ZFG RACING CUSTOM TUNE PART NUMBER 2020-Explo-3.0-CT
Looking for a Ford Explorer ST Performance Tune or Drive Mode Specific DMS Tune?
ZFG RACING offers fully custom, all-in-one engine & transmission calibrations for the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 3.0L Ford Explorer. For 3.0L EcoBoost Custom Tuning, choose between a single tuning goal (Standard Tune) or a Drive Mode Specific (DMS Tune), with tune-only gains ranging from 50 to 170 WHP, depending on your fuel type and tuning goals.
Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, our remote tuning for Explorer ST is tailored to your vehicle's setup, driving style, and desired outcome. Engine and transmission tuning are always included - no hidden fees, no compromises.
Tuning Goals
When you choose a tuning goal, you're also choosing your Tune Style
- Single Tuning Goal: Applies the same goal across all drive modes. Each mode keeps its stock personality — Sport Mode remains the most responsive, Eco Mode stays the most relaxed — with refinements based on your chosen goal.
- DMS (Drive Mode Specific): Lets you assign different tuning goals to each drive mode, creating varied power delivery and driving characteristics at the turn of a dial. For this tune type, you’ll select goals for each mode after purchase.
Need more information? Let us know how we can help! See our FAQ or contact Sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com
Tuning Device & Remote Access
Get the ZFG Racing HP Tuners RTD package (Remote Tuning Device) for a seamless, laptop-free tuning experience. HP Tuners is the company who manufacturers the tools ZFG Racing uses to send custom tunes to your vehicle. These devices let you flash your car’s computer with performance upgrades remotely.
You'll use the TDN (Tune Delivery Network) App to manage tuning:
- Flash between stock and custom tunes
- Send and receive tune files
- Record and share data logs
- Read and clear DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)
... all from your mobile device.
Fuel Type Options:
Choose your fuel type based on availability and goals. You can always revert to your stock tune, which supports any pump gas. See "Fuel Type" section for options, gains, and recommendations.
Engine (ECM) and Transmission (TCM):
Custom tunes are written to calibrate your Engine & Transmission in harmony with your selected tuning goal(s), modifications, and preferences.
Device & Licensing Included
All Tuning Packages include the latest-generation RTD from HP Tuners. Use the TDN App to manage your tunes wirelessly-- switch tunes or back to stock, record data logs, read or clear codes, and more with just a few taps. For more information on device compatibility and licensing, please see our FAQ.
Important Notes:
- E85 Tunes - Please read the "Fuel Type" section carefully
- Your device will not arrive with a pre-loaded tune. ZFG Custom Tunes require a series of revisions and data logs before completion.
- After purchase, please follow instructions for getting started in the "Next Steps" email. These instructions are also found in our Quick Start Guide.
- Most tunes are completed within two weeks of submitting your Stock Calibration and first tune request.
- Tune requests must be submitted on our website (See:Tuning Central). These requests are required - we will not send a tune, review a data log, or take any other action on your tune until the proper request has been submitted.
- Custom tuning files and services are non-refundable and non-transferable! Tunes are vehicle-specific and cannot be reused or reassigned.
2020-2024 Ford Explorer 3.0L EcoBoost Custom Tune
Stage 1 Package
Important Emissions Compliance
Reasonable Basis - Emissions Testing Verified to have no adverse effect on emissions.
ZFG Racing LLC Reasonable Basis File Number: RBF-001
Products within this category, to the best of ZFG’s knowledge and understanding, demonstrate a reasonable basis that they do not adversely affect vehicle emissions and retain the full operation and functionality of the On-Board Diagnostic System (OBD) Emissions Related Items, and will continue to satisfy emissions requirements, such as meeting standards within useful life or maintaining emissions performance outside useful life. Such labeling does not indicate products are 50 state legal. Consumers are advised to make sure that such parts are installed and used properly in order to maintain compliance with emissions standards.
Reasonable Basis testing under the guidance of SMEA Garage Emissions Compliance for reasonable basis often coincides with CARB EO pending. Additional documentation available upon request.
Tune Purchase Options
Tuning Package:
Includes one custom tune, the latest-generation RTD from HP Tuners, and 4 Credits for licensing. Perfect for new customers who need the device and credits to begin tuning.
For more details on HP Tuners devices and licensing, please see our FAQ.Tune Only:
Does not include a device or credits.
Intended for customers who already own a compatible HP Tuners device.
Need credits? You can purchase them for your existing device at this link.Additional Tune:
For existing ZFG Racing customers who want a tune written for an additional fuel type or tuning goal.
Please note: You must submit a Tune Request to receive your Additional Tune.Looking for an MPVI?
You can purchase a tune only and add your MPVI + credits separately at this link.Fuel Type
Auto Octane: Automatically adjusts to the fuel you use; offers maximum flexibility (supports 87-93 and e30).
- Best for: Relaxed driving and commuting; Areas with limited availability of mid-grade or premium fuel.
- Tune-Only Gains: Max gains on 93 octane. Marginal gains expected on 91, and mild gains expected on 87.
- Note: Functional refinements and improvements from tuning still apply on standard / mid-grade fuel, but will not necessarily result in a measurable increase in power.
91+ Octane: Self-adjusts to maximize gains of 91 or greater octane fuel (supports 91-93 and e30).
