Ford F-150 3.5 EcoBoost Downpipe Upgrade Guide

If you’ve checked out our 5 best mods for the 3.5 EcoBoost guide, downpipes topped the list as one of the best upgrades. Downpipes are the most restrictive component of the F150’s exhaust system which means upgrading can have some significant performance and power benefits.

This guide will focus on the benefits of upgrading your downpipes, the difference between catless and high-flow catted, and the best downpipes for your F150. While this guide is more tailored towards the F150 specifically, it is applicable to all Ford’s with the 3.5 EcoBoost engine.

3.5 Ecoboost Downpipe Upgrade Benefits

• 10-25whp gains
• 10-25wtq gains
• Improved turbo spool and turbo efficiency
• Less backpressure
• Decreased EGT’s (exhaust gas temps)
• Slightly louder exhaust tone

The primary benefit of upgraded downpipes for your F150 is the reduction of backpressure in the exhaust system. Running no exhaust system after the turbo is actually the best exhaust for a turbo engine, however, this isn’t quite possible due to emissions. However, because the downpipes house the primary catalytic converters, they become the biggest creator of backpressure in the exhaust system.

Turbochargers spool more efficiently when there is a bigger pressure drop from pre- to post-turbo. Because the catalytic converter is restrictive it creates post-turbo pressure which reduces the turbochargers ability to spool. By reducing this backpressure there is less force against the turbo allowing to spool more easily and more quickly. And a more efficient turbo is a more powerful turbo which is where the majority of the power gains come from.

Additionally, the benefit of downpipes is increased when they are coupled with a tune and upgraded intake.

Gen I vs. Gen II Power Differences

The Gen I 3.5 produces 365hp and 420lb-ft. of torque bone stock while the Gen II produces 375hp-450hp and 470-570lb-ft. of torque.

The primary difference creating the increased power levels is the addition of port injection alongside direct injection. Additionally, the turbine wheels are lighter and an electronic wastegate was added. While the performance benefits of upgraded downpipes are similar for both generations of the 3.5 EcoBoost, Gen II engines will see slightly more power gains due to the turbocharger upgrades.

Catless vs. Catted Downpipes

The two options for upgraded downpipes are catless or high-flow catted. As the name insinuates, catless downpipes completely remove the catalytic converter. Because the catalytic converter is the most restrictive part of the exhaust system, opting for a catless option will reduce backpressure the most and provide slightly better power gains.

High-flow catted options keep the catalytic converter but opt for a higher flowing cat that is still emissions legal. However, because they still have a cat they will provide less power gains to the tune of about 5-8whp compared to catless options. Although the tradeoff is keeping your car legal and being able to pass emissions testing.

While catted options provide less horsepower gains, the increased flow is still a huge improvement over the OEM downpipe. Given the recent emissions crackdowns, sticking with a catted option is the safe bet. We would only recommend the catless option for those who are trying to push serious power for track applications, usually with and upgraded turbocharger setup.

The only other worthy mention benefit of catless DP’s is the bang for the buck factor. Because they are a hollow pipe without a cat, they are about half the price of the high-flow catted options.

Best 3.5 EcoBoost F150 Downpipes

Due to recent emissions activity with the EPA finding catless downpipes is becoming difficult. The best way to find some is to look on forums and marketplaces for used options.

Additionally, it is worth noting that regulations vary by state to state. Catted downpipes are still considered illegal in some states such as California so please check what your state and local regulations are for downpipe upgrades. While most of the catalytic converters are EPA-approved, they can still be illegal in certain states.

1) Great Value: CVF Catted Downpipes

CV Fabrication (CVF) is a newer company when it comes to 3.5 EcoBoost upgrades. However, they offer some high-quality products at great pricing. That also applies to their F-150 downpipes for the 3.5L twin turbo V6 engine. CVF offers the downpipes with 400 cell high-flow cats. They’re 3″ diameter downpipes made from T304 stainless steel.

This is a great option from top to bottom. At $750 it’s a little pricier than catless options, but a very good price for a high-flow catted DP. They back their quality products with a lifetime warranty. In our opinion, there isn’t much more you can ask for from a F-150 3.5L downpipe upgrade.

Anyway, we like CVF so much that we spent some time developing a relationship. Ultimately, we were able to get a 5% coupon code (TUNINGPRO) for any of our readers. That brings the tag down to $712.50, which is a darn good price for quality stainless steel downpipes. If you’re set on catted F-150 downpipes then look no further; there are options for all 2011-2020 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost models.

Price: $749.99 ($712.50 w/ code TUNINGPRO)

Buy Here: 2011-2014 CVF Catted Downpipes

CVF 2015-2016 F-150 High-Flow Downpipes

2017-2020 3.5 EcoBoost CVF Downpipes

2) Budget Breaker: AMS Performance High-Flow Downpipe

AMS offers a top of the line downpipe option for the 3.5 EcoBoost F150. Coming in at $1,800 this is one the most expensive and premium options on the market, designed specifically for race and high power applications. With 3″ piping and a 25% increase in inlet surface area, the AMS downpipes offer the highest flow and most backpressure reduction in the market.

Price: $1,799

Buy here: AMS 3.5 EcoBoost Downpipe Upgrade

3) Catless Option: aFe Power Downpipes

For those looking for a catless option, aFe Power manufactures a 3″ catless option. Coming in around $500 these downpipes will offer more flow and less backpressure compared to the catted options. However, these are aluminized steel and not stainless steel. This will cause these downpipes to wear down and rust more quickly in wet climates compared to stainless steel options.

The one setback to this downpipe is that it is catless making it illegal. Additionally, it is becoming more and more difficult to find them for sale online as most performance parts providers are backing away from selling catless products online.

It is worth noting that there are a lot more catless downpipe options available on eBay. If you go that route just make sure you verify the fitment of the piping before purchasing. Catless exhaust systems are pretty much just hollow pipes so opting for a cheaper eBay option isn’t going to hurt your engine.

Price: ~$500

Buy here: aFe Power Catless Downpipes

Summary

Upgrading the downpipe on your F150 EcoBoost 3.5 is hands down one of the best modifications. Especially when coupled with a tune and intake, higher flowing downpipes will provide exceptional performance benefits through increased turbo efficiency.

Catless options will be slightly louder and offer 5-8whp gains above high flow options. High flow catted options are legal in most states with the exception of CA and NY currently. Neither catless nor catted options will provide extremely loud exhaust notes. You should expect very modest sound improvements unless you opt for adding a full cat-back system with the downpipes.

Overall, downpipes are a worthwhile upgrade for those looking to add some additional power to their 3.5 EcoBoost F150’s.