Ford is one of those car manufacturers that has always made vehicles with the whole family in mind. Even from their smallest vehicles to their largest, you can expect a sense of commodity that the US manufacturer makes cars for everyone's needs. For a long time, they had the best-selling car, the Model T and the Focus is up there with the greats.
Tough, reliable and safe is what the company stands for in their vehicles and to be honest that really is the case with the majority of their units. One thing that no manufacturer will admit is how much they're limiting the engine in order to be in compliance with regulations which has to do with the exhaust.
Reasons to Replace a Stock Exhaust
![Ford stock exhaust Ford stock exhaust](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/14543257/350619_104453.png)
Smell
Not only does a stock system rob the engine of much-needed HP, it also makes the engine and the system itself work harder to keep emissions down. This can result in a lot of engine fumes going through to exit out of the system because of old age. Ford aftermarket exhausts are made the same since they can outlast the vehicle as a whole and not a scent of burned fuel will come through.
Noise
Another reason to replace your stock exhaust system is because of a lot of noise. This can be from the engine but sometimes it has to do with the exhaust. A loud exhaust can be a punctured one which also reduces the amount of power your car makes.
Power
Talking about power, not everything has to do with injectors, spark plugs or the throttle body. Sometimes the exhaust can be the culprit as a damaged midpipe section or a clogged cat can make your Ford act like it's 20 years old not 5.
Efficiency
The same two factors can also make your car work poorly in terms of efficiency. This can negatively affect not just fuel consumption but also engine components which will work even harder to keep thievery working well.
Why go With an Aftermarket Exhaust?
Price
First of all, aftermarket Ford exhausts are generally more affordable than OEM ones and that's not at the price of performance. You can get a reasonably priced system that can perform better than your stock exhaust or one that has the same price but works a lot better.
Availability
Aftermarket Ford exhaust systems are easier to find than OEM ones. This makes it less cumbersome to find what you want without worrying about how your vehicle will act once installed.
Performance
![Ford Mustang with aftermarket exhaust Ford Mustang with aftermarket exhaust](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/14543257/99423_739898.jpeg)
Your Ford is destined to gain those lost HP back with an aftermarket exhaust for Ford. While you do need to consider certain factors, that doesn't make it difficult to find the right system.
Sound
This is totally up to your own personal preference but you can change the exhaust note with an aftermarket system. You can enhance it or make your vehicle even quieter.
Types of Exhausts
Turbo-Back
The most comprehensive exhaust system you can go for is a turbo-back system which replaces everything from the turbocharger to the tailpipes. Consider this type of system if your Ford has a turbocharged engine or if you want to turbocharge it.
Header-Back
The second most comprehensive exhaust you'll come across is a header-back system. With it, you can replace every single exhaust component but not the turbo. This doesn't bring in as much power as a turbo-back system but it still is considered a high-performance upgrade.
Cat-Back
A more moderate approach to an aftermarket system is a cat-back exhaust. These types of Ford exhaust systems replace everything from the catalytic converter to the tailpipes. You get a reasonable price tag as well as performance improvements.
Axle-Back
The most affordable and easiest to install exhaust is an axle back system since you replace only a handful of exhaust parts. Keep in mind that you won't get much of a difference in both performance and efficiency.
Exhaust Materials
![Ford Ranger off road Ford Ranger off road](http://custom-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1200,f_auto,q_auto/14543257/680540_352632.jpeg)
Mild Steel
The most malleable and affordable material an exhaust for Ford comes made of mild steel. While mild steel is a light material it's not worth the investment when it comes to a long-term solution.
Aluminised Steel
Aluminised steel Ford exhaust systems are substantially better than mild steel exhausts in that they are stronger and lighter. Aluminised steel is also primed with excellent anti-corrosion properties. Aluminium is naturally anti-corrosive which means the steel it's being blended in with doesn't need to be treated beforehand which reduces manufacturing costs.
Stainless Steel
The strongest and most durable exhaust you'll come across is one made of stainless steel. Stainless steel also makes for light exhausts and also one that are going to survive through the rigours of the elements quite easily. Remember that stainless steel exhausts are also the most expensive of the three.