behind a old lady in a golf cart lol

Unfortunately, cant sell. It’s my family vehicle. If anything i would upgrade to a ST and start a mods on one of those. The specs and mod potential on the ST seemed real sweet.

 

[BrettS.]

This is my unofficial list.....

Ecoboost:
Stage 1- 170 thermostat, 3 bar MAP sensor, 1 step colder plugs, drop in K&N air filter, 93 fuel, and a tune from Unleased.
Stage 2- HPFP and E fuels (or meth), intercooler, catted downpipes (stock turbos maxed out)
Stage 3- Upgrade turbos, in-tank fuel pump, injectors, E85
Stage 4- Upgrade to ST platform and start over

Non-ecoboost
Stage 1- K&N air filter, 93 fuel, and tune (Livernois got 24 hp on 87, and 33 hp on 93 on a 3.5 fwd)
Stage 2- Sell to get Ecoboost


Cold air intake- Maybe a couple HP, stock intake brings in cold air pretty well for both models.
Cat back exhaust- I have heard 15-20 hp on the Ecoboost with other supporting mods. Downpipes most important.
Catch can- Mixed feelings. I ran one for a while and removed it. Filled up way too fast in winter. Walnut blast the intake tracts and valves.
Engine/trans mounts- Help with launch to keep the motor/trans from rocking. Increases NVR trade-off.

 

[VanillaCrumbCakes]

This is my unofficial list.....

Ecoboost:
Stage 1- 170 thermostat, 3 bar MAP sensor, 1 step colder plugs, drop in K&N air filter, 93 fuel, and a tune.
Stage 2- HPFP and E fuels (or meth), intercooler, catted downpipes (stock turbos maxed out)
Stage 3- Upgrade turbos, in-tank fuel pump, injectors, E85
Stage 4- Upgrade to ST platform and start over

Non-ecoboost
Stage 1- K&N air filter, 93 fuel, and tune (Livernois got 24 hp on 87, and 33 hp on 93)
Stage 2- Sell to get Ecoboost


Cold air intake- Maybe a couple HP, stock intake brings in cold air pretty well for both models.
Cat back exhaust- I have heard 15-20 hp on the Ecoboost with other supporting mods. Downpipes most important.
Catch can- Mixed feelings. I ran one for a while and removed it. Filled up way too fast in winter. Walnut blast the intake tracts and valves.
Engine/trans mounts- Help with launch to keep the motor/trans from rocking. Increases NVR trade-off.

Thanks for the feedback. Question, would I be better off upgrading to a newer model, it would be an ST for sure tho, because I am second owner of my 2014 Ex. Sport, coming up on 180k miles. I’ve read these don’t have a reputation for long lasting, high mileage engines.

 

[J_C]

I'm not going to state anything negative. Keep up on your health insurance and life insurance!

 

[BrettS.]

There is nothing wrong with the 5th gen. It has potential to run in the 12s. You have to keep in mind it is a primarily a fwd vehicle that can send some power to the rear, the turbos are small, and the ptu needs regular gear oil changes. The short block is pretty good. Trans is fine at reasonable power levels and there are aftermarket clutches available. Torque converter is fine and Gearhead can rebuild a heavier duty version if needed. There are options for low pressure and high pressure fuel pumps. At some point you should walnut media blast the intake valves due to carbon buildup. The water pump/timing chain job will need to be done, and if you don't keep up with regular oil changes the turbos will oil starve and fail. I personally use 5w30 synthetic and change every 5k. The hot side of the turbo outlet has a tendency to crack, same with the exhaust manifolds.

Now the 6th gen is just a newer better version. I don't like the twist shift knob. It is rwd bias instead of fwd. The turbos are better and can produce more boost. You can go faster cheaper with fewer mods. There is more aftermarket support for go fast mods as they have moved on to the new platform. I don't know enough of the platform limitations and common failure points. I only own two 5th gen.

 

[peterk9]

Thanks for the feedback. Question, would I be better off upgrading to a newer model, it would be an ST for sure tho, because I am second owner of my 2014 Ex. Sport, coming up on 180k miles. I’ve read these don’t have a reputation for long lasting, high mileage engines.

enough doom and gloom, lets hear some high mileage, reliable 5th gen. stories.

I am wondering if anyone here has a high mileage 5th gen Ford Explorer and I am wondering if anyone has run into any issues or has any positive feedback? I am really planning to drive mine until it dies so I really want to see what kind of problems I might run into in the future.

www.explorerforum.com

Highest Mileage 5th Generation Explorer

Because I’ve owned a ’91 and ’02 Explorer in the past and am familiar with how long their engines ran as well as maintenance. I’m curious about high mileage fifth generation Explorer's and what major repairs were encountered, like a water pump, PTU, etc. The older generation Explorers could be...

www.explorerforum.com

Peter