The 2020 Ford Explorer ST arrived with a bang, offering a potent blend of SUV practicality and genuine performance. But for enthusiasts who crave even more, the world of 2020 Ford Explorer ST performance parts opens up a universe of possibilities. Whether you're looking to unlock hidden horsepower, refine handling for spirited drives, or simply personalize your ride, understanding these aftermarket upgrades is key.
This article dives deep into the essential 2020 Ford Explorer ST performance parts that can transform your already capable ST into a truly exhilarating machine.
From improving throttle response to enhancing braking and exhaust notes, the right 2020 Ford Explorer ST performance parts cater to a wide range of desires. Car owners, performance tuning aficionados, and even potential buyers considering the ST will find valuable insights here. We'll explore how these parts contribute to a better driving experience, improved vehicle maintenance through smarter upgrades, and even bolster safety by enhancing critical systems.
Unleashing the Power
The heart of the 2020 Ford Explorer ST is its potent 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine. While factory-tuned for impressive output, there's always room for more. Investing in the right engine and intake 2020 Ford Explorer ST performance parts can significantly amplify its power delivery and responsiveness.
Cold Air Intakes
A premium cold air intake system is often the first step for many seeking to enhance their ST's performance. These systems replace the restrictive factory airbox with smoother, larger diameter tubing and a high-flow air filter. This allows the engine to ingest cooler, denser air, which is crucial for combustion efficiency and ultimately, more power.
The improved airflow can lead to noticeable gains in horsepower and torque, particularly in the mid-range and upper RPMs.
- Benefits: Increased horsepower and torque, improved throttle response, more aggressive intake sound.
- Installation: Generally a straightforward bolt-on modification.
- Considerations: Look for systems with heat shields to prevent hot engine bay air from entering the intake.
Performance Exhaust Systems
The exhaust note of the 2020 Ford Explorer ST is already a compelling feature, but a performance exhaust system takes it to another level. Beyond the auditory pleasure, these systems are designed to reduce backpressure, allowing the engine to exhale more freely. This translates to improved exhaust flow, which can contribute to modest horsepower gains and a more aggressive, satisfying sound.
From cat-back systems that replace everything from the catalytic converter back, to full turbo-back systems that include downpipes, the options vary. Cat-back systems are generally easier to install and offer a significant improvement in sound and some performance. Turbo-back systems, while more involved, offer the greatest potential for exhaust-related power gains.
- Benefits: Enhanced exhaust tone, reduced backpressure, potential for horsepower and torque improvements.
- Types: Cat-back, axle-back, turbo-back, and high-flow catalytic converters.
- Sound Levels: Available in various loudness levels to suit your preference.
Tuning and ECU Reflash
For the most significant power gains from your 2020 Ford Explorer ST performance parts, an engine tune or ECU (Engine Control Unit) reflash is often the key. These modifications reprogram the engine's computer to optimize fuel delivery, ignition timing, and boost pressure for enhanced performance. A professionally developed tune can unlock the full potential of your ST, often working in synergy with other hardware upgrades like intakes and exhausts.
There are two main approaches: handheld tuners that allow you to load pre-made maps, and custom tuning where a professional calibrator adjusts the software specifically for your vehicle and its modifications. Custom tuning generally offers the best results but requires more expertise and potentially dyno time.
- Benefits: Significant horsepower and torque increases, improved throttle mapping, optimized for other performance modifications.
- Options: Handheld tuners, custom ECU remapping, piggyback systems.
- Important Note: Always use reputable tuners and consider the impact on engine longevity and emissions.
Refining the Drive
While the 2020 Ford Explorer ST boasts a sport-tuned suspension from the factory, there are numerous 2020 Ford Explorer ST performance parts that can further elevate its handling characteristics, making it more agile and confidence-inspiring on twisty roads.
Performance Suspension Components
Upgrading your suspension is a direct path to a more engaging driving experience. This can include lowering springs, performance shocks and struts, or even a full coilover system. Lowering springs reduce the vehicle's center of gravity, which minimizes body roll during cornering.
Performance shocks and struts are designed to work with these springs, providing better damping control and a firmer ride.
Coilover systems offer the most adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune ride height, spring preload, and damping settings. This level of customization is ideal for those who want to dial in their suspension for specific driving conditions, from daily driving to track use.
- Benefits: Reduced body roll, sharper steering response, improved cornering stability, customizable ride height.
- Components: Lowering springs, performance shocks/struts, sway bars, control arms, coilovers.
- Ride Quality: Be prepared for a firmer ride compared to stock.
Upgraded Sway Bars
Sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars, are crucial in controlling body roll. The factory sway bars on SUVs are often tuned for comfort, but performance-oriented sway bars are thicker and more robust. Upgrading to stiffer, larger diameter sway bars significantly reduces the tendency for the vehicle to lean in corners, keeping the tires flatter on the road and improving grip.
This is a relatively simple yet highly effective upgrade for enhancing the cornering capabilities of your 2020 Ford Explorer ST. You can often upgrade just the front, just the rear, or both for a balanced approach.
- Benefits: Significantly reduced body roll, improved cornering performance, enhanced stability.
- Types: Front and rear sway bar upgrades.
- Synergy: Works best in conjunction with other suspension modifications.
Performance Tires
While not strictly an "engine" part, performance tires are arguably the most critical 2020 Ford Explorer ST performance parts for translating power and handling into actual grip. Upgrading from the factory all-season tires to performance-oriented summer or ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires can dramatically improve acceleration, braking, and cornering capabilities.
