Critics have loved it, owners have loved it, and enthusiasts aren't shy in praising the Ford EcoBoost line of turbocharged gas engines. The F-150's 3.5-liter V6 is no different. It has enough power to handle a variety of tasks, and with a twin turbocharger setup, it has virtually everything you'd expect from an engine of this caliber.
But how well does it sound? Because the thing is, it's a stock unit at the end of the day - and not a glorious V8. To make it sound better you're going to need to install an aftermarket exhaust, which is what we're helping you with today. Here's a list of some formidable exhausts on the market to help you choose the best sounding exhaust for Ford F-150 EcoBoost.
MBRP S5248AL 4" Cat Back, Single Side, EcoBoost Exhaust System (Aluminized Steel)
2015-2019 F-150 Cat Back Side Exit Exhaust System ROUSH 421985
aFe 49-43041-P MACH Force XP 4" Cat-Back Exhaust System with 6" Polished Tip for 2011-2013 Ford F-150 EcoBoost V6-3.5L (TT)
BORLA 140616 ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System (Single side exit)
Flowmaster 717785 Compatible with Ford F-150 Exhaust System Cat-Back 409S-FlowFX Kit-DOSS-Moderate/Aggressive Sound
Advertised Power Increase
Choosing an exhaust system based entirely on its sound might be a heavy task but with really good choices on the market, it's hardly a problem. The MBRP Ford F150 exhaust is a great option if you're looking for a loud exhaust.
Bolt-on, uses original hangers
Compatible with 2011 - 2014 Ford F-150 trucks, the MBRP exhaust is a cat-back unit, which means you wouldn't need too many hands or too much time for installation. It's a bolt-on unit, fits on to the factory hangers, and comes with the required clamps. This exhaust, made from aluminized steel, is backed by a 3-year warranty and has been dyno-proven already (to reaffirm that your truck isn't a lab rat).
Now the most important question: How does it sound? MBRP says it's got an aggressive exhaust tone - a point you'd find hard to disbelieve as shown in the video below. So this is loud, yes, but it's loud both outside and in the cabin, especially if you have got a heavy foot.
It's well-made and sounds loud as well. But it's a V6 engine at the end of the day, so you must know where its positives are - but it won't sound like a V8 if that's what you're after. Also, since the exhaust is loud under acceleration (both outside and inside), it might become irritating for whoever you're driving. But if you're up for it, and need a solid and loud exhaust replacement for the F-150, the MBRP unit needs to be considered.
2015-2019 F-150 Cat Back Side Exit Exhaust System ROUSH 421985
- Fits 2015-2020 F150 5.0L, 3.5L Ti-VCT, 3.5L Ecoboost (non-Raptor), or 2.7L Ecoboost engines - ALL cab and bed configurations
- Increased air flow and less back pressure to help reach the truck's full potential in horsepower and torque
- Chrome flashed T-304 stainless side-exit tips with ROUSH logo
- 3.0" diameter muffler & inlet/outlet pipes; Made from high grade mandrel-bent stainless steel
- Hardware, instructions and 3-year warranty included with purchase
The Roush Cat-Back F150 Ecoboost exhaust isn't for the faint-hearted. It's got a flavorsome sound to it, which works really well during cold starts and acceleration runs. It's a cat-back type, has 3-inch piping in the system, and is compatible with the newer Ford F-150 EcoBoost trucks - the ones made with the model years 2015 - 2020.
The system is backed by a 3-year limited warranty and the installation is said to be easy. All the required hardware is included and it uses the factory hanger locations. Its components are made from high-quality 304 stainless steel, and the exhaust setup is supposed to make the truck perform optimally. If you hear it once, you'd find it difficult to stay away from the gas pedal, because the Roush exhaust has so much character.
A well-made unit, the Roush exhaust is also not cheap. Like any aggressive exhaust system, the Roush exhaust for Ford F-150 EcoBoost also comes with the inherent issue of being a touch too loud in the cabin. This can be a problem, especially on long highway drives, because while it might not be on full, the increased noise might become a concern.
Like the other two mentioned above, aFe Power is also a well-known brand when it comes to after-market parts. The aFe's F-150 Ecoboost exhaust, the Mach Force-XP Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System, not only offers an increase in sound but it also promises a power increase of up to 32 hp and 29 lb-ft.
