4 Different Types of Exhaust for a Ford F-150

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 Long gone are the days of Duratec engines as Ford has been using their EcoBoost lineup for quite some time now. Although polarising amongst Ford fanatics, the new turbocharged, direct-injected powerplants are more powerful and economical than their predecessors.

The F-150 makes use of three different V6 EcoBoost engines with two being 3.5-litre and one being a 2.7-litre. The variable camshaft timing helps with a more economical use of fuel while the turbo or supercharger helps deliver the torque you need especially when towing. However, it's not all about the engine when it comes to improving performance and efficiency even with EcoBoost engines.

Types of Exhaust Systems

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Cat-Back

Replacing the whole exhaust or part of it also helps improve performance and the most common replacement in this case is a cat-back solution. This type of exhaust improvement replaces 2015 F150 EcoBoost exhaust components starting from the catalytic converter and ending at the tailpipes. This is the most common system since it's a moderate one in terms of performance, price and installation.

Turbo-Back

Since no EcoBoost engine is exempt from forced induction it's no surprise that a turbo-back exhaust makes for the most fitting replacement. Being able to replace the whole exhaust as well as the turbo allows for much greater power figures to be introduced without reducing the lifespan of the engine as long as it's done properly. You'll spend lots of time and money on a turbo-back exhaust but the results are unlike what any other 2015 F-150 EcoBoost exhaust can offer.

Header-Back

If you don't like to go over the trouble of replacing the turbo but still want a substantial exhaust upgrade, you can go for a header-back system instead. You just replace the whole exhaust leaving the turbo untouched. You still get an impressive boost in performance as well as an exhaust note without spending a small fortune or the whole day on it. 

Axle-Back

The most unnoticed exhaust replacement you can get is an axle-back solution which only replaces a handful of components as they are about two or three depending on the system. Axle-back exhausts are only a viable option if you want a different exhaust note and nothing more. On the other hand, axle-back exhausts are the most affordable and easiest to install.

Materials of Exhaust Systems

Stainless Steel

The most popular material an aftermarket 2015 F150 EcoBoost exhaust comes made of is stainless steel. That's no surprise though as stainless steel is both lightweight and impact-resistant while being extremely durable to corrosion. The only downside here is that it's more expensive than aluminised steel. 

Aluminised Steel

An exhaust made of aluminised steel is nearly as light as stainless steel and it has nearly the same level of corrosion resistance. But what aluminised steel exhausts aren't nearly as good as stainless steel exhausts for a 2015 F-150 EcoBoost is strength. Aluminised steel is less malleable and thus less durable since it can't handle high temperatures that well.

Titanium

Talking about surviving high temperatures, titanium exhausts do it best. Despite being the most expensive, titanium is the best material for exhausts in terms of strength, weight, corrosion resistance as well as appearance. Especially when exposed to heat, a titanium 2015 F-150 EcoBoost exhaust turns blue until the heat passes.

Factors that Matter

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Diameter

A new 2015 F-150 EcoBoost exhaust needs to match the diameter of your stock exhaust in order for it to be compatible. However, that is if you go for either an axle-back or cat-back exhaust. When replacing the whole system, you should look to increase the diameter as this allows for better airflow. Just make sure to not overdo it as an exhaust with piping that is too large can create lots of unwanted backpressure. To avoid this, make sure to add an inch of diameter for every 100HP. 

Bends

Exhaust systems can have either mandrel or crush bends but in truth, mandrel bends are the ones you should go for. There's a simple reason for this and that's because mandrel-bent exhausts are smooth from beginning to end and the diameter stays the same no matter how complex the system gets. That's just not the case with crush-bent exhausts.

Thickness

The material of the new exhaust should preferably be thicker than that of the stock system unless you're replacing certain components of it. Thicker exhausts for a 2015 F-150 EcoBoost are more durable as they can survive heavier impacts and also reduce annoying frequencies in the form of drone.

Midpipe

The part that helps even out exhaust pressure is known as the midpipe. This is where the two or more pipes meet either in the shape of an “H” or “X'. While an H-pipe configuration is not bad, it definitely isn't as good as an X-pipe configuration. Why? The seamless merging of the latter allows for a smoother flow of gasses and one that lets them escape much quicker too.