I’m looking at either a 2018-19 Explorer Sport or a 2023 ST and would love to hear from those who’ve made the switch. What was the upgrade like for you?
I’m interested too. I have a 2016 Sport and I’m considering getting an ST or maybe a Timberline.
Gale said:
I’m interested too. I have a 2016 Sport and I’m considering getting an ST or maybe a Timberline.
I test drove the ST in January and it was a lot of fun. But a friend of mine had an Edge ST as a rental and he said it was quick. It has a similar power-to-weight ratio as the 2018-19 Sport, so I’m wondering if I could save $15K and still get a fun ride. Any issues with your Sport?
@Marlo
I love my Sport. No issues at all. I’ve modified it over the years with more power and suspension upgrades. I’d buy it again with what I know now.
Gale said:
@Marlo
I love my Sport. No issues at all. I’ve modified it over the years with more power and suspension upgrades. I’d buy it again with what I know now.
What power mods have you done? I’ve got a 2018 Sport and would like to get more power out of it.
@Axel
I’ve done colder plugs, an upgraded high-pressure fuel pump, intake, intercooler, downpipes, and a custom exhaust. Tuned by a company called Gearhead with an E30 blend fuel.
I also added a 3-bar MAP sensor, SCT tuner, and Ecopowerparts hot pipes.
@Gale
Thanks for the info. How was your experience with Gearhead? Any issues with the tune or drivability?
Axel said:
@Gale
Thanks for the info. How was your experience with Gearhead? Any issues with the tune or drivability?
No issues at all. I had another tuner before, and Gearhead was way better. The transmission shift points were smooth, too. They also use an auto octane feature with the tune, so you can switch octane grades, and the tune will adjust accordingly.
@Gale
Thanks again. I’m thinking of going for a tune but haven’t decided yet.
Axel said:
@Gale
Thanks again. I’m thinking of going for a tune but haven’t decided yet.
You should definitely do it! Even just a basic tune with step colder plugs, a 170 t-stat, 3-bar MAP sensor, and premium fuel will make a huge difference. It’ll feel like a completely different vehicle. No quirks or rough idle—just way better performance. Matt at Gearhead or Torrie at Unleashed are both great tuners. I personally use Torrie. Also, this setup drives like stock but 100% better. No weird shifts or dead pedal feel. It’s just smoother all around.
You could also consider getting downpipes for an earlier boost and better performance. An intercooler is great for hot weather and heat soak, making your car feel like it’s always running in cool conditions. Meth, E85, or E30 fuel is a game-changer too, but you’ll need an upgraded HPFP to handle the increased fuel demand.
@Zephyr
Thanks for all the details. I think I’ll go with a tune, t-stat, and plugs. It’s my daily driver, so I don’t want to go too crazy with it. By the way, do you use an oil catch can? Some of the more expensive ones seem to catch more oil than the cheaper ones. I’m in NJ—does that affect anything?
@Axel
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Axel said:
@Gale
Thanks again. I’m thinking of going for a tune but haven’t decided yet.
It’s a slippery slope when you start chasing power. I started with the power pack from either Gearhead or Unleashed Tuning. It came with step colder plugs, a 170°F thermostat, 2.5 MAP sensor, tuner, and a tune. It cost about $650.
@Gale
I really appreciate your help. I’m so indecisive and can’t find much info online. Do you use an oil catch can?
Axel said:
@Gale
I really appreciate your help. I’m so indecisive and can’t find much info online. Do you use an oil catch can?
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@Gale
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Zephyr said:
@Gale
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Which intake did you go with? I got the Airaid intake. I wanted the Ecopowerparts one, maybe I’ll get that next time.
@Marlo
I raced an Edge ST with my Explorer ST recently. It wasn’t even close.
Zephyr said:
@Marlo
I raced an Edge ST with my Explorer ST recently. It wasn’t even close.
For reference, the stock Edge ST does a 1/4 mile in 14.7 seconds, the Explorer Sport in 14.5, and the Explorer ST in 13.8. Pretty significant difference.
@Marlo
We just moved from a 2016 Edge Titanium to a 2021 Explorer Limited. The Explorer has a tighter turning radius, but feels a lot smoother at speed. The Edge ST had more power in a lighter package and handled well on the road. The Explorer’s seats are much nicer, and we have the 2nd-row captain’s chairs, which was a must for my wife. Even the 3rd row is decent compared to our old 4Runner. The Explorer gets better mileage than either the 2016 Titanium or 2022 ST.