Lucas Bell 
Ford may have upset some fans when they killed off the aftermarket-friendly Focus and Fiesta ST models, but that hasn’t stopped the aftermarket from getting to work on the latest crop of ST products. Whipple Superchargers have just announced their new Mega Cooler upgrade for the 3.0L EcoBoost-powered Ford Explorer ST.
The Mega Cooler upgrade from Whipple Superchargers is a redesigned intercooler that guarantees to help pick up some added performance from the Ford Explorer ST. Keeping intake temperatures down is vital for maintaining consistent power in a turbocharged motor, which is why Whipple has completely redesigned the factory intercooler. The Mega Cooler intercooler features 214% more volume and 259% more projected frontal area than the factory unit, but thanks to its bar and plate design, it fits into the factory packaging. During their dyno testing, Whipple saw temperatures decrease by a whopping 70 degrees, with real world gains being even higher.
While in the past it may have seemed like overkill to upgrade the intercooler on an Explorer, the performance-oriented ST model is a brawny SUV. That 3.0L EcoBoost engine produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to propel the SUV from zero to 60 in just 5.2 seconds. Stay in the power, and the Explorer ST will rip off the quarter mile in 13.8 sec at 101 mph, per Car and Driver’s testing.
If you own an Explorer ST and don’t want to see those figures drop off as you have a spirited drive, the Mega Cooler upgrade could be right for you. That said, this $1,095 piece of hardware is really aimed at buyers who are planning on making much bigger power than what the factory provides. You can click the link here to head over to Whipple Superchargers’ website for purchasing information regarding the Mega Cooler kit.
