The Explorer ST Engine Build Begins!

[ZFGracing]

Well here you have it! The first sets of production connecting rods have made it to ZFGR. I'm not going to lie to you guys, these have been a thorn in my side for years! We started the "built engine" project in 2021, and fit the first 3d printed prototype connecting rod in September of 2021. However, due to covid and the company moving it's production facility they were not able to deliver on their design. After being strung along by 2 more companies we landed at Saenz Preperformance. There were able to design and produce a connecting rod for us in a little over 6 months and have been great to work with. Early next week these bad boys are off to machine shop with our custom spec Wiseco piston. At ZFGR we have put a lot of time, effort and money into continuing to develop this planform, and we will continue to have projects in the works as the platform progresses!

 

[JTwizzST]

Are you able to discuss the piston specs or were they custom made for your build?

Eager to see how this turns out!!!!

 

[WFO-TSi]

@ZFGracing you posted the below picture back in October 2021. Has a go-to vender been identified for head porting since then?

Also, I've been rocking a E50 and 93P ZFG tune (depending on where I'm driving) since month 1 of ownership. Thanks for everything you do for this platform!

 

[ZFGracing]

@ZFGracing you posted the below picture back in October 2021. Has a go-to vender been identified for head porting since then?

Also, I've been rocking a E50 and 93P ZFG tune (depending on where I'm driving) since month 1 of ownership. Thanks for everything you do for this platform!




View attachment 22276

I don't want to do any head porting yet. I think the porting that has been done in the past has been in effective/hurt the performance. I am looking into what can be done on the exhaust manifold side though, I have a pretty good plane there.

 

[MacandCheeseST]

Sick!!! Internals - yes please!!

 

[MacandCheeseST]

If y’all need another Guinea pig for internal testing - send some my way!!! Lol!

 

[JTwizzST]

Are you guys going to keep the deck the way it is and just upgrade the hardware and head gaskets?

 

[ZFGracing]

Are you guys going to keep the deck the way it is and just upgrade the hardware and head gaskets?

We will use oem head gaskets.

Sent from my SM-S928U1 using Tapatalk

 

[Suprawill1]

At what power levels do you think these should be introduced? As far as what's been talked about, these blocks have been pretty stout. I think you mentioned that the only part you were really worried about were the bearings which were susceptible to launches with low oil levels.