• Sign Up! To view all forums and unlock additional cool features

    Welcome to the #1 Explorer ST Forum and Explorer ST community dedicated to Explorer ST owners and enthusiasts. Register for an account, it's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Explorer ST Forum today!


Which set of Downpipes?

OP
FLHRXS
Messages
55
Reactions
31
Points
7
Location
Arizona
Vehicle
2023 Ford Explorer ST
Thread Starter #21
FenFab says no defoulers in their downpipes.
 

Messages
52
Reactions
99
Points
17
Location
South Florida
Vehicle
'21 Exp ST
#23
FenFab says no defoulers in their downpipes.
They are built-in to the pipes themselves. See this video at 8:10. That's an extension of the o2 sensor plug, which is a defouler.


Don’t need them with SPD either.
SPD will not send them with their downpipes, but if you have a CEL pop with one of their units and email them they will send you a set. For example, here is confirmation for the F-150 kits.

See post number 8:

https://www.f150ecoboost.net/threads/spd-catted-downpipes.83758/

We simply send them as a fail-safe to avoid that step.
 

UNBROKEN

4000 Post Club
Messages
4,587
Reactions
5,362
Points
352
Location
Houston, TX, USA
#24
They are built-in to the pipes themselves. See this video at 8:10. That's an extension of the o2 sensor plug, which is a defouler.




SPD will not send them with their downpipes, but if you have a CEL pop with one of their units and email them they will send you a set. For example, here is confirmation for the F-150 kits.

See post number 8:

https://www.f150ecoboost.net/threads/spd-catted-downpipes.83758/

We simply send them as a fail-safe to avoid that step.
I haven’t seen a single person pop a CEL with SPD’s. I’ve had them installed since their very first run and have never had a CEL.
 

Messages
43
Reactions
12
Points
2
Location
Dallas, TX, USA
#25
My question is how much hp would a set net?
 

TMac

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,706
Reactions
1,494
Points
262
Location
Knoxville, TN
#27
I suppose I'm going to get a bunch of blowback on this, but when @Blown F-150 posts "going to depend on the tune", he means exactly that. One thing that I've learned on this forum is that not everyone understands how various components work together. A pair of downpipes bolted on a stock ST is not going to net those kinds of horsepower.

Think about this way- if you just add a tune, on 93 with a completely stock ST, you can see around 100 extra HP. If the stock downpipes were so restrictive that just replacing them would net those kinds of HP gains, how could that be the case?

The fact is that I have no doubt that less restrictive downpipes would be worth more HP- at a certain level of tune and modifications. I have in the past suggested to do downpipes if you're adding the upgrade turbos. That's just my opinion and I'll be more than happy to see you disagree...until someone shows me actual evidence otherwise.

Most of us recognize that anyone replacing the downpipes is also replacing exhaust components, and adding a tune. And when you get into that, it's completely apples/oranges. I'd also like to point out (and I want to assure you that I have no dog in this fight), if you ever want to have a warranty claim denied on something major related to the drivetrain- replacing the cats will give you absolutely no defense in trying to get something warrantied.

I only write this for those who are just picking up info from the forum and perhaps not incredibly knowledgeable about such things. That's what the forum is about, sharing information. I'd hate to see someone (yeah, it's not likely), with the bad LH cat replace the cats with aftermarket versions expecting those types of HP gains, or God forbid having Ford reject a majorly expensive engine/trans warranty claim because of it.
 

Messages
43
Reactions
12
Points
2
Location
Dallas, TX, USA
#28
I suppose I'm going to get a bunch of blowback on this, but when @Blown F-150 posts "going to depend on the tune", he means exactly that. One thing that I've learned on this forum is that not everyone understands how various components work together. A pair of downpipes bolted on a stock ST is not going to net those kinds of horsepower.

Think about this way- if you just add a tune, on 93 with a completely stock ST, you can see around 100 extra HP. If the stock downpipes were so restrictive that just replacing them would net those kinds of HP gains, how could that be the case?

