Upgrading the exhaust on your Ford F350 diesel can unlock more power, improve fuel economy, and give your truck a commanding sound. But with countless options on the market, choosing the right one is tough. We researched manufacturer specifications, consulted industry standards, and aggregated owner feedback from hundreds of real users to evaluate the top systems. Our comparison covers fitment, materials, sound levels, and real-world performance gains. Below are our findings, presented honestly with clear strengths and weaknesses for each product.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
|
🚗
|
MBRP Armor Pro Series Aluminized Exhaust Best Value 4-inch aluminized steel, turbo-back, single exit |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
MBRP XP Series Stainless Turbo-Back Exhaust Top Pick 4-inch 409 stainless steel, turbo-back, single exit |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
MBRP S6020AL Pro Series Aluminized Exhaust Best Budget 4-inch aluminized steel, cat-back, single exit |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Banks Power Monster Exhaust System Best Performance 4-inch 304 stainless steel, turbo-back, dual exit with polished tips |
9.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
AFE Power 49-31035-S Mach Force XP Exhaust Best Sound 5-inch 409 stainless steel, turbo-back, single exit with polished tip |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Diamond Eye Performance 4 Inch Turbo Back Exhaust Best Stainless Value 4-inch 409 stainless steel, turbo-back, single exit with polished tip |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Flomaster Outlaw Series Cat-Back Exhaust Best Sound 5-inch 409 stainless steel, cat-back, single exit |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. MBRP Armor Pro Series Aluminized Exhaust: Best Value
The MBRP Armor Pro Series delivers a solid performance upgrade at a reasonable cost. In our evaluation, owner feedback consistently highlights a 10-15 horsepower gain and a 2-3 mpg improvement in towing situations, based on manufacturer claims and user reports. The aluminized steel holds up well in most climates, but we note that owners in heavy road salt areas have reported surface rust after a few years. The sound is aggressive under load but settles to a mild hum on the highway, which most drivers appreciate.
However, this system is not for everyone. If you live in the Rust Belt or frequently drive on salted roads, the aluminized coating may not offer the longevity you need. We recommend stepping up to a stainless steel system for those conditions. Also, the single exit may not satisfy those wanting a dual exhaust look. Overall, it is a strong choice for budget-conscious owners who want reliable gains without breaking the bank.
- Affordable aluminized steel construction resists corrosion well
- Straightforward bolt-on installation with no cutting required
- Noticeable turbo whistle and deep tone without drone at highway speeds
Pros: Excellent price-to-performance ratio; Easy DIY install with included hardware
Cons: Aluminized steel less durable than stainless in salt-belt winters
2. MBRP XP Series Stainless Turbo-Back Exhaust: Top Pick
The MBRP XP Series is our top pick for F350 diesel owners seeking a balance of performance, durability, and sound. We compared it against other stainless systems and found that 409 stainless provides the best mix of rust resistance and cost. Owner feedback reports consistent power gains of 15-20 horsepower and a 2-4 mpg improvement when towing. The installation is straightforward with all hardware included, and the mandrel bends ensure smooth exhaust flow.
That said, the XP Series is not the loudest option on the market, which might disappoint those seeking maximum volume. It also carries a premium price compared to aluminized systems. We recommend this for owners who want a long-lasting, high-quality system that performs well in all conditions and who are willing to invest in stainless steel durability. If you are on a tight budget or need the loudest possible setup, consider other options.
- 409 stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance and longevity
- Mandrel-bent tubing for maximum flow and minimal backpressure
- Deep, aggressive sound with minimal cab drone thanks to tuned muffler
Pros: Superior build quality and fitment; Lifetime warranty against defects
Cons: Higher price than aluminized alternatives
3. MBRP S6020AL Pro Series Aluminized Exhaust: Best Budget
The MBRP S6020AL is a budget-friendly cat-back system that offers a noticeable sound upgrade without breaking the bank. In our research, owner feedback indicates a mild power increase, primarily in the mid-range, but not the full potential of a turbo-back system. The aluminized steel is adequate for dry climates, but we caution against it in areas with heavy road salt. Installation is simple and can be done in a driveway with basic tools.
However, if you are looking for maximum performance gains or plan to keep your truck for many years in a corrosive environment, this system may fall short. The sound is louder than stock but not as deep or aggressive as larger diameter systems. We recommend this only for owners on a strict budget who want a quick sound upgrade and live in a mild climate. For serious power, step up to a turbo-back stainless system.
- Least expensive option in our comparison
- Simple cat-back design for quick installation
- Moderate sound improvement over stock
Pros: Very low cost entry point; Good sound for the price
Cons: Aluminized steel prone to rust in harsh climates; Less performance gain than turbo-back systems
4. Banks Power Monster Exhaust System: Best Performance
The Banks Power Monster Exhaust is the gold standard for F350 diesel performance. We researched Banks’ extensive engineering data and aggregated owner feedback from forums; consistent reports confirm substantial power and torque gains, especially when paired with a tuner. The 304 stainless steel is virtually immune to rust, ensuring the system lasts the life of the truck. The sound is authoritative and aggressive under throttle but maintains a civilized tone at highway speeds, thanks to Banks’ patented muffler design.
However, this system comes at a premium cost, and the dual exit configuration may require minor modification to the bumper on some F350 models. Additionally, the installation is more involved than simpler single-exit systems. We recommend the Monster Exhaust for owners who demand the absolute best performance and durability and are willing to invest accordingly. If you are on a tighter budget or prefer a simpler install, consider the MBRP XP Series instead.
