Ford Explorer Exhaust System Tips

The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular SUVs of all time. Between 1992 and 2001, it was one of the best-selling vehicles on the planet. While sales have tapered off in the last decade, the Explorer is still a great SUV with a lot of solid truck qualities.

The Explorer was available with a few different engine choices since the year 2000:

• The 4.0L V6 is very common. With good low-end torque, this engine has some performance enhancement opportunities.
• The 5.0L V8 was available on some AWD models in the late 90’s and early 2000’s.
• The 4.6L V8, one of Ford’s most popular engines, was also available in the Explorer. Because the 4.6L was also used in the F150 and the Mustang, there are a lot of performance accessories for this engine.
• Like the F150 and the Mustang, there were a couple of different 4.6L engines used. Since the difference was mostly in the valvetrain, it doesn’t impact the exhaust system.

Because of the Explorer’s body-on-frame construction and powerful V8 engine choices, it’s a popular off-road vehicle and work-ready SUV. A lot of Explorer V8 owners use their SUV to pull a boat, ATVs, motorcycles, etc. Adding an after-market cat-back exhaust system is a great way to boost towing and off-road performance.

One other point about the Explorer that’s worth mentioning: Ford purposefully restricted the exhaust system on the Explorer to make it as quiet as possible. When Ford marketed the Explorer, they were trying to compete with car-based SUVs that were more refined. As a result, the factory exhaust on an Explorer is more restrictive than the exhaust on a Ranger, F150, or Mustang (despite the fact these vehicles may share the same exact engine).

Here are some well-known Explorer exhaust system manufacturers:

• Banks
• Borla
• Flowmaster
• Gibson
• Heartthrob
• Magnaflow
• MBRP

Because so many Explorer owners use their SUVs to tow, it’s important to think about the differences between a dual side exit exhaust and a dual rear exit exhaust. Side exits keep the hot exhaust gases away from whatever you’re pulling, an obvious benefit.

Explorer Exhaust System Recommendations

1. 4.6L V8 owners should consider a full performance kit. Because the 4.6L is shared by the Mustang and the F150, there are a few manufacturers that offer power programmers, air intakes, and exhaust kits for the 4.6 that are all tuned to one another. Often times, adding all these parts has a multiplying effect that can really boost performance.

2. After-market exhaust kits aren’t always about power. While adding a new Flowmaster cat-back system will definitely boost horsepower and throttle response, a lot of Explorer owners experience improved fuel economy when they upgrade the restrictive factory exhaust.