The fact is that I have no doubt that less restrictive downpipes would be worth more HP- at a certain level of tune and modifications. I have in the past suggested to do downpipes if you're adding the upgrade turbos. That's just my opinion and I'll be more than happy to see you disagree...until someone shows me actual evidence otherwise.

Most of us recognize that anyone replacing the downpipes is also replacing exhaust components, and adding a tune. And when you get into that, it's completely apples/oranges. I'd also like to point out (and I want to assure you that I have no dog in this fight), if you ever want to have a warranty claim denied on something major related to the drivetrain- replacing the cats will give you absolutely no defense in trying to get something warrantied.

I only write this for those who are just picking up info from the forum and perhaps not incredibly knowledgeable about such things. That's what the forum is about, sharing information. I'd hate to see someone (yeah, it's not likely), with the bad LH cat replace the cats with aftermarket versions expecting those types of HP gains, or God forbid having Ford reject a majorly expensive engine/trans warranty claim because of it.
First off excellent explanation, I am running e50 now and h pipe/ axle back. I am on the fence to go with the cvf dp’s and a mid pipe and cvf intercooler or cvf intercooler, afe front/ rear sways and fenfab toe links. Lol save some coin for the family with the intercooler and toe links. T-Mac what do you think wise one ? Btw as always I appreciate tour input!
 

Messages
388
Reactions
338
Points
67
Location
Calgary, AB, Canada
#29
I suppose I'm going to get a bunch of blowback on this, but when @Blown F-150 posts "going to depend on the tune", he means exactly that. One thing that I've learned on this forum is that not everyone understands how various components work together. A pair of downpipes bolted on a stock ST is not going to net those kinds of horsepower.

Think about this way- if you just add a tune, on 93 with a completely stock ST, you can see around 100 extra HP. If the stock downpipes were so restrictive that just replacing them would net those kinds of HP gains, how could that be the case?

The fact is that I have no doubt that less restrictive downpipes would be worth more HP- at a certain level of tune and modifications. I have in the past suggested to do downpipes if you're adding the upgrade turbos. That's just my opinion and I'll be more than happy to see you disagree...until someone shows me actual evidence otherwise.

Most of us recognize that anyone replacing the downpipes is also replacing exhaust components, and adding a tune. And when you get into that, it's completely apples/oranges. I'd also like to point out (and I want to assure you that I have no dog in this fight), if you ever want to have a warranty claim denied on something major related to the drivetrain- replacing the cats will give you absolutely no defense in trying to get something warrantied.

I only write this for those who are just picking up info from the forum and perhaps not incredibly knowledgeable about such things. That's what the forum is about, sharing information. I'd hate to see someone (yeah, it's not likely), with the bad LH cat replace the cats with aftermarket versions expecting those types of HP gains, or God forbid having Ford reject a majorly expensive engine/trans warranty claim because of it.
That’s a great way of laying it out [mention]TMac [/mention]


I would have to dig around for the few examples of actual before/after Dyno results for only the addition of Downpipes. Those few had intercoolers already and 93 or better (Eblend) custom tunes. I’m not sure if you would pick up a single HP with a tune like the Ford Performance tune in the way it’s built.

Others have noted a solid 2/10ths gain on 93 in the quarter which roughly aligns with the Dyno numbers posted by a few.

I certainly don’t have the data to back it up, but IMO there are some gains to be had with a less restrictive Cat, but also with a better design of the DPs. The Stockers have such a hard 80 degree bend in them, that I can’t see there not being gains there.

Anyway, I hope to do a little before and after once my DPs arrive. I think another data point would be good for the sake of argument, if nothing else.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

TMac

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,706
Reactions
1,494
Points
262
Location
Knoxville, TN
#30
First off excellent explanation, I am running e50 now and h pipe/ axle back. I am on the fence to go with the cvf dp’s and a mid pipe and cvf intercooler or cvf intercooler, afe front/ rear sways and fenfab toe links. Lol save some coin for the family with the intercooler and toe links. T-Mac what do you think wise one ? Btw as always I appreciate tour input!
I think I'd spend the money on the intercooler. If I were just going for handling, and not for lowering, I'd go for the PIU shocks and swaybars.
 

