pelotonracer2's build

Bought my Iconic silver '21 Explorer ST a couple weeks ago and already have 2,600 miles on the odometer. Had the dealer remove the roof bars.

I have already purchased and installed an AFE in box filter and a cute little "Ecobeast" badge for the rear, ordered a Borla Atak exhaust system (because this vehicle is way too quiet), H&R springs to reduce the wheel gap a bit and I'm in line for a back ordered Whipple intercooler. I'm working with Palm Beach Dyno using an HP Tuner RTD (I will switch to a UCal handheld unit when they come off back order). I'm starting with 93 octane and E50 maps. Ordered an Escort Redline 360c radar detector.

I also ordered gloss black 22x10.5 +30 deep concave Forgestar F14 wheels with 305/35R-22 MPSS tires which should be here in 4-5 weeks.

Since this will be my daily driver, I'm not going to go too crazy with the Explorer. I have a 725bhp (672whp/670wt) C7 Z06 convertible to satisfy my need for speed. After the above modifications, I will probably stop with a HPFP and a remap (to run straight E85) with the Whipple intercooler and possibly get an intake if and when they become available (as long as they improve power).

Just curious, why are you going from HP Tuner RTD to UCal? Isn't that a downgrade? If the UCal is the Livernois device, I don't know if the options available are the same. For instance, displaying gear all the time is something that HP Tuner can do but not Livernois.

I've just heard it's easier to use and does not require a laptop in the car for datalogging and upload of maps. It has on screen prompts. I'm used to Cobb Accessport on my Fiesta ST and you can do everything "on screen" and no laptop is needed. The RTD confuses me. lol. The UCal is made by HP Tuner and sold by PBD. I was told by them the maps generated are the same since they are both HP Tuner products.

Interesting. The device looks identical to the Livernois device which if you go to their website, are trying to get tuners to use. You definitely can datalog with it as a standalone. But I'd say, if it is a Livernois device, they haven't figured out how to display gears all the time. I'd ask about that because to me, that's a huge feature and something I really miss.

https://www.livernoismotorsports.com/mycalibrator-touch

I'll ask today when I do my upload. I'm having issues with the RTD. I'm sure it's probably "user error".

Can you expand a bit on the displaying of gears? Are you talking about displaying the gears as you are driving? I'm new to using HP Tuner stuff. The instructions on how to use the RTD are pretty vague.

Looking good man and your on the way to some nice mods. I don’t have a tuner but I believe that’s what he is talking about your gear that your currently in will be displayed in the middle of the tac

Usually when you are using automatic shifting, it'll display "D". HP Tuners platform can display D1, D2, D3... etc. all the time. Normally, you only see the gear when manual shifting-- or when you blip the gear paddles up or down, but only lasting a few seconds. Of course, if UCal is only the device that datalogs and flashes tune files, maybe that capability is still there even though UCal is not HP Tuners hardware.

Ahhh yes, I got you. Just like the differences in transmission tuning between the different companies (hence 5 Star, ZFG and PBD) do some different things, I'm wondering if the features are dependent on what the different tuning companies incorporate into their maps. PBD has told me there is no difference in the actual maps and tuning between the RTD and UCal because they are both using the same tuning interface. So when you DL the maps, that's all built in. It's possible that Livernois is using different maps and interface. PBD uses the HP Tuner interface so if it's available on the RTD, it should not change anything using the UCal. I hope so anyways.

Right now I'm having an issue getting my RTD to read my vehicle. I registered and synched it. However, it's not reading my ECM. No VIN comes up, nothing. How I miss my Cobb Accessport. Those are so easy a 5 year old could change maps and do datalogging.

Thanks.

I have mine tuned through PBD using the uCal and it does display which gear you're in at all times.

I feel a bit envious for people who bought this platform back in late 2019 and during 2020. There are no parts available now, EVERYTHING is either backordered, or if there are parts available, no one stocks parts and it's all "drop shipping" from the manufacturer or businesses OR some companies no longer supporting the platform.

