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Three-Inch Sound That Transforms Every Drive in Your 2020 or Newer Ford Explorer ST
The Thermal R&D B917-C917-C is a 3-inch cat-back exhaust system built for the 2020 and newer Ford Explorer ST. Using full 3-inch T304 stainless steel mandrel-bent tubing from the catalytic converter outlets to the black ceramic coated quad tips, the B917-C917-C replaces the restrictive factory system to deliver a deeper, more authoritative exhaust note without highway drone. True Helmholtz Technology is engineered into the B917-C917-C to cancel the resonant frequencies that cause drone at cruising speeds. The system mounts to all OEM hanger locations and mates to the factory catalytic converters with no cutting, welding, or modifications required. Black ceramic coated quad tips are positioned to fit cleanly within the factory Explorer ST rear valance. The B917-C917-C is manufactured in Lancaster, California and backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty to the original vehicle owner, non-transferable, and not covering commercial or racing use.
Key Features
- 3-Inch T304 Stainless Steel Tubing - Larger diameter than stock for measurably improved exhaust flow and deeper tone on the Explorer ST 3.0L EcoBoost
- Black Ceramic Coated Quad Tips - Four ceramic coated angle-cut tips sized and positioned to fit the OEM Explorer ST rear valance without modification
- True Helmholtz Technology - Cancels highway drone while preserving an aggressive exhaust note during acceleration
- All OEM Hanger Locations Used - True bolt-on installation with no cutting or welding
- Mounts to Factory Catalytic Converters - Emissions equipment is fully preserved, no check engine light
- Made in Lancaster, California, USA - Every B917-C917-C is manufactured in-house by Thermal R&D
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Part Number | B917-C917-C |
| UPC | Contact us for UPC |
| Brand | Thermal R&D (Thermal Research and Development) |
| System Type | Cat-Back Exhaust |
| Pipe Diameter | 3 inch throughout |
| Material | T304 stainless steel, mandrel bent |
| Tip Style | Quad angle cut, black ceramic coated |
| Drone Elimination | True Helmholtz Technology |
| Mounting | OEM catalytic converter outlets, OEM hangers |
| Installation | Bolt-on, no cutting or welding required |
| Country of Manufacture | USA (Lancaster, California) |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime to original vehicle owner (non-transferable) |
| Note | Does not cover commercial or racing use |
What's Included
- Complete 3-inch cat-back exhaust system with black ceramic coated quad tips
- All mounting clamps, hangers, and hardware for complete bolt-on installation
- Thermal R&D B917-C917-C installation instructions
Fitment
| Year Range | Make | Model | Trim | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2025 | Ford | Explorer | ST | B917-C917-C direct fit; 3.0L EcoBoost; mounts to OEM catalytic converters; black coated quad tips |
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: Does the B917-C917-C fit my 2022 Ford Explorer ST?
A: Yes. The B917-C917-C is a direct fit for all 2020-2025 Ford Explorer ST 3.0L EcoBoost models. -
Q: Will this cause a check engine light on my Explorer ST?
A: No. The B917-C917-C connects from the OEM catalytic converter outlets back. The catalytic converters and downpipes are not altered, so no check engine light results from a proper installation. -
Q: Does the B917-C917-C drone at highway speeds?
A: No. True Helmholtz Technology is built into the B917-C917-C specifically to cancel the resonant frequencies that cause drone during highway cruising. -
Q: What is the difference between the B917-C917-C and the B917-C917?
A: The B917-C917-C has black ceramic coated quad tips while the B917-C917 has polished stainless quad tips. The pipe construction and sound character are otherwise identical. -
Q: Do the black coated tips fit within the factory Explorer ST rear bumper without modification?
A: Yes. The quad tips on the B917-C917-C are sized and positioned to fit cleanly within the OEM Explorer ST rear valance without any bumper modification. -
Q: Does installation of the B917-C917-C require cutting or welding?
A: No. The B917-C917-C uses all OEM hanger locations and all hardware is included. No cutting or welding is required. -
Q: Where is the Thermal R&D B917-C917-C manufactured?
A: The B917-C917-C is manufactured in Lancaster, California by Thermal R&D. -
Q: What warranty does the B917-C917-C carry?
A: A Limited Lifetime Warranty to the original vehicle owner, non-transferable. Does not cover commercial or racing use. -
Q: How loud is the 3-inch B917-C917-C compared to the 2.5-inch Explorer ST exhaust?
A: The 3-inch system is noticeably louder and more aggressive sounding than the 2.5-inch system. Both systems use True Helmholtz Technology and are drone-free at highway speeds.
Installation Instructions
Apply penetrating fluid to factory exhaust clamps and isolator bushings before beginning. Starting at the rear, unclip the hanger isolators and work forward toward the catalytic converter outlets. Disconnect the stock cat-back at the OEM cat outlet clamps and remove in sections. Install the B917-C917-C beginning at the catalytic converter outlets, leaving all clamps loose. Route the system rearward onto the OEM hanger rods, adjusting the black coated quad tips for symmetry within the Explorer ST rear valance before torquing all clamps. Start the vehicle and inspect all connection points for exhaust leaks. No cutting, welding, or drilling is required.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
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