TMac

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,706
Reactions
1,494
Points
262
Location
Knoxville, TN
#31
That’s a great way of laying it out [mention]TMac [/mention]


I would have to dig around for the few examples of actual before/after Dyno results for only the addition of Downpipes. Those few had intercoolers already and 93 or better (Eblend) custom tunes. I’m not sure if you would pick up a single HP with a tune like the Ford Performance tune in the way it’s built.

Others have noted a solid 2/10ths gain on 93 in the quarter which roughly aligns with the Dyno numbers posted by a few.

I certainly don’t have the data to back it up, but IMO there are some gains to be had with a less restrictive Cat, but also with a better design of the DPs. The Stockers have such a hard 80 degree bend in them, that I can’t see there not being gains there.

Anyway, I hope to do a little before and after once my DPs arrive. I think another data point would be good for the sake of argument, if nothing else.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Like I posted, I'm sure there are gains to be had. I'm just trying to let those who don't have your expertise know that if you're taking about stock, or near stock- they aren' worth the money. I also want to warn those who aren't knowledgeable that under the "clean hands" doctrine, if you install aftermarket cats, you're probably in a worse situation than if you have an aftermarket tune. Just something for newbies to consider.
 

Messages
388
Reactions
338
Points
67
Location
Calgary, AB, Canada
#32
Like I posted, I'm sure there are gains to be had. I'm just trying to let those who don't have your expertise know that if you're taking about stock, or near stock- they aren' worth the money. I also want to warn those who aren't knowledgeable that under the "clean hands" doctrine, if you install aftermarket cats, you're probably in a worse situation than if you have an aftermarket tune. Just something for newbies to consider.
agree and something that should be pointed out for sure. The devils in the details!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

SR56

Member
U.S. Marine Veteran
Messages
41
Reactions
13
Points
2
Location
Orlando, FL
Vehicle
2022 Ford Explorer ST
#33
That’s a great way of laying it out [mention]TMac [/mention]


I would have to dig around for the few examples of actual before/after Dyno results for only the addition of Downpipes.
I gained 21 HP over stock base with Steeda IC and Whoosh downpipes, no tune or intake.

I don't think the IC adds much alone on a cold dyno run. From what I've seen from downpipes, 15-25 HP seems to be the range, but it's a limited sample size.


Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
 

TMac

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,706
Reactions
1,494
Points
262
Location
Knoxville, TN
#34
I gained 21 HP over stock base with Steeda IC and Whoosh downpipes, no tune or intake.

I don't think the IC adds much alone on a cold dyno run. From what I've seen from downpipes, 15-25 HP seems to be the range, but it's a limited sample size.


Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
Do you have dyno results to share?

I'm not trying to be a jerk, but it doesn't make a lot of sense that someone with no tune- and just an intercooler and newly minted downpipes paid a couple hundred dollars for a dyno- unless they were sponsored by a vendor. If I'm wrong, I'll be more than happy to apologize, but you'll forgive me for being just a bit skeptical.

I'd completely agree on the intercooler, there is a amount of time before it gets heatsoaked, but it's great insurance for something over a 1/8 mile pull.
 

Last edited:
OP
FLHRXS
Messages
55
Reactions
31
Points
7
Location
Arizona
Vehicle
2023 Ford Explorer ST
Thread Starter #35
Regarding SPD Downpipes- they are already the most expensive option at $1,399. If you want GESI cats instead of the “highest grade EPA approved catalytic converters” then the price goes up to $2,499.

Question 1- are the standard SPD downpipes worth more than double the cost of the whoosh, CVFab or $500 more than the FebFab downpipes?

Question 2- or answer to Q1 above is yes, then is it worth another $1,000 for GESI cats? Is there that much to be gained with GESI cats versus their standard option?
 

SR56

Member
U.S. Marine Veteran
Messages
41
Reactions
13
Points
2
Location
Orlando, FL
Vehicle
2022 Ford Explorer ST
#36
Do you have dyno results to share?

