Though not without issues, the first turbocharged generation of Ford’s (and America’s) best-selling truck, the F-150, equipped with the 3.5-liter Ecoboost six-cylinder engine, stole sales from Ford’s own V8-equipped trucks, as well as rival brands yet to implement all the advantages of turbocharging. Packing 365hp and 420lb-ft of torque from the twin-turbo layout, the engine and truck produce more power than the bigger powerplants, while sipping much less fuel. 0-60 times, instant throttle and in gear acceleration, and a surge of torque mean the Ecoboost was the engine to get if balanced power and efficiency were at the top of your buying list.
Mid-life models can be equipped with a ton of accessories to further boost power output. For the 2014 model year, accessories like fully-appointed exhausts for 2014 F-150 Ecoboost help with optimized airflow, engine efficiency and durability, all contributing to substantial real-world benefits. While factory parts were adequate for daily driving, they robbed the engine of its full potential. An unwelcome compromise, considering the tech and work put into the turbocharged mill.
Why the Stock Exhaust Doesn’t Cut it in the F-150?
Cost-cutting and regulatory measures like mediocre materials, complicated layouts and new emissions standards meant exhausts faced several challenges. The narrow tubing snaked its way in the engine and undercarriage in multiple turns, reducing exhaust flow, and creating bottlenecks. This choked the engine of its next breath. Parts in thin-walled mild steel also suffered from high heat, impact and water exposure, leading to rupturing and rust, further obstructing airflow. Thankfully, aftermarket manufacturers saw their niche, and soon supplied the country’s best-selling vehicle with an exhaust equally matched to engine.
Reasons to Upgrade
Substantial Increase in Power and Torque
Performance exhausts for the F-150 are designed with power as the main priority. This is derived from straighter and wider piping, fewer restrictions and superior designs with high-gauge and heat-treated stainless steel opening the gates for considerable power gains. Aftermarket systems are made using advanced production methods like mandrel bending to ensure pipe uniformity, and optimized airflow from the manifold to the tips. With reduced backpressure, improved exhaust velocity and parts that draw spent gases out of the combustion chamber faster (or exhaust scavenging), the engine can extend its powerband for increased torque. Power comes on earlier, with no hesitation in the turbos, and extends to higher redlines. Estimates for full systems are 35-odd horsepower in the regular F-150, and close to 50hp in the Raptor fitted with the tuned Ecoboost engine.
Better Sound
Sound is the sister of speed, and just as important as power. The improved layouts amplify the exhaust note from the relatively tame whisper to an audible, deep growl befitting of a truck this size. Mind, F-150 owners can also customize the exhaust note to their own liking with different muffler, resonator and tailpipe combos, as well as proprietary sound tech to accentuate engine roar at defined speeds and RPMs. To reduce drone in tired trucks, and hear more of the exhaust, limit outside noises and disturbances with professionally-installed soundproofing kits based around mass loaded vinyl.
Durability
Mandrel-bent stainless and aluminized steel are the entry point to performance exhausts. The materials have higher tensile strength than the mild steel seen in factory units, cope with higher pressure and temperatures that come with more power, and are inherently rust-resistant. They’re also lighter, meaning substantial weight savings. For even higher strength and durability, high-end exhausts for 2014 F-150 Ecoboost in specialized alloys like Inconel, or high-grade titanium alloys withstand the stresses of extreme engine tuning. The only downsides are the high price and need for a professional fit.
Lower Fuel Use
The 3.5-liter Ecoboost was already designed with fuel savings in mind. But the improved designs of aftermarket exhausts take this up a notch. With lower engine stress and no airflow restrictions, the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to reach the same power output. And this reduces fuel use. A welcome change from the thirstier V8s, especially during hauling and towing.
Customization Options
Owners of the 2014 F-150 Ecoboost can also mix and match different exhaust parts to achieve different goals. Downpipes, extractors, straight pipes, cat deletes and chambered or straight-through mufflers are just a few choices that improve airflow and power, change sound profiles or reduce emissions and can be combined in a bolt-on layout to existing or new parts. This opens considerable customization options.
What to Look for in Your Next 2014 Ford F150 Ecoboost Exhaust
- Configurations or exhaust “completes” – pre-assembled systems take out the guesswork in delivering the best gains. Axle-back systems have new parts from the rear axle to the tips, with improved mufflers and better sound the main priority. Cat-back variants add wider mid-pipes for better flow and power gains, while full turbo-back exhausts have revised downpipes for better turbo spooling and the highest power gains. All are priced accordingly.
- Materials – high-grade stainless steel is the best value option for performance and durability without going overboard with prices. If money isn’t an issue, also look to carbon fiber in the tips (for head-turning appeal) and lighter, engineered alloys for the rest of the piping in tuned engines.
- Sizing – pipe widths directly impacts airflow. Standard options are 3″ and 3.5″ for the turbocharged F-150.
- Installation – ensure kits and parts are supplied with high quality mounting hardware to prevent vibrations and droning. And consider a professional installation if fitting bespoke parts proves too much of a DIY project.