Available in various materials/types of exhaust tips, the model here comes with a polished tip. It's got a 4-inch mandrel-bent stainless steel piping across the system, OE-style clamps, and a 304 stainless steel exhaust tip. aFe Power maintains that the system is compatible with the 2011 - 2014 Ford F-150 EcoBoost trucks, and with the following wheelbases: 145-inch, 157-inch, and 163-inch. It's a cat-back-style exhaust and utilizes the factory hanger locations for installation. Depending on the wheelbase, you might need to shorten the connecting tube.
Straight-through, free-flow
It is a straight-through, free-flow exhaust, which means the sound is, like the other two mentioned above, on the loud side. It's deep and settles when cruising, but one tap at the gas pedal and you're likely to experience a healthy dose of cabin noise.
The aFe Power is the only unit on our list that comes with an advertised power increase. That's a clear positive, and its stainless steel construction lends it a deep note - also a good plus point. But like other loud exhausts, keep in mind that it's not drone-free in the cabin.
Borla's line of exhausts is simple: you get the Touring for everyday use, the S-Type for something more serious, and the ATAK for the no-holds-barred loudness. If you look closely at the video by Borla below, you'll notice how the ATAK produces a deep, satisfying rumble. It starts off smoothly but then attains its characteristic note.
The exhaust system is made for the newer Ford F-150 EcoBoost trucks made with the model years 2015 - 2019. It comes with a 4-inch tip diameter, and a 3-inch into 2.5-inch piping in the system. Made of T-304 stainless steel, the exhaust is backed by Borla's million-mile warranty and has a single-split rear exit. Both 145-inch standard bed and crew-cab, short-bed configurations are compatible, and with an adapter system, the exhaust can also be fitted to the longer 157-inch wheelbase model.
In terms of overall noise, it's hard to beat the Borla. The ATAK F150 EcoBoost exhaust is loud, and the manufacturer claims that it's drone-free as well. But it's quite an aggressive raspy sound, so if you're ready to live with that, the Borla won't disappoint.
Designed to produce a sound that's moderate to aggressive, the Flowmaster FlowFX F150 exhaust is a unique system. That's largely down to the location of the exhaust exit: right ahead of the rear passenger wheel. It lends a very different look to the Ford F-150.
The four-inch black-ceramic stainless steel tips add to the look are connected to the system's 2.5-inch tailpipe piping; the inlet tubing is of 3-inch diameter. All of these are mandrel-bent stainless steel components. It uses the factory hanger locations and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
In terms of sound, it's marketed as an aggressive exhaust and it delivers in the way it sounds. The interior is relatively less noisy in comparison to the other but like all loud exhausts, your ears will either love it or hate it. It's compatible with 2015 - 2019 Ford F-150 EcoBoost trucks.
This system looks like a good choice for aggressive sounding machines. And has a unique look to it, too. Flowmaster mentions that the throttle response sees an improvement in comparison to the stock exhausts.
Tip Before You Buy: Check the Legal Stuff and How to Get a Good Fit
Everyone wants to make their truck sound better because the stock sound leaves a lot to be desired. But before going further please check with the seller if the system you're interested in will come with legal implications. That's because a lot of manufacturers don't make it clear if the system requires a CARB certification and is ready for public road use. Certain exhaust makers also suggest you install the exhaust and run it for a while and then re-tighten it. This is only for the first time but needs to be remembered so you'll get a good fit.
Final thoughts on the best exhaust for Ford F-150 EcoBoost
Of the choices that we have here, all sound aggressive and come with some sort of interior intrusion (in terms of noise). The Flowmaster FlowFX mentions the interior noise is moderate while the exterior is aggressive. The is clearly the choice who don't want any stone unturned in the way their truck sounds. The exhaust, according to Borla, doesn't require a CARB certification, but will certainly need earplugs if you're standing next to it. Best of luck, pedestrians. The is the only exhaust that comes with a power and torque increase promise, along with its really noticeable tone. The and the also take the cake for being loud, with the Roush priced here and the MBRP lower, but both suffer from some droning.