- Best for: Relaxed and spirited driving; Areas with limited availability of premium fuel.
Tune-Only Gains: Max gains when running 93; Gains when running 91 are approximately 15% less.
93+ Octane: Accepts 93 octane fuel or e30.
- Best for: Performance-oriented goals, towing, spirited driving; Areas with consistent availability of premium fuel.
- Tune-Only Gains: Max gains of all pump gas tunes.
e50: Accepts fuel with an ethanol content of 40-60%
- Best for: Performance-oriented goals, maximum gains and competitive use; Areas with consistent availability of e85. Note: This fuel type is compatible with the stock fuel system.
- Tune-Only Gains: Varies by platform; greater than gains on pump gas by 15%+.
e85: Accepts fuel with an ethanol content of 70-90%
- Best for: Casual or spirited driving; Areas with consistent availability of e85 that testes between 70-90%.
- Tune-Only Gains: Varies by platform, fuel system & modifications. See note, below.
- Note: Requires proper capacity fuel system to match the maximum airflow potential for your setup. If the fuel system is not properly sized, ethanol content may need to be reduced to match the maximum potential of your setup.
Tune Type
STANDARD TUNES provide a traditional custom tune that calibrates the vehicle according to one tuning goal: Daily Driver, Performance, Race, or Tow.
- Tuning goals for Standard Tunes are made at time of purchase.
- Towing should only be done on the stock tune or with a Towing Tune (always in Tow Mode).
DMS TUNES provide a unique custom tune that individually calibrates each drive mode (Normal, Sport, Eco, Slippery, Deep, and Tow). DMS is like having multiple Standard Tunes at once, and allows you to switch tuning goals by turning the dial.
- Options for drive mode calibrations are: Stock, Daily Driver, Performance, or Race.
- DMS mode/goal selections are made post-purchase.
- A Towing Tune will be placed in Tow Mode for all DMS Tunes.
- Tuning goals per mode are selected post-purchase.
Example DMS Tune Layout:
• Normal Mode = Performance Tune for 91+ Octane
• Eco Mode = Stock Tune for 91+ Octane
• Sport Mode = Race Tune for 91+ Octane
• Slippery Mode = Stock Tune for 91+ Octane
• Deep Sand/Snow Mode = Daily Driver Tune for 91+ Octane
• Trail Mode = Stock Tune for 91+ Octane
• Tow Mode = TOW Tune for 91+ Octane
Tuning Goal(s)
Note:
- DMS Tunes: Tuning Goals are selected post-purchase, in your first Tune Request.
- Standard Tunes: Tuning Goal is selected at time of purchase.
Think of your Tuning Goal as the foundation or starting point of your custom tune. Each goal influences power output, throttle response, transmission behavior, and overall driving feel differently.
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Tow - Slight horsepower increase, optimized for towing and low-end torque.
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Stock+ (DMS Tunes only) - The factory tune will remain in the selected drive mode.
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Daily Driver - Moderate horsepower increase; Refines stock ECU and Transmission behavior for balanced performance and comfort.
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Performance - Significant horsepower increase; enhance aftermarket modifications, improves throttle response, and delivers faster, firmer shifts.
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Race - Max horsepower increase; aggressive tuning for advanced mods or competitive use with the fastest, and firmest shift strategies.
How does DMS work?
The Drive Mode Specific (DMS) Tune allows you to select different Tuning Goals for each drive mode. One fuel type is shared across the entire tune. Here’s an example DMS layout for reference:
Drive Mode
TUNING GOAL
FUEL TYPE
NORMAL
Performance
93 Octane
ECO (Conserve)
Daily Drive
93 Octane
SPORT (Excite)
Race
93 Octane
SLIPPERY
Stock
93 Octane
DEEP SAND/SNOW
Daily Driver
93 Octane
TRAIL
Race
93 Octane
TOW
TOW
93 Octane
Here are the available goals:
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STOCK is the stock tune (no changes made).
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DAILY DRIVER focuses on refined drivability, perfect for daily commutes and casual driving. It delivers smoother throttle response and consistent shift behavior, making your vehicle feel more responsive without being aggressive.
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PERFORMANCE is the "Goldilocks" goal - just right for spirited driving and daily use. You'll feel a significant boost in power, sharper throttle response, and firmer shifts that support the transmission under more aggressive driving conditions.
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RACE goals are for performance-first setups. From the fastest, firmest shifts possible to more aggressive timing, all aspects of a Race goal are refined to extract and support maximum power.
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TOW is the only option for Tow Mode. It enhances low-end torque and is designed to improve stability, throttle control, and drivability when towing.
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How to get your Additional Tune
After purchase, please submit a Tune Request (for Additional Tune).
- We do not send any tunes unless a Tune Request is submitted first.
- Syncing or reading new files is not required for this request - we will base your additional tune off of your existing completed tune(s).
- You'll receive an email with data logging instructions once your new tune is ready to apply.
Getting an e50 (or higher) tune?
As a best practice, we recommend flashing your e50 tune at the pump before adding ethanol.
While flashing issues are very uncommon and typically temporary, this approach minimizes the chance of any flashing-related interruptions.
After the tune is successfully flashed and ethanol has been added, drive a minimum of 15 miles before going into boost. This ensures the fuel is fully mixed and clear of the previous fuel type.