I'm not trying to be a jerk, but it doesn't make a lot of sense that someone with no tune- and just an intercooler and newly minted downpipes paid a couple hundred dollars for a dyno- unless they were sponsored by a vendor. If I'm wrong, I'll be more than happy to apologize, but you'll forgive me for being just a bit skeptical.

I'd completely agree on the intercooler, there is a amount of time before it gets heatsoaked, but it's great insurance for something over a 1/8 mile pull.
I had OStar in Orlando do a bunch of work last week, so it wasn't just a dyno run. I asked for a before and after dyno and got it. The IC and DPs were the only power enhancements. The rest was springs, sways, alignment, and toe links.

I wasn't there for the base run but was for the after. I didn't get the dyno file but I can ask for it. They were supposed to send it.

This was the before & after:

355 HP / 416 TQ
376 HP / 420 TQ

I couldn't really get a good pic or video of the screen since it's up against the wall on the passenger side.

And why the **** would I lie about 21 horses?


Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
 

TMac

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,706
Reactions
1,494
Points
262
Location
Knoxville, TN
#37
@SR56

This was the before & after:

355 HP / 416 TQ
376 HP / 420 TQ


From your post, that first number is completely stock. The second number is after downpipes and intercooler.

I'm not saying you lied about it. Take the personal stuff out of it, and try to understand my skepticism. You're the only person I've ever come across who spent hundreds of dollars to do a stock tune dyno followed by a downpipe and intercooler bolt-on dyno without bothering to install a tune. That seems a bit odd to me, but maybe you got a deal. According to your earlier post, the IC didn't make much of a difference on a cold run (I agreed with you) so your shop shows a 21 HP increase attributable to the downpipes.

But then you posted 416 lb/ft torque measured at the wheels completely stock. That would be a record dyno pull since the highest I've seen are in the 375 to 380 range. In fact, 416 is higher than Ford's crank measurements. I think you'd have to admit that 40+ lb/ft over other completely stock dyno numbers is...abnormal?. That's a unicorn ST for sure!

Unless it was tuned, or you're a shill for the vendor.

Now with intercooler and downpipes your numbers show a 420 lb/ft dyno (once again, at the wheels) I don't see actual dynos, and the RPM at which these events occurred are important, but only a 4 lb/ft difference for a 21 HP change? A 4 lb/ft torque difference at 5252 RPM would equal 4 HP exactly. And anyone who's ever looked at the stock dyno numbers knows that a stock tune is hitting max power at around that RPM. So that math doesn't seem to fly.

Nothing you have said makes me think you're not telling the truth,I even went back and looked at your previous posts. but the math and previous dyno runs aren't right unless yout hit the lottery on STs..

Have you considered your "shop" is playing some games with the numbers they gave you to make you feel good?
 

Last edited:

SR56

Member
U.S. Marine Veteran
Messages
41
Reactions
13
Points
2
Location
Orlando, FL
Vehicle
2022 Ford Explorer ST
#38
LOL No, the shop isn't playing games. No, I'm not shilling for anyone. No, I didn't pay hundreds of additional dollars for a before and after dyno. I simply asked that it be added to my work list. When a shop has a dyno, why wouldn't I? I'd like to know and document along the way what parts actually have real gains. Most people just strap a part on relying on the manufacturer claims. For myself and others doing similar mods it's useful info.

I had no idea what it would run stock. I don't think I've seen anyone else run a stock dyno, at least that I was able to find in searches. So when the final torque run after the work was done I thought it was odd to only gain 4 TQ, but the HP seemed about right from what I've seen for gains claimed by those that added DPs (and vendors).

I just went by what the tech told me at the time. I'm going to have him check and trying to get the charts. I've only had a dyno on a vehicle one other time and it was 1996 so forgive me for not getting every last detail. Again, I wasn't there for the stock run but I did see the screen for the after. I don't recall what the peak HP RPM was since I was really only thinking what the max results were.

