FENFABrication 2020+ Ford Explorer ST OEM Charge Pipe

[DSGR]

We bought a 2026 ST. I thought I'd install a UPR catch can, the FeFab charge pipe, and the FenFab ECM backing plate/cover. The charge pipe doesn't fit; it's too long by about an inch. It could also be 1" less in diameter, but because it was too long as well, it put a lot of pressure on the tube from the turbo on the driver side. Brett asked for photos and I sent several. This was his response: "There’s not fit next issue, you have 25+ explorer which requires out adapter to install it properly." If it's too long, the adapter is useless. I've restored cars for many years and am well educated. I know if it's too long or not - it's not rocket science. The rubber connector to the throttle bottle will only allow the end of the charge pipe to go inside but so far. The connector has two recessed areas with steel rings. I was able to get one of the steel rings off and it simply would not go in far enough, (even with the steel ring removed) due to the shape of the connector. Brett is allowing me to return it for a refund with a 25% restocking fee and I have to pay the shipping. I'd like a photo of him inserting that charge pipe into the connector to the throttle body on a 2026 ST or send me one that he cut an inch shorter. It should then fit along with the adapter he mentions. At least the ECM backing plate/cover fit perfectly. This was my first and last order with FenFab. Anyone know of another company who makes the charge pipe? Does the FeFab charge pipe make any difference in the air flow to the throttle body? Lesson learned.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

The adapter is a connector basically so it really doesn’t add any length. I’ve never heard of fitment problems with the charge pipe. I have one myself and it fit just fine. You really have to work with the connectors to get it to fit nicely as they are pretty snug. The connectors have to be past the bead by a good amount. Also, what do you mean “pressure on the turbo.” The cold side charge pipe goes from the intercooler to the throttle body?

 

[DSGR]

The adapter is a connector basically so it really doesn’t add any length. I’ve never heard of fitment problems with the charge pipe. I have one myself and it fit just fine. You really have to work with the connectors to get it to fit nicely as they are pretty snug. The connectors have to be past the bead by a good amount. Also, what do you mean “pressure on the turbo.” The cold side charge pipe goes from the intercooler to the throttle body?

I've not seen anything under the hood on a 2025 or older. We have a 2026 and it doesn't fit. The charge pipe is too long. The FenFab charge pipe replaces #12. When I was doing a test fit, it was putting a lot of pressure on #16. In fact, so much pressure, if I loosened the clamp at the air cleaner, the pressure would begin to pull the end of #16 off. The second photo below is the rubber connector on the throttle body. The FenFab charge pipe will not go beyond the first steel ring. There are two indentations in the rubber connector on the throttle body as well. This is where the steel rings are located. I had the FenFab charge pipe in as far as it would go. When I was trying to insert the other end of the charge pipe into the supplied rubber connector from FenFab, there was about an inch of distance to the left (first photo), meaning that the FenFab charge pipe was an inch too long. Brett suggested using a thin coat of a lubricant on the end of the charge pipe to get it inserted into the rubber connector on the throttle body, but that would have made no difference - I had it inserted as far as it would go. As a note, on our 2026 ST, the end of the charge pipe #12, where it attaches to #13, has a rubber ring inside the end, about 1 1/2 inches, and the entire end on the inside was coated with white grease.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

#12 in the diagram isn’t the cold side charge pipe, that’s the snorkel for the intake. You’re putting the charge pipe in the wrong place, you’re trying to use it as the snorkel.

 

[DSGR]

#12 in the diagram isn’t the cold side charge pipe, that’s the snorkel for the intake. You’re putting the charge pipe in the wrong place, you’re trying to use it as the snorkel.

Nope. I reviewed an installation video of this part in an earlier model ST and it fits fine. Mine is a 2026. I was born at night, but not last night.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Nope. I reviewed an installation video of this part in an earlier model ST and it fits fine. Mine is a 2026. I was born at night, but not last night.

Ok, well you were referring to the wrong part on the diagram so I assumed you were putting it in the wrong place.

 

[DSGR]

#12 in the diagram isn’t the cold side charge pipe, that’s the snorkel for the intake. You’re putting the charge pipe in the wrong place, you’re trying to use it as the snorkel.

I did not.

