No. An ethanol content sensor is not required for the tune to operate as intended.

However, many customers choose to install one as a convenient way to monitor ethanol content. Two available options are:

• Innovate MTX-D Complete Gauge Kit: Uses a physical gauge to display ethanol content and fuel temperature. The kit includes the gauge, ethanol sensor, and required wiring harnesses.

• Nostrum ESSIM Ultimate DIY Package: Uses an iOS or Android mobile app rather than a physical gauge. It can monitor ethanol content, fuel pressure, and fuel temperature, and includes the components needed for ethanol-content and fuel-pressure monitoring.

GPF stands for Gasoline Particulate Filter. This is a an emissions control device present on some 2026 model year Ford Explorers.

To determine whether your vehicle is equipped with a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF), please reference the emissions sticker under the hood (example below). If "GPF" is listed on the sticker, then there is a GPF on your vehicle.

Certain 2025+ Explorer ST vehicles may be equipped with a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF). While this seems to be present on *most* 2026 models, we have seen some 2026 Explorers that are NOT GPF-equipped.
To determine whether your vehicle has a GPF, please review the emissions sticker located under the hood. If "GPF" is listed on the emissions label, certain exhaust components or systems may not be compatible with your vehicle. Please see the photo below for reference.

A Complimentary Tune Update may be available when purchasing qualifying performance parts from ZFG Racing.

These updates are intended to account for newly installed hardware and ensure your existing ZFG calibration remains compatible with the vehicle's current configuration.

To request a Complimentary Tune Update:

1. Purchase the qualifying part(s) from ZFG Racing.

2. Submit a new Tune Request through Tuning Central.
→ We recommend submitting 2+ weeks in advance for major upgrades (fuel system, turbos, etc.)

3. Use the parts order number as the "new order number" for the Tune Request.

4. Upload any requested data logs so our calibration team can review the new configuration.

Depending on the modification, additional revisions and data log reviews may be required before the updated tune is marked complete.

Please note that not all modifications require tuning changes, and some modifications may require additional tuning services beyond a Complimentary Tune Update.

Certain 2025+ Explorer ST vehicles may be equipped with a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF). To determine whether your vehicle has a GPF, please review the emissions sticker located under the hood. If "GPF" is listed on the emissions label, certain exhaust components or systems may not be compatible with your vehicle.

At this time, ZFG Racing is not aware of any GPF-compatible aftermarket downpipes available for the 2025+ Explorer ST. If compatible options become available in the future, we will update our catalog accordingly.

However, some cat-back exhaust options are now becoming available for GPF-equipped vehicles. Most notably, Thermal R&D has recently released GPF-compatible exhaust systems for applicable Explorer ST models.

Yes. A Blow-Off Valve (BOV) can be installed on both 2020-2024 and 2025+ Explorer ST and Aviator 3.0L models, but the exact requirements depend on your model year and, in some cases, your intercooler and charge pipe configuration.

For most applications, a BOV requires a cold-side charge pipe with a compatible BOV flange. The flange selected must match the BOV you intend to run (such as HKS, TiAL, or TurboSmart-compatible setups).

2020-2024 Explorer ST / Aviator:
• Both factory and aftermarket intercooler configurations are generally compatible with aftermarket cold-side charge pipe upgrades.
• Simply select a charge pipe and flange configuration compatible with your desired BOV.

2025+ Explorer ST / Aviator:
• BOV compatibility depends on both the charge pipe and intercooler configuration.
• Vehicles retaining the OEM intercooler or using the CVF Direct-Fit Intercooler require an adapter when using aftermarket cold-side charge pipes.
• Vehicles utilizing a complete 2020-2024 style intercooler and charge pipe setup do NOT require an adapter.

Because fitment varies by model year and hardware combination, we recommend confirming your existing intercooler and charge pipe setup before purchasing BOV-related components.

Yes. We support aftermarket catted downpipes.

We do not support catless downpipes or catless exhaust configurations under any circumstances.

While downpipes do not always require specific tuning changes, we generally recommend installing them before completing data logs whenever possible. This allows us to review performance with the final hardware configuration installed.

No modifications are required to enjoy the benefits of custom tuning. However, for customers looking to maximize performance, we generally recommend the following upgrade path:

Intercooler
Intake
Downpipes
Transmission Upgrades
Fuel System Upgrades
Turbocharger Upgrades

The ideal modification path will vary based on your vehicle, goals, budget, and intended use. Some customers are primarily interested in reliability and consistency, while others are pursuing maximum performance.

It depends on the modification.

Some upgrades can be installed without any tuning changes, while others should be installed before tuning begins so they can be accounted for during the data logging and revision process.

As a general guideline:

✅ Typically no tune changes required:

Intercoolers
Charge pipes
Spark plugs
Most blow-off valves

⚠️ Usually best installed before tuning:

Cold air intakes
Ram air intakes
Turbo inlet tubes
Aftermarket downpipes

❗ Contact us before installing:

Upgraded turbochargers
Fuel system modifications
Other major performance upgrades

You're welcome to begin the tuning process before parts are installed. In many cases, we can process your tune request, read your stock file, and prepare your baseline tune in advance. Depending on the modification, however, we may recommend waiting to flash the tune or complete data logs until after installation.

Yes. FORScan changes and custom tuning operate independently, so changes made in one generally do not affect the other.

FORScan modifications made before tuning will remain in place, and flashing a custom tune does not overwrite or undo those changes. Likewise, making FORScan changes after tuning does not require a re-tune.

In rare cases, FORScan may report an OSID mismatch when connecting to a tuned vehicle for the first time. If this occurs, please review the troubleshooting tips provided on this page.

After completing those steps, FORScan should connect normally whether the vehicle is running a stock calibration or a custom tune.