- 304 stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance
- Proven dyno-tested gains: up to 20 hp and 30 lb-ft torque
- Deep, aggressive sound with no drone at cruising speeds
Pros: Highest quality materials and construction; Significant, verified performance gains
Cons: Premium price point; Dual exit may require bumper notch on some models
5. AFE Power 49-31035-S Mach Force XP Exhaust: Best Sound
The AFE Power Mach Force XP exhaust is designed for owners who want the loudest, deepest sound possible. In our evaluation, owner feedback overwhelmingly praises the aggressive tone and the noticeable turbo whistle. The 5-inch diameter tubing reduces backpressure significantly, which can help top-end power, but we note that some users report a slight loss of low-end torque compared to 4-inch systems, especially on stock trucks. The 409 stainless steel offers good durability, though not as corrosion-resistant as 304.
This system is not for everyone. The sound may be too loud for daily driving or for neighborhoods with noise restrictions. Also, the large piping can be challenging to install in tight spaces. We recommend this exhaust for enthusiasts who prioritize sound and are willing to accept a potential trade-off in low-end torque. If you need a balanced daily driver, consider a 4-inch system instead.
- Large 5-inch tubing for maximum flow and deep tone
- 409 stainless steel with polished tip for durability and style
- Aggressive sound that turns heads without excessive drone
Pros: Extremely deep, loud exhaust note; High-quality construction with good corrosion resistance
Cons: Large diameter may reduce low-end torque on some setups; Higher cost than 4-inch systems
6. Diamond Eye Performance 4 Inch Turbo Back Exhaust: Best Stainless Value
The Diamond Eye Performance system provides a cost-effective way to get stainless steel durability. We compared it to other stainless options and found it offers similar performance gains at a lower price point. Owner feedback is generally positive, with many reporting a 10-15 horsepower increase and a pleasant deep sound. However, we found scattered reports of fitment issues on certain F350 model years, particularly around the downpipe clearance. The installation is moderately difficult, requiring some patience.
We recommend this system for budget-conscious owners who want stainless steel corrosion resistance without paying a premium. However, if you want a guaranteed perfect fit or the loudest possible sound, you may want to look elsewhere. Check compatibility with your specific year before purchasing.
- 409 stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance at lower cost
- Complete kit with all hardware and gaskets included
- Moderate sound level with a deep tone
Pros: Good value for a stainless steel system; Solid performance gains and easy fitment
Cons: Some owners report fitment issues on specific model years; Not as loud as larger diameter systems
7. Flomaster Outlaw Series Cat-Back Exhaust: Best Sound
The Flomaster Outlaw Series is for owners who want maximum volume above all else. In our research, owner feedback confirms that this cat-back system produces an extremely loud, raw sound that may be too much for daily driving. The 5-inch diameter is overkill for a stock F350 diesel and provides negligible power gains over stock; the real draw is the sound. The 409 stainless steel construction is decent, but the system lacks the mandrel bends and tuned muffler of higher-end kits.
We caution that the drone on the highway can be fatiguing, and the loudness may attract unwanted attention. This system is best suited for off-road or show trucks where noise is not a concern. For most daily drivers, we recommend a turbo-back system with a muffler for better performance and livability. If you want a loud cat-back, consider the AFE Power instead, which offers better build quality.
- 5-inch diameter for an extremely aggressive sound
- Polished stainless steel tip adds style
- Simple cat-back installation
Pros: Very loud, aggressive exhaust note; Easy bolt-on installation
Cons: Minimal performance gains compared to turbo-back systems; Drone at highway speeds is significant
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an aftermarket exhaust void my F350's warranty?
An aftermarket exhaust alone cannot void your entire warranty. However, if the exhaust causes a failure (e.g., a cracked manifold due to improper installation), that specific repair may not be covered. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers, but we recommend keeping your stock parts and checking with your dealer if you are concerned.
What size exhaust is best for a 6.7L Powerstroke?
For the 6.7L Powerstroke, a 4-inch diameter turbo-back system is the most common and effective upgrade. It provides a good balance of flow, sound, and torque. A 5-inch system can offer more top-end power but may sacrifice low-end torque on stock trucks. We recommend 4-inch for most daily drivers.
Will a diesel exhaust improve fuel economy?
Many owners report a 1-3 mpg improvement after installing a turbo-back exhaust, especially when towing. The reduced backpressure allows the engine to breathe easier, improving efficiency. However, results vary based on driving habits and tuning. We have seen consistent feedback in owner forums supporting modest gains.
Can I install a turbo-back exhaust myself?
Yes, most turbo-back systems are designed for bolt-on installation with basic hand tools. However, working under the truck can be challenging, and some systems require cutting or removing old components. We recommend a weekend DIY project if you have experience, but professional installation is advisable if you are unsure.
Do I need a tuner with a new exhaust?
A tuner is not required, but it will maximize the gains from your exhaust. The ECU can adapt to some extent, but a custom tune can optimize fuel maps for the increased airflow. Many owners pair exhausts with tuners for significant power increases. Without a tuner, you will still see modest gains.
Our Verdict
After extensive research and comparison, our top pick for the best F350 diesel exhaust is the MBRP XP Series Stainless Turbo-Back Exhaust, offering an excellent balance of performance, durability, and value. For those seeking maximum power and build quality, the Banks Power Monster Exhaust is the runner-up, delivering verified gains and top-tier materials. Both systems will serve you well for years.
