The Guide to Upgrading the Downpipe on a Ford Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost

The Guide to Upgrading the Downpipe on a Ford Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost. The Ford Ranger was never designed to be a strong truck. It never produced more than 207hp and 238tq until to its reactivation in 2019. When Ford reintroduced the Ranger in 2019, it received the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. While this may appear to be a little upgrade over the previous 4.0L V6, the tiny inline-4 EcoBoost delivers 270hp and 310lb-ft of torque. Given the turbocharged nature of the 2.3L EcoBoost, consumers wanting for more power and performance will find it easy and inexpensive to find.

One of the best mods for the 2.3L Ford Ranger is an improved downpipe. A downpipe is a very restrictive component of the exhaust system that attaches up to the turbo. A less restrictive downpipe will reduce exhaust backpressure and improve power and responsiveness in the Ranger.

This tutorial will explain what a downpipe is, the performance advantages of upgrading the Ranger downpipe, and the distinction between catted and catless choices. In addition, we’ll propose a few of our favorite 2.3L Ranger downpipes on the market.

The Guide to Upgrading the Downpipe on a Ford Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost

What exactly is a downpipe? 2.3L EcoBoost Ranger

Naturally aspirated engines, such as those seen in the first three Ranger versions, employ an exhaust manifold and headers. The headers are then typically bolted to a mid-pipe that houses the catalytic converters. The exhaust manifold of turbocharged engines, such as the 2.3L Ranger EcoBoost, bolts to the turbocharger, which then bolts to the downpipe, which houses the catalytic converter.

The downpipe is the first part of the exhaust system on the Ranger. It is the most restrictive component of the exhaust since it houses the catalytic converter. As a result, it generates the maximum exhaust backpressure. Backpressure is undesirable for any engine, but turbo engines are extremely harmful. Because the downpipe bolts directly to the turbo, backpressure has a significant impact on the turbo’s efficiency.

Advantages of the Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost Downpipe Upgrade

  • Gains of 10-15 watts
  • Gains of 10-15wtq are possible.
  • quicker turbo spool
  • improved throttle responsiveness
  • More efficient turbo (and more dependable)
  • Exhaust backpressure has been reduced.
  • Reduced EGTs
  • Exhaust note is slightly louder.

Backpressure has an effect on the turbo’s ability to spool. It exerts a force against the turbine wheel, making it harder to spin. The reduction of backpressure is the primary source of power increases from a downpipe. By removing backpressure, the turbo can spool more quickly and efficiently, resulting in increased power. The less backpressure there is, the more power you acquire. The ideal exhaust system would be none at all, but that is obviously not realistic.

It’s also worth noting that when a downpipe is paired with a tuner, power improvements are the greatest. A tuner enhances the turbo’s psi or boost, magnifying the benefits of lower backpressure and resulting in greater power gains.

In addition to more power, you’ll notice improved throttle response, faster acceleration, and a slight increase in exhaust noise. A downpipe is also an excellent reliability mod because it improves the health of the turbo and the entire engine by lowering exhaust gas temperatures.

Catless vs. Catted Downpipes on a Ford Ranger

You have two options when upgrading your Ranger downpipes: catless or catted downpipes. Catless downpipes eliminate the catalytic converter entirely. Catted downpipes use a high-flow catalytic converter to reduce backpressure while also reducing emissions.

Catless downpipes provide the biggest reduction in backpressure and, as a result, the greatest power improvements. However, this comes at the cost of making your Ranger unlawful in terms of emissions. High-flow downpipes will almost certainly produce 5whp less, but they will pass emissions testing in most states.

High-flow catted downpipes are still a major upgrade over the OEM downpipe. As a result, we normally advise sticking with catted options. Unless you intend to upgrade your turbo and push considerable power, the backpressure reduction provided by a catted downpipe is adequate. Dealing with the hassle of having a car that won’t pass emissions tests makes sense only if you require the extra performance from the downpipe.

However, because cats consume precious metals inside them, catted options are more expensive. On the other hand, you won’t be able to get a catless downpipe for sale from any respectable internet retailer anymore because most firms have discontinued selling them.

Overall, catless delivers the best value for money and the most power improvements, albeit at the expense of emissions. High-flow alternatives provide significant power boosts while keeping your car legal.

Downpipes for Ford Ranger

As previously said, finding cat-free choices is extremely tough. You’ll most likely have to hunt on forums for a used set or try to buy a set under the table from a manufacturer if they still have any available. Most catted downpipes are legal in the United States, but double-check and confirm first. Regulations differ per state, such as in California, where any emissions changes are unlawful.

There are numerous alternatives available on the market. We choose more affordable solutions that do not sacrifice quality. At the end of the day, a downpipe is a piece of metal, and while it does include a cat, it isn’t worth $1,000+ in our opinion.

1) Best Value for Money: CVF Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost Downpipe

CVF makes an excellent catted downpipe for the Ranger. They, in our opinion, provide the finest value for money, performance, and quality on the market. The downpipe is 3′′ 304 stainless steel pipes with a 400-cell catalytic converter. With a lifetime guarantee and a $450 price tag, this is hands down the best bang-for-your-buck catted downpipe you’ll find.

This downpipe will give your exhaust a somewhat more aggressive sound. Because it’s catted, the exhaust sound gains will be minimal, which is ideal for anyone who wants to keep their exhaust on the quieter side of things. It’s also a direct bolt-on for both the OEM and any aftermarket exhaust, so you won’t have any problems if you have an aftermarket cat-back exhaust.

This is the greatest pricing on the market for a catted downpipe and is just around $150 more than a catless downpipe, which is fantastic. You may also use the coupon ‘TUNINGPRO’ at checkout to save around $20 on your order.

The Guide to Upgrading the Downpipe on a Ford Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost

Price: $449

2) Catless CVF Downpipe

CVF is the sole manufacturer of a catless downpipe for the Ford Ranger that we are aware of. However, it is no longer available in their store. I’m not sure if they still have any that they could sell you under the table.

You might be able to find a handful of them for sale used on the forums or an internet marketplace. Their catless downpipe is the best bet for those looking for a catless solution; you’ll just have to look around for one.

The only other disadvantage of catless that we did not mention earlier is that you will have to do the installation yourself. Nowadays, finding a shop that installs catless downpipes is very impossible. The only thing to keep in mind is that because there isn’t a lot of space to deal with, DIYing the installation is a bit tough. The most difficult task will be removing the stock downpipe, which will require some great abilities.

Related : The Top 5 Ford Maverick Upgrades

Summary of the 2.3L EcoBoost Ranger Downpipe Upgrade

One of the best performance mods for the 2.3L Ford Ranger is an improved downpipe. With a tune and a high-flow catted downpipe, you can achieve close to 15whp and torque for under $450.

We prefer high-flow catted downpipes because they are still a significant improvement over standard downpipes and eliminate the hassle of having an illegal exhaust system. Catless downpipes are really only useful for track use or pushing the power limits of the 2.3L EcoBoost Ranger. A downpipe improvement will result in a somewhat louder exhaust tone, but it will be a mild sound increase rather than something loud or annoying.

Overall, if you want to get a bit more power out of your Ranger, we highly recommend installing a CVF downpipe. If you want to increase your gains, combine a downpipe with a tune and an intake.

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