These tires typically feature stickier rubber compounds and more aggressive tread patterns that maximize contact with the road. It's essential to choose tires that match your driving style and the conditions you typically encounter.
- Benefits: Enhanced grip in dry and wet conditions, shorter braking distances, improved cornering speeds.
- Tire Types: Summer performance, UHP, all-season performance.
- Size Considerations: Ensure compatibility with your wheel size and vehicle specifications.
Stopping Power and Safety
As you increase the power and speed of your 2020 Ford Explorer ST, it's paramount to ensure you have the stopping power to match. Investing in performance brake 2020 Ford Explorer ST performance parts is not just about performance; it's a critical safety enhancement.
Performance Brake Pads
The simplest and most cost-effective brake upgrade involves replacing the factory brake pads with performance-oriented ones. These pads are formulated with materials that offer a higher coefficient of friction, providing stronger initial bite and better resistance to brake fade under heavy use. This is crucial for spirited driving or towing where brakes are subjected to more stress.
When choosing performance pads, consider the intended use. Some are designed for daily driving with occasional spirited use, while others are geared towards track days and extreme conditions. Ensure they are compatible with your existing brake system.
- Benefits: Improved stopping power, reduced brake fade, longer pad life under demanding conditions.
- Material Types: Ceramic, semi-metallic, organic.
- Application: Daily driving, performance street, track use.
Brake Rotor Upgrades
Performance brake rotors go hand-in-hand with performance pads. Slotted or drilled rotors are designed to help dissipate heat more effectively and clear away brake dust and gases from the rotor surface. This improved heat management is vital for preventing brake fade and maintaining consistent stopping performance, especially during prolonged braking events.
Slotted rotors are generally preferred for street use as they offer good performance without the potential for increased pad wear associated with drilled rotors. Drilled rotors are typically reserved for extreme track applications.
- Benefits: Improved heat dissipation, reduced brake fade, better wet weather braking performance.
- Types: Slotted, drilled, or a combination.
- Material: High-quality cast iron is standard.
Big Brake Kits
For those who demand the absolute best in braking performance, a big brake kit is the ultimate upgrade. These kits typically include larger diameter rotors, multi-piston calipers (often 4-piston or 6-piston), and high-performance brake lines. The larger rotors provide more leverage, and the multi-piston calipers distribute clamping force more evenly and effectively.
Big brake kits offer a substantial improvement in stopping power, feel, and fade resistance, providing the confidence needed to push your 2020 Ford Explorer ST to its limits. While a significant investment, they are a worthwhile consideration for serious performance enthusiasts.
- Benefits: Superior stopping power, exceptional fade resistance, improved pedal feel.
- Components: Larger rotors, multi-piston calipers, performance brake lines, sometimes new mounting brackets.
- Cost: The most expensive brake upgrade option.
Enhancing the Experience
Beyond raw performance, 2020 Ford Explorer ST performance parts also extend to enhancing the visual appeal and interior comfort of your SUV, making it a more personalized and enjoyable space.
Custom Wheels and Tires
Swapping out the factory wheels for aftermarket ones is one of the most popular ways to change the look of any vehicle. Performance-oriented wheels are often lighter, which can also contribute to improved handling by reducing unsprung weight. They come in a vast array of styles, finishes, and sizes, allowing for a truly personalized aesthetic.
Pairing these wheels with the right performance tires, as discussed earlier, creates a synergistic effect for both looks and function. The right wheel and tire combination can dramatically alter the stance and presence of your 2020 Ford Explorer ST.
- Benefits: Personalized aesthetics, potential for reduced weight, wider tire fitment options.
- Materials: Alloy (various types), forged.
- Size: Ensure proper fitment and consider the impact on speedometer readings.
Performance Interior Upgrades
The interior of the 2020 Ford Explorer ST is already well-appointed, but performance-focused interior parts can further enhance the driver's experience. This could include sportier floor mats, upgraded pedals, or even a performance steering wheel. These upgrades can add a touch of sportiness and improve tactile feedback.
For those who prioritize a more aggressive driving position, racing-style seats might be an option, though this is a more significant modification. For most, subtle interior enhancements can make a big difference in the overall feel of the cabin.
- Benefits: Enhanced driver ergonomics, personalized cabin aesthetic, improved tactile feedback.
- Examples: Performance steering wheels, upgraded pedal sets, custom shift knobs, sportier floor mats.
- Functionality: Prioritize comfort and control for the driver.
Conclusion
The 2020 Ford Explorer ST is a formidable SUV that offers a great starting point for performance enthusiasts. By strategically selecting and installing the right 2020 Ford Explorer ST performance parts, you can unlock its full potential, transforming it into a vehicle that excels in power, handling, and driver engagement. From breathing easier with a cold air intake to commanding stops with a big brake kit, each upgrade contributes to a more exhilarating and personalized driving experience.
Remember to always prioritize quality parts from reputable manufacturers and consider how each modification works in harmony with others to achieve your desired outcome.
Whether you're aiming for track-day dominance, spirited weekend drives, or simply want to inject more excitement into your daily commute, the world of 2020 Ford Explorer ST performance parts offers a pathway to achieving your automotive dreams. Dive in, research your options, and get ready to experience your 2020 Ford Explorer ST like never before!