Page 5 - Ford

When manufacturers launch their new vehicle platforms, like the Bronco's highly anticipated return, it's often linked with the flagship engine option that makes it the "true version" of that vehicle. A second, much more budget-friendly powerplant option is often available but carries the stigma of being an imposter. When it comes to the Bronco, though, this couldn't be further from the case. 

The 2.3L EcoBoost nestled under the hood might be two cylinders and one turbo short of the highfalutin 2.7L twin-turbo V6, but this buff four-banger was already good enough to dominate the mid-sized truck market by being the only engine option for the Ranger. The 270 horsepower and mighty 309 ft/lbs of torque matched with the mind-bending off-roading capabilities make this iteration

As every enthusiast grows, so do their vehicles of choice. Naturally, this calls for a compromise, where speed and 0-60 times give way to practicality and MPG ratings. Luckily, Ford knew many of us enthusiasts weren't ready to compromise just yet and delivered the perfect middle ground in the form of an Explorer brandishing the ST badge. This Explorer might seem like a compromise, but it still grows with you.

The same can be said for the blow-by produced by the 3.0L EcoBoost. The ST trimmed Explorers might be a new addition to Ford's lineup, but the more miles they soak up, the more of the murky stuff that makes its way back through the intake tract. Case in point, our collections. In the case of the Explorer ST, we had the opportunity to collect blow-by after our typical 1000-mile preliminary test period, as well as after 2300 miles.

Ford's latest iteration of the Bronco is designed for the high road. Ford sidelined its purpose-built off-road machine for quite some time but wanted to ensure that the return of such a legendary model would tackle the wilderness with ease and better than the stiff competition. Ford put mountains of thought and engineering into the modern Broncos to earn the true meaning of G.O.A.T. mode. Even after the extended time spent engineering the Bronco's return, a few aspects could leave the Bronco in the dust, precisely when it comes to the intercooling system. Lucky for you, though, we're already on the case to ensure that your 2.3L or 2.7L's charged air temperatures are properly managed for true off-road domination.

Before we dive into our grand intercooler scheme, though, it's always a vital

In a world of drive-anywhere, tow-anything machines, the Ford Raptor sits atop the throne of capable off-roaders. Yes, some of this truck's utility might have been sacrificed in the name of adventure, but there aren't many complaints. The performance off-road suspension and howling 3.5L EcoBoost under the hood allow the Raptor to bound over sand dunes and tower over most water crossings right out of the dealer's lot, so what could make this machine more formidable? Well, a snorkel from Borne Off-Road, for starters.

A looming off-roader with a snorkel typically elicits visions of a truck digging through water up to its wing mirrors while triumphantly emerging out the other side, wearing the pungent mud like a badge of honor. Yes, a snorkel is what makes this possible, but only with the other necessary preparations made. First, every other part of your induction system needs to be properly sealed

Twenty-five years ago, Ford sent its Bronco moniker out to pasture. America's demand shifted from capable off-roaders to monstrous SUVs leaving Ford's purpose-built trailblazer in the dust. The Bronco has returned from the wild, however, and it's more capable than ever, sporting Ford's rock-solid 2.7L EcoBoost and a sprawling repertoire of Overlanding goodies. This feral machine might roll off the line with the equipment to tackle the wilderness, but that 2.7L Ecoboost is still carrying the same chronic illness that plagues every internal combustion engine - blow-by.

Blow-by, for those unfamiliar, is the unfortunate side effect of the internal combustion process. In short, when the fuel and air mixture ignites, combustion gasses are generated and are mostly evacuated when the exhaust valves open and ushered out by the piston. However, some gasses make their way around the piston rings and pressurize the crankcase. Breathers are incorporated into modern engine design to manage this pressure,

Even spontaneity requires a bit of planning. These impromptu adventures that the 2019+ Ford Ranger is designed for need at least an ounce of pre-thought before taking the hard turn to a dirt path. The addition of a snorkel to your truck negates some of the preparation needed for your treks, but the snorkel still needs careful preparation.

In our last post, we covered our design plans and preparation, and now, well, let's just say we love it when a plan comes together. Our snorkel has arrived, and it's ready to raise the elevation of your 2.3L's air induction.

Before we take a look at the snorkel on the truck, though, let's look at the kit itself and what makes it tough enough to wear the Bourne Off-Road badge, starting with the construction material.

No matter how rugged

After ten years, it's not much of a surprise that the 3.5L EcoBoost is still sitting at the top of the F-150 food chain. These trucks pack gobs of power with plenty of potential for more right off of the factory floor. But, with big power comes big responsibility, and it's crucial to solidify your twin-turbo V6 to reach maximum potential. We've already overhauled the F-150's intake - now it's time to wrap up the inlet pipes.

Designing intake components is always a delicate balance between fit and function. On the one hand, we want to engineer these inlet pipes for maximum flow. But, on the other hand, they still need to fit in the truck. With this in mind, our engineer, Ye, reached an equilibrium thanks to the use of rotational molded construction. This method gives Ye more freedom in the design phase when snaking our new inlet pipes through the intricacies of the Raptor's engine bay.

Spirited driving is now a family affair in a Ford. Ford needed a new herald for the ST badge since exiling their small car lineup to Europe and Australia. So, why not turn one of America's most popular SUVs into a performance machine? Thus, the Explorer ST was born. A 3-row monument to practicality now fitted with a heavy-hitting 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost, hunkered down suspension, and bolstered sport seats. From the factory, the Explorer ST already boasts enough grunt to shove you and the kids back in your seats, but we reckon there are more ponies to squeeze out, particularly through the intercooling system.

Ever since Ford brought the EcoBoost engines to life in the early 2010s, enthusiasts have been on a quest for more boost. The downside to added boost pressure, however, is that it

It's been months of training for our athlete of an F-150. Our regimen for our Raptor's proverbial controlled breathing exercises has come to fruition. Now, though, it's race day, and It's time to see if our deep dive into the V6 Ecoboost respiratory system and subsequent renovations paid off.

First, let's check out the new intake design in its final form. As promised in our last post our intake kit is fully rotomolded. We kept the material consistent for a smooth airflow through the system from the airbox to the turbo inlets. This construction not only aids in a smoother flow but is much less prone to soaking with engine bay heat for lower intake

The news of the departing Ford hatchbacks left a hole in many enthusiast's hearts. For us here in the States, that means no more compact speed demons, finished with bulging bucket seats and manual gearboxes. The balance of power and practicality bearing the blue oval is gone. Or is it?

Enter the Explorer ST. Ford didn't delete the ST line. They just matured it a bit and crammed the essence of a hot hatchback into a full-sized, family-friendly SUV. It's a combination that shouldn't work, but the 400 hp and surprisingly nimble handling is sure to fill the void left by the hot-hatches departure.

No matter the vehicle segment, however, any and all internal combustion engines suffer from the same nasty side-effect - blow-by, Explorer ST included. To put it simply, blow-by is when oil