Best Exhausts For 7.3 Powerstroke – 2021 Complete Round-up

| Last Updated: December 25, 2021

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A well-functioning exhaust system plays a pivoting role in enhancing your vehicle’s overall performance. Not only does it improve your truck’s speed and power, it also saves you a lot of bucks on gas mileage.

Despite its powerful engine, a 7.3 Powerstroke Ford truck can be geared to maximum efficiency by installing a good exhaust system to it.

Read on to find out some of the finest exhaust systems and choose the one that is best suited for your truck.

Comparison of the Best Exhausts For 7.3 Powerstroke

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Has a two-piece tailpipe without any muffler
  • Best overall product uses heavy-duty aluminized steel
  • Pipe diameter is 4” that suits the 7.3 Powerstroke engine
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  • Heavy-duty aluminized steel is used to avoid rust
  • Runner-up that increases horsepower and boosts torque
  • Uses mandrel bending process to prevent pipe walls from collapsing
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  • Best for the money with a 4-inch pipe
  • No muffler is used, which enhances the performance
  • Mandrel bending is used to avoid the kinking of pipes’ walls
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  • Pipe size is 4 inches
  • Uses aluminized steel
  • Specially designed for 7.3 Powerstroke engine
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  • Uses stainless steel to resist corrosion
  • Increases the horsepower and torque of the engine
  • Offers easy installation with commonly used hand tools
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Are All Exhausts the Same?

To put it simply, not all exhausts are the same. They differ in type, construction, configuration, and material. First of all, exhaust systems can be cat-back, axle-back, or header back. Cat-back systems usually work with a tailpipe and a muffler and use catalytic converters in the emission process.

One difference in the construction of different exhaust systems is the diameter of their pipes, which is based on your engine’s size and RPMs. Another difference between them is the pipe bends. They are either constructed using a crush bending technique or mandrel technique that prevents the pipe walls from collapsing.

MBRP S6200PLM Single Side Turbo Back Exhaust System

Secondly, exhaust systems may be a single, dual exit, dual crossover, or dual based on their configuration setups. A single setup is based on a single exhaust setup, i.e., muffler having exhaust point, which makes it cheaper and lighter in weight. Dual exits work on a similar configuration as a single setup, but their mufflers have two exhaust points instead of one. 

Dual crossover systems have two separate exit pipes along with two muffler exhaust pipes. They also have a crossover pipe that allows gases to freely exit between two other sets of pipes that balance out the pressure on both ends.

Thirdly, the materials used to make exhaust pipes may either be mild steel or stainless steel. Mild steel is an inexpensive option, yet it cannot resist corrosion. On the other hand, systems made up of stainless steel are a bang for your buck because they do not corrode in rainy or snowy weather.

How to Choose a 7.3 Power Stroke Exhaust System

Several variants of the exhaust system in the market may confuse you while choosing the best one for your 7.3 Powerstroke engine. For that reason, we have specified some of the main features you need to consider before making a purchase:

Four-Inch Pipe 

You will need an exhaust system whose pipe has a minimum diameter of four inches so it can freely allow toxic gases to exit. A five-inch pipe can help perform minutely better. However, a pipe with a size that is less or more than this range cannot perform the job well.

Stainless Steel

Make sure to choose an exhaust system that has been built with fine quality material and stainless steel, so that corrosion can be prevented when the weather gets humid or rainy.

Configuration

Try to go for a system whose setup minimizes back pressure on the pipes, so the reduction in horsepower can be avoided.

Review of the Best Exhausts for 7.3 Powerstroke

As the market for automobile engines has been blooming for the past few years, many companies have launched complementary products that enhance the engine's efficiency. Similarly, several variants can be found for exhaust systems and it can be an ordeal to select the best choice among them. Hence, we have penned down some of the features of fine quality exhaust systems to help you choose the best one.

