A How-To on F-150 Exhaust Systems: Why Going Aftermarket Matters

 

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More cylinders in an engine usually means you get a more reliable powerplant and that has been the case, especially with V6 and V8 engines. The latter, 4-cylinder per bank configuration, can be found in the F-150 as well as a supercharged one. The F-150 certainly is in no lack of power no matter the number of cylinders it's working with.

It can pull like a diesel without the added headaches that come with it while it looks as aggressive as a pick-up truck can get. You get all the latest infotainment features which makes the F-150 feel more than just a rugged truck made for the trade.

Why Get an Aftermarket F-150 Exhaust


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Options

Often known as custom exhausts, aftermarket exhaust systems are available in more variations than you can get your F-150 in. That's thanks to the availability of components and the way they can be implemented in different setups. This way you get to tune your new 2014 F150 EcoBoost exhaust so that it doesn't skimp on performance as well as in the filtering of emissions.

Cost-Effective

Not only is an aftermarket exhaust more fitting of an option when it comes to improving upon the stock system, but it can also be a more cost-effective solution. You can spend as much as you want and get the most out of it but remember if you go for a performance 2014 Ford F150 EcoBoost exhaust you will definitely spend a lot more than you expect.

Performance

Aftermarket exhausts for 2014 F-150 EcoBoost engines can help increase the number of HP said engines are working with as well as acceleration times. All that comes in alongside better exhaust scavenging as well as a more satisfying exhaust note.

Types of Exhausts


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Axle-Back

The simplest exhaust you can get is an axle-back system which is essentially a handful of components that are able to replace everything from the rear axle to the tailpipe(s). Axle-back exhausts are the most affordable too but they won't make a big difference when compared to a stock system.

Cat-Back

A fair bit better than an axle-back system, a cat-back 2014 Ford F150 EcoBoost exhaust is the most popular aftermarket system since it's quite a sweet spot of a solution. Why so? Mainly because it replaces components from the catalytic converter onwards, which means you get reasonable improvements in performance at a reasonable price tag. 

Header-Back

If you want a more serious solution on your hands or rather your F-150, you should consider going for a header-back system. This is a complete 2014 F150 EcoBoost exhaust from head to toe or manifold to tailpipe which makes for even greater performance figures but it does cost quite a bit more than a cat-back exhaust. 

Turbo-Back

The most comprehensive exhaust you can get is a turbo-back one which, as you'd expect replaces the whole exhaust as well as the turbocharger. If you have the supercharged 5.2-liter F-150, this won't make sense, but with any other engine, you'll be in for a treat. A turbo-back system can completely change the way your F-150 behaves both on and off the road, you just need to spend a small fortune and quite some time on it.


What to Look For in an Exhaust

Bends

There are two types of bends an aftermarket exhaust can have and the one type your new exhaust should have is one with mandrel bends. Mandrel-bent exhausts are able to provide a more seamless exhaust flow which makes engine fumes and gasses pass through a lot easier. Crush-bent exhausts are to be avoided no matter how much more affordable they are as they are more restrictive.

Materials

There are 4 types of materials a 2014 Ford F150 EcoBoost exhaust can come made of and the most affordable and avoidable ones is mild steel. This type of material is not even used for stock systems anymore. Aluminised steel is second in line and it's a lot better of an option since it lasts longer but that's about it. Stainless steel exhausts for 2014 F-150 EcoBoost are the ones to go for since they are stronger and lighter than aluminised ones and last much longer too. A titanium exhaust is the best when it comes to strength, weight savings, heat resistance and corrosion resistance but it costs the most.

Thickness

The thickness of any of the 4 materials affects not only the longevity of the system but also its ability to take care of annoying frequencies. The thicker the material, the more impact resistant it is and the better it's at reducing exhaust drone.

Diameter

With a larger diameter exhaust piping, you get to hear more of your engine's true sound but also improve exhaust flow. Remember though not to go too big as this can prevent the exhaust from having even backpressure which can make engine fumes go back from where they came from. For every 100HP an inch of diameter is the secret formula.

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