I'm just a guy who likes data and info. Not in this for sponsors, regular track runs, or to beat my chest. My only goal is to maybe hit an 11.99 on stock turbos one day without spending a bunch of money on parts that don't do much. That, and maybe shock a guy in a fast car a 5,000 pound SUV has no business beating.

ZFG tune is in my inbox and waiting to put that on. I'll be getting another dyno after I've had the revisions. Likely on a dyno day with reduced cost, though.

Only 2,665 miles on it as of today. Might wait til 5k for the tune, might not. Being cautious since it's my first turbo and want to make sure it's broken in a little.

On the shop, I will give them kudos, though. I felt the price was reasonable and they gave me a veteran discount. The shop is veteran-owned. They do a ton of high-end import and turbo work, and have done work on Billy Bart's pretty damn fast ST. (part of why I chose them) Anyone in the Orlando area should put OStar on their short list.



Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
 

OP
FLHRXS
Messages
55
Reactions
31
Points
7
Location
Arizona
Vehicle
2023 Ford Explorer ST
Thread Starter #39
Regarding SPD Downpipes- they are already the most expensive option at $1,399. If you want GESI cats instead of the “highest grade EPA approved catalytic converters” then the price goes up to $2,499.

Question 1- are the standard SPD downpipes worth more than double the cost of the whoosh, CVFab or $500 more than the FebFab downpipes?

Question 2- or answer to Q1 above is yes, then is it worth another $1,000 for GESI cats? Is there that much to be gained with GESI cats versus their standard option?
Anyone? Buehlerr?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

TMac

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,706
Reactions
1,494
Points
262
Location
Knoxville, TN
#40
LOL No, the shop isn't playing games. No, I'm not shilling for anyone. No, I didn't pay hundreds of additional dollars for a before and after dyno. I simply asked that it be added to my work list. When a shop has a dyno, why wouldn't I? I'd like to know and document along the way what parts actually have real gains. Most people just strap a part on relying on the manufacturer claims. For myself and others doing similar mods it's useful info.

I had no idea what it would run stock. I don't think I've seen anyone else run a stock dyno, at least that I was able to find in searches. So when the final torque run after the work was done I thought it was odd to only gain 4 TQ, but the HP seemed about right from what I've seen for gains claimed by those that added DPs (and vendors).

I just went by what the tech told me at the time. I'm going to have him check and trying to get the charts. I've only had a dyno on a vehicle one other time and it was 1996 so forgive me for not getting every last detail. Again, I wasn't there for the stock run but I did see the screen for the after. I don't recall what the peak HP RPM was since I was really only thinking what the max results were.

I'm just a guy who likes data and info. Not in this for sponsors, regular track runs, or to beat my chest. My only goal is to maybe hit an 11.99 on stock turbos one day without spending a bunch of money on parts that don't do much. That, and maybe shock a guy in a fast car a 5,000 pound SUV has no business beating.

ZFG tune is in my inbox and waiting to put that on. I'll be getting another dyno after I've had the revisions. Likely on a dyno day with reduced cost, though.

Only 2,665 miles on it as of today. Might wait til 5k for the tune, might not. Being cautious since it's my first turbo and want to make sure it's broken in a little.

On the shop, I will give them kudos, though. I felt the price was reasonable and they gave me a veteran discount. The shop is veteran-owned. They do a ton of high-end import and turbo work, and have done work on Billy Bart's pretty damn fast ST. (part of why I chose them) Anyone in the Orlando area should put OStar on their short list.



Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
I have two dyno results from completely stock STs: Both on 93. One is 324HP/374 torque. The other is 332HP/378 torque. Easily found by searching this site.

I think you'd have to admit by your posted numbers though that you're 40+ lb/ft torque and 23+ more HP than the best of those. And even though you say you don't shill for a vendor, it's interesting that you changed your "avatar" to one that shows an OStar logo in the back.

If, as you say "I'm just a guy who likes data and info." then I believe you'll appreciate that those numbers might cause another "data and info" guy to be a bit skeptical.
 



Top