Best Overall:
MBRP S6200PLM Single Side Turbo Back Exhaust System

PROS

  • Comes with a two-year warranty
  • An economical option for efficient exhaust processes
  • No muffler is used in it, so it gives increased horsepower
  • No corrosion since aluminum-covered steel is used in making the pipes
  • Comes with all the required bolts and hangers necessary for installation

PROS

  • Doesn’t use the mandrel bending process so the pipes may collapse
  • No performance advantage in real terms because of the dual exit exhaust system

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers were quite happy with the easy installation of this product and they loved the sound the engine produced after that. A few of them found it difficult to fit in their engine and some complained about bent pipes. However, the majority of customers found the price to be pretty reasonable, making this a sound investment.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product is best suited for vehicles with a 7.3 Powerstroke engine since it has the perfectly-sized pipe for that. It seems like a complete package with fine quality steel, a two-year warranty, and enhanced performance. Since the product doesn’t rely on any muffler, the power of the engine is increased several times.

Who Will Use This Most

This product can be used by people who love to experiment with their cars, as it functions as an add-on or modification for their factory engine. It is also a treat for individual truck drivers and other vehicle owners who are looking for a better driving experience while achieving cost-effectiveness.

Bottom Line

MBRP S6200PLM Single Side Turbo Back Exhaust System is ranked as the best overall because of numerous advantages that it has to offer. From preventing corrosion to increasing horsepower of the engine, this product has it all covered. Plus, it improves the engine’s performance significantly.

Runner-up:
MBRP S6100PLM Turbo Back Single Side Exhaust System

PROS

  • Uses fine-quality steel to avoid rust
  • No complicated process for installation
  • Reduces the temperature of exhaust gases
  • Ensures high performance without using a muffler
  • No danger of collapsing pipes because of mandrel bending

PROS

  • Expensive, the hangers and bolts have to be purchased separately
  • Configuration setup used, i.e., dual exit does not upgrade the overall performance

What Recent Buyers Report

This product has gained positive feedback from customers regarding its quality, installation, and design. A few customers asked for better delivery services, as they received damaged products. Some customers found its installation a bit time-consuming, but they claimed the effort was worth it. The overall customer reviews pretty much praised these products.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product not only prevents corrosion and collapsing of pipes, but it also regulates the temperature of exhaust gases, which results in higher horsepower and increased engine efficiency. The no-muffler system ensures more horsepower at high engine RPMs, which makes it stand out.

Who Will Use This Most

This exhaust system is quite versatile. It suits not only 7.3 Powerstroke Ford engines but also works well for other vehicles and trucks. People having different automobiles can cut and weld the product according to their engine size.

Bottom Line

Since the product is based on a muffler delete system and mandrel bending process, it becomes a complete treat for your engine to give its power a boost. It is designed to provide maximum optimization for torque and raises efficiency, meanwhile protecting itself from rush and bending.

Best for the Money:
Stainless Steel 4" Turbo Back & Downpipe Dual Smoker Exhaust System Kit

PROS

  • Works great for racing
  • Pipes won’t bend because mandrel bending is used
  • Increased engine performance, as the muffler is absent
  • Stainless steel used prevents pipes from getting rusty
  • Gives the best value for the money since it is light on your pocket but still performs quite well

PROS

  • Has to be welded to fit with the engine
  • Some of the necessary hangers have to be purchased separately

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent customers seemed satisfied with its reasonable pricing and fine quality. They liked its design and the sound it produced. A few mishaps were reported regarding its delivery and fitting process. Some buyers also believed that the hangers and bolts that came with the product didn’t fit well. However, once both of these problems were overcome, they loved its performance and how well it made the engine work.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We like it for a number of reasons. Firstly, the design of this product provides maximum torque directly to the turbo engine. In addition, the pipe’s diameter is best suited for free exhaust of gases, while mandrel bending prevents the pipe from bending itself, making it stand out.

Who Will Use This Most

Different vehicle owners and truck drivers whose automobile engines support the size and installation of this exhaust system can get the maximum use out of it. It can also be altered by welding it for different engine sizes. Plus, racers would prefer it for the great sound it produces and, of course, because of its performance.