I bought the Explorer ST thinking I could have some fun with it, but the wait time for parts is ridiculous. I understand due to covid that things have changed, but almost every single aftermarket company selling parts for this platform DO NOT tell you that the parts they advertise are on back order until after you pay for them. I personally think this is a really shady, unethical business practice. Then once they have your money, they just tell you everyone is waiting on parts and to be patient. Wish I knew that before I dumped a ton of money on this vehicle. I buy vehicles pretty much to modify them and make them my own. It's a hobby. Unfortunately this platform has been a flippin nightmare.

I got impatient with waiting for Borla ATAK exhaust system with chrome tips for almost a month (that I was not made aware that was on back order until after my credit card was charged) and was told the Borla S-Type with black chrome tips was available. So I had them send that instead. Drop shipped from PA. It was delivered today, but it's not an ST exhaust system, it's for a 2.3L Explorer Limited.

I just can't win.

Messages and emails have no been returned.

I've owned this SUV for a month and a half and despite dropping a cool $5,000 on aftermarket parts, the only parts I have in hand are an AFE air filter and an HP Tuners RTD (which I really do not like). Granted, I have $3,500 wrapped up in wheels and tires and that's a 4-6 week wait (and I was told that upfront). I'm having buyers remorse. LOL

It was either the Explorer ST for it's sleeper potential, or a BMW M2 Competition. All that car needs is wheels and a tune and it's super exclusive. Almost wish I went that route.

Not uncommon for a new platform. Mfg’s test the waters with small runs of parts and if they are popular you wind up waiting if you missed the boat. Add on COVID and shipping slow downs and it’s all a waiting game. I’ve had thousands tied up in brake parts for a couple of months that are just starting to ship and I’ve waiting months for even OEM parts. It’s worth the wait though.

I get that. Just wish distributors selling goods and services for this platform communicated this instead of just taking your money. Communication is great on the selling end, not so much after they have your money. I've been told all sorts of things the last 6 weeks, that "parts will ship next week", and then nothing. No new updates, nothing.

I ran an aftermarket type business for 16 years (personal watercraft industry). Communication is paramount, especially after you've taken customers money. It doesn't take much to keep me happy. I realize many distributors are at the mercy of the manufacturers, but if you are going to advertise parts for sale you should tell your customer they are on back order first to give them a chance to change their minds before taking their money. I guess I should have done better research...

I shouldn't be the one calling manufacturers to get answers on when parts will start shipping to distributors. If a distributor is told a part will be drop shipping in a week and that doesn't happen, shouldn't the distributor reach out to the customer with an update? Guess my expectations are too high. I don't mind waiting as long as there is communication.

Kinney's Custom 2.5" exhaust system. Not mandrel bent, but the bends are minimal and it sounds really really good, and zero drone.

Has anyone actually tried with any success (not just doing the math on paper) if 305/40-22s will work on 22x10.5 +30 wheels (lowered and non lowered Explorer ST)? While I have a set of Forgestar F14s on order that will be paired up with 305/35-22 Michelin Pilot Super Sports , I'm getting a second set of wheels (Velgan VF5) also in 22x10.5 +30 and want to know if 305/40-22s will work without rubbing.

I want to use them when I'm doing a lot of highway driving so I don't wear out the Michelin MPSS's too quickly since they are so expensive. I want to mainly run the 40 series tire on the stock suspension, but would also like to use them once I'm lowered, which to be honest, might be a few months according to H&R and Steeda. In the Velgan picture gallery, they have a Star white Explorer ST (I'm guessing it's been lowered) with The Perelli Scorpions in 305/40-22. I just want to fill up the wheel wells a little, especially at stock heigth.

I'm basically looking for feedback from people who have actually tried the 305/40-22s on a 22x10.5" wheel and +30 offset (which is the go to choice).

Yes, that tire will rub slightly on a +30 wheel with a drop. +35 pulled them in just enough to not rub.

Thanks. What about stock height? Think it will work?

The only people I’ve seen for sure do it were all dropped.

22x10.5 +30 matte black Velgen VF5 wheels.

That wheel gap though, damn... I hate it.

Got some Steeda lowering springs in today and will have those and the rear away bar installed next week, but still waiting on H&R because they look better.

Here are some photos of the prototype Velgen VF5 wheels (gunmetal) for the Explorer ST.