 

[DSGR]

The adapter is a connector basically so it really doesn’t add any length. I’ve never heard of fitment problems with the charge pipe. I have one myself and it fit just fine. You really have to work with the connectors to get it to fit nicely as they are pretty snug. The connectors have to be past the bead by a good amount. Also, what do you mean “pressure on the turbo.” The cold side charge pipe goes from the intercooler to the throttle body?

I have a 2026 and it absolutely will not fit. Now, Brett tells me after I told him it didn't fit, that I need a different adapter for the intercooler tube. If that's the case, why didn't he just say so to begin with. He said to put some lubricant on the end where it inserts into the rubber connector at the throttle body. His charge tube will not insert beyond the first recessed area with the steel ring around it. Second, that recessed area of the throttle body connector with the steel ring is much smaller than the diameter of the Fenfab charge tube. I even removed the connector at the throttle body, managed to get the steel ring off, and the Fenfab charge tube would still not fit. If someone got it to fit on their 2026 ST, I would love to see it inserted into the OE rubber connector attached to the throttle body. I also read where this connector would need to be replaced on some models when an aluminum pipe is used. Those rubber connectors are straight with a 45 degree angle at the throttle body because of the OE part restrictions . Had this been the case as with some other brands, it would have fit perfectly. I sent another email to Brett and he thinks his part fits perfectly along with the newly suggested intercooler pipe connector, after-the-fact. I have worked in automotive OE Ford parts for years and have completed restorations for 53 years. I know freakin' well when a part fits or not.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I have a 2026 and it absolutely will not fit. Now, Brett tells me after I told him it didn't fit, that I need a different adapter for the intercooler tube. If that's the case, why didn't he just say so to begin with. He said to put some lubricant on the end where it inserts into the rubber connector at the throttle body. His charge tube will not insert beyond the first recessed area with the steel ring around it. Second, that recessed area of the throttle body connector with the steel ring is much smaller than the diameter of the Fenfab charge tube. I even removed the connector at the throttle body, managed to get the steel ring off, and the Fenfab charge tube would still not fit. If someone got it to fit on their 2026 ST, I would love to see it inserted into the OE rubber connector attached to the throttle body. I also read where this connector would need to be replaced on some models when an aluminum pipe is used. Those rubber connectors are straight with a 45 degree angle at the throttle body because of the OE part restrictions . Had this been the case as with some other brands, it would have fit perfectly. I sent another email to Brett and he thinks his part fits perfectly along with the newly suggested intercooler pipe connector, after-the-fact. I have worked in automotive OE Ford parts for years and have completed restorations for 53 years. I know freakin' well when a part fits or not.

Fenfab only offers one adapter so i don’t know whether your confused or he didn’t explain fully. Maybe it would help if you post pictures.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I did not.

Well then you’re referring to the wrong part on the diagram.

 

[DSGR]

Fenfab only offers one adapter so i don’t know whether your confused or he didn’t explain fully. Maybe it would help if you post pictures.

No, I'm not confused. I appreciate your thoughts. Bottom line is that it didn't fit. And no, he alludes to there are two adapters. One of them was included with the pipe along with two clamps. Then he tells me that I needed another one for the 2026 model. The charge pipe was too long. Look at the pictures above. The small one is showing how much it's too long, about an inch of offset in the photo. The picture below it is the rubber connector that only allows it to be inserted but so far because of the recesses or corrugations with the steel rings. I've asked him to send me photos of his charge pipe installed on a 2026 year model. You and Brett both must think I'm an absolute idiot.

 

[DSGR]

You see here are two steel rings around two recessed or corrugated areas plus the clamp on the connector to the throttle body. The Fenfab pipe will not go beyond the first steel ring. On the other end, it's about 1" too long from being able to properly insert it into the Fenfab supplied connector. I made some calls today and there was a consensus that the Fenfab charge pipe could've been made a tad too long or there was an issue with the rubber connector on the throttle body. They knew exactly what I was trying to convey with this issue. They also mentioned it could've been a slight change on the 2026 YM. Another company was willing to work with me to ensure the proper fit and to make sure there were no manufacturer issues. That's significantly more than Fenfab would offer. Mine should've been as easy as it is shown in the above video from Knight's Garage.