Installed Magnaflow Cat Back exhaust system on Maverick EcoBoost (video with sound clips)

[James K]

Unless you are pulling a trailer or some other activity that requires a higher engine load or output, reducing exhaust bp will do nothing to affect fuel economy. Low airflow in equals low exhaust flow out.
At least you did it to an Ecoboost
If changing the exhaust makes you happy then that’s all the justification you need.

There are static restrictions to air is true enough but keep in mind that they are set up for all rpms (idle to redline) so there is room to improve one side without the other. Making exhaust flow better which in turn helps the intake charge do a more complete cylinder fill should still be a benefit. Therefore it is feasible to see some minor power increase. You are 100% correct that matching inflow to outflow is the way to maximize the system.

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[James K]

After many months of looking at and comparing cat back exhaust systems I finally pulled the trigger and added the Magnaflow to my 2022 FX4. I wanted the performance gains of a cat back but I didn't want the sound of the less restrictive exhaust to be annoying. Many people have posted their opinions about adding a cat back system and I share some of those same concerns. I didn't want it to be a 4 cylinder trying to act like a V8 and I didn't want the dreaded "fart can" rattle you hear on so many Hondas and Subarus. Anyways I made a video of the install as well as some sound clips so others can hear and decide for themselves. In terms of the sound I think it is likely the most "mellow" of the current offerings out there and that was part of the reason I chose it.

Thanks for the video. I'll certainly consider the magnaflow.

 

[DTF-Garage]

Yeah the Magnaflow was too quiet for my liking, so I hacked it up and took the muffler out. Looks and sounds much better now.

 

[Guv]

There are static restrictions to air is true enough but keep in mind that they are set up for all rpms (idle to redline) so there is room to improve one side without the other. Making exhaust flow better which in turn helps the intake charge do a more complete cylinder fill should still be a benefit. Therefore it is feasible to see some minor power increase. You are 100% correct that matching inflow to outflow is the way to maximize the system.

Except we are dealing with an engine with a turbo.
My point was that the 2.0 EB inlet and exhaust will support 250 hp. At much lower intake manifold pressures and pre turbine pressures the volume of air/exhaust flow is well below the capacity of the system. If there were a gain in efficiency, it would most likely be only measurable on an engine in a controlled environment test cell connected to a dynamometer.

 

[James K]

Except we are dealing with an engine with a turbo.
My point was that the 2.0 EB inlet and exhaust will support 250 hp. At much lower intake manifold pressures and pre turbine pressures the volume of air/exhaust flow is well below the capacity of the system. If there were a gain in efficiency, it would most likely be only measurable on an engine in a controlled environment test cell connected to a dynamometer.

Steve, efficiency in air flow on a pressurized ICE can be as impactful as a normally aspirated engine. Back pressure behind the turbo will slow the impellers rpm, making it less efficient. I retired from a company that acquired a magnetic bearing company in our quest to improve our turbines efficiency. You are 100% correct that in this case the increase can be minor and environmental conditions will impact it. I suspect a stock 2.0 EB on a cool damp day could outperform the EB with catback on a 90' dry day but apples to apples, 5% isn't unreasonable to expect.

 

[Guv]

Steve, efficiency in air flow on a pressurized ICE can be as impactful as a normally aspirated engine. Back pressure behind the turbo will slow the impellers rpm, making it less efficient. I retired from a company that acquired a magnetic bearing company in our quest to improve our turbines efficiency. You are 100% correct that in this case the increase can be minor and environmental conditions will impact it. I suspect a stock 2.0 EB on a cool damp day could outperform the EB with catback on a 90' dry day but apples to apples, 5% isn't unreasonable to expect.

After I wrote this I thought about pressures impacting impeller speed.
We used to modify turbos to monitor impeller speeds. As much for safety as longevity, amazing what you can do when you over speed a turbo a little.
I actually built up a 1.6 with two turbos, one for low speed boost and a bypass with a larger turbo for higher rpm.
Luckily it was in a test cell and not under the hood on a vehicle. Small turbo had actual bearings in it.

 

[mikeakasully]

Where did you get your oval tip?

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