Is the 304A High-Output Engine Really Worth $6k?

Discussion Forum
1

Checking out 2024 Limited Expeditions and deciding between the 303A and the 304A package. The HO engine on the 304A adds 40 extra horsepower and some better internals (from what I’ve read), but it comes at a $6,000 premium.

For those who went with the 304A, what made you choose it? Was it worth the price?

2

I drove both back-to-back, and the HO engine with the 304A felt much smoother overall, especially the transmission. I ended up getting the Stealth Performance, and I’m really happy with it. Thought I’d hate the big screens, but they’re actually really nice. Only downside is I miss the physical HVAC buttons.

3

@Zhi
Same here, the larger screen has really grown on me.

4

You can buy a ProCal tuner from Ford for around $850, which bumps power up to 450 HP and 510 torque. They’re essentially the same engine, so it’s an option if you want more power without the 304A upgrade.

5

@Yan
I have a tuned Explorer ST that’s around 450hp with 93 octane, which is one reason I’m curious about the HO version on the Expedition. For something this pricey, though, I’d avoid tuning it until after the warranty is up, if at all.

Is the ProCal tuner warranty-backed by Ford, or is it third-party?

6

@Yan
But you won’t get the red brakes if you go with a tune instead of the 304A.

7

Ariel said:
@Yan
But you won’t get the red brakes if you go with a tune instead of the 304A.

And you’ll miss out on that classic brake rattle, too!

8

We didn’t originally plan to get the 304A, but after delays, the dealer offered us $18k off MSRP for the 304A. I thought I’d hate the big 15" screen, but I love it now. Very happy with the truck!

9

Kim said:
We didn’t originally plan to get the 304A, but after delays, the dealer offered us $18k off MSRP for the 304A. I thought I’d hate the big 15" screen, but I love it now. Very happy with the truck!

What year and when did you buy?

10

@Uma
It’s a 2024, bought it the last week of August.

11

I have the Timberline with the HO engine. It definitely felt faster than the non-HO versions I test drove, though I don’t know if it’s $6k faster. Still, I’d probably get it again.

12

Mai said:
I have the Timberline with the HO engine. It definitely felt faster than the non-HO versions I test drove, though I don’t know if it’s $6k faster. Still, I’d probably get it again.

Hard to compare if they’re running on 87 octane. My tuned Explorer ST is probably close to the HO numbers.

13

@Uma
I run 87 in the Timberline, but I bet it’d have a bit more kick on 93.

14

Mai said:
@Uma
I run 87 in the Timberline, but I bet it’d have a bit more kick on 93.

Definitely. The engine adjusts timing and boost based on fuel octane.

15

Test drove both and went with the non-HO Stealth package. Couldn’t feel a $6k difference between them, especially since a tune could add power if needed. I do miss the torque from my Explorer ST, though. The Expedition’s smooth, but even in Sport mode, it doesn’t launch the same. That said, the speedometer proves it’s moving, even if it doesn’t feel like it.

16

No competition — the 304A with the HO engine is on another level. Those better turbos hold high revs easily and accelerate quicker. Good luck hitting 0-60 in 4.9 seconds without the HO engine!