Installing a new exhaust is one of the first performance mods to make to a diesel pickup. A larger exhaust will not only allow your truck to breathe better—it will also help lower your exhaust gas temperature (EGT). The exhaust was part of the performance buildup of Dustin Bowers’ ’06 Ford F-250 Power Stroke.
We called up Custom Metal Werks in Winder, Georgia (unfortunately the shop has closed the doors since we were there) to help out with this project. Custom Metal Werks specialized in custom exhaust work for all types of cars and trucks, and the company was well versed in all brands of exhaust. For this application, Dustin chose a custom exhaust system from AFE.
01. The first thing to do...
01. The first thing to do is lay out all your parts to see how the system will bolt up.
The setup we used was AFE’s Mach Force XP turbo-back exhaust system. It is made from 409 stainless steel and is designed to flow 20 percent more than the stock exhaust. Continue reading to see how you too can install a new AFE exhaust on your truck.
It doesn’t matter if you have a Chevy, Dodge, or Ford. If you want an exhaust system that will improve your truck’s performance, then check out
www.afepower.com. The company has one for pretty much all makes and models.
Thanks again to Custom Metal Werks for helping out wih the install. We hope the guys there can get another shop open soon.
02. The kit comes with new...
02. The kit comes with new hangers. You will need to reuse the rubber factory hangers.
03. We used a Sawzall to...
03. We used a Sawzall to cut some of the factory exhaust off for easier removal.
04. A little WD-40 sprayed...
04. A little WD-40 sprayed on the exhaust will help in the removal of the hangers.
05. Chris Few is shown here...
05. Chris Few is shown here installing the new downpipe.
06. Here’s a look from the...
06. Here’s a look from the bottom of the new downpipe after it was installed.
07. We mocked up the next...
07. We mocked up the next pipe in line, which attaches to the downpipe.
08. The factory rubber hangers...
08. The factory rubber hangers were left in place. They are reused, so they shouldn’t be thrown away.
09. Next, we installed the...
09. Next, we installed the center exhaust pipe. At this point, the mounts should not be tightened up all the way. Adjustments will need to be made while the system is still loose.
10. Before installing the...
10. Before installing the muffler, we installed the rear part of the exhaust. Depending on which truck the system is being installed on, you might need to make some cuts.
11. Here is the new T hanger...
11. Here is the new T hanger that is supplied with the parts.
12. Once again, we used some...
12. Once again, we used some WD-40 to allow the new hanger to slide in.
13. The new T-mount hanger...
13. The new T-mount hanger was hung, along with the new C clamp to tighten up the muffler after it is installed.
14. Since the exhaust is...
14. Since the exhaust is made for all versions of a particular brand of truck (shortbed, longbed, extended cab, or quad cab), you might need to measure the center pipe and cut it to the correct length.
15. Once we had the correct...
15. Once we had the correct measurements, we used a saw to cut the pipe to the proper length.
16. We made sure that after...
16. We made sure that after the pipe was cut, the edges were cleaned up for better fitment.
17. Next, we installed the...
17. Next, we installed the muffler.
18. After making sure the...
18. After making sure the exhaust lined up correctly, we went through and tightened all the clamps and hangers.
19. There you have it: the...
19. There you have it: the new AFE exhaust installed on Dustin’s ’06 Ford F-250.