Bottom Line

This product meets the demand for reaching maximum efficiency and highly optimized engine power. It produces a roaring sound and is best suited for racing and competitions. It covers the maximum customer requirements, including increased horsepower, corrosion prevention, bending prevention, and reasonable pricing.

4. Diamond Eye K4318A-RP Turbo-Back Exhaust Kit

PROS

  • Has an easy installation process
  • Fits really well for the 7.3 Powerstroke engine
  • Uses aluminized steel to resist rust and corrosion
  • Doesn’t come with any muffler, hence the engine performs well

PROS

  • Pipes are prone to bending since they don’t use the mandrel bending technique
  • Since it is a dual exit configuration, the back pressure on one end can result in decreased horsepower

What Recent Buyers Report

Customers were well pleased with the easy installation and perfect fitting with the 7.3 Powerstroke engine. The price seemed fair enough to them and the sound it produced was quite desirable. People complained that the product doesn’t fit so well with the vehicles having manual transmission systems. However, others that were able to fit it in their vehicle loved every bit of it.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The product is designed specifically to suit 7.3 Powerstroke engines, which results in a convenient installation process. This exhaust system is prone to corrosion, which makes it last longer. Plus, we also like that higher horsepower is ensured since it uses a muffler delete system.

Who Will Use This Most

Automobile owners who mainly own Ford trucks with the 7.3 Powerstroke engine can use it to increase their engine’s power, fuel mileage, and efficiency. Others can also weld it according to their engine size. However, people with manual transmission systems will need to put in the extra struggle to get it to fit.

Bottom Line

The Diamond Eye K4318A-RP Turbo-Back Exhaust Kit is specially made to suit your 7.3 Powerstroke Ford engine for the purpose of reaching the desired power and speed. With its easy installation, corrosion-resistant design, and muffler delete system, your engine can gain the maximum torque to lead to more efficient performance.

5. MBRP S6218409 T409 Stainless Steel Turbo Back Single Side Exit Off-Road Exhaust System

PROS

  • Minimizes back pressure on the pipes
  • Users can easily install it with commonly available tools
  • Use of stainless steel can protect the pipes from corroding
  • Mandrel-bent tubing process can prevent the collapse of pipes
  • Horsepower and torque can be increased up to 18HP and 28ft/lbs. respectively

PROS

  • Uses a straight pipe, which is expensive
  • Does not have a cat-back system, hence it releases harmful gases in the environment

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers seemed highly satisfied with the boosted horsepower and torque of the engine. They report that it significantly increased their fuel efficiency and produced good turbo sound. However, there were some complaints about difficulty in installation and fitting pipes in engines. Despite that, the product overall proved to be a fair investment for them.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product complements engines best by increasing their efficiency and expelling the gases out. It not only gives a boost to horsepower but also increases fuel economy, which makes it imperative for better functioning of the engines. Plus, it reduces the back pressure effect to make the pipes last longer.

Who Will Use This Most

This product not only targets business to business consumers but also caters to individual truck drivers and other vehicle owners who want their automobiles to function with more power while being cost-efficient.

Bottom Line

To prevent your engine from deteriorating over time, it is essential to expel harmful gases with the help of exhaust systems. This exhaust system not only upgrades your engine’s performance but also helps you save up bucks by increasing your fuel efficiency.

Advantages of Investing in a Quality Exhaust

Exhaust systems eliminate harmful gases from your engine which allows your engine to breathe better and produce more power for your vehicle. Some of the main benefits they provide are listed down so you can be well-informed about their usefulness. 

Improves Engine Performance

Harmful and unnecessary gases produced during the combustion process may deteriorate an engine over time. They need to be eliminated by using exhaust systems. If the diameter of the exhaust’s pipe fits perfectly with your engine, then it can help exhaust harmful and toxic gases efficiently. This not only increases torque but adds to the power of your engine.

Improves Fuel Economy

With increased power of the engine, less fuel is consumed to move a vehicle forward. This helps reduce fuel costs by a considerate amount. Hence, exhaust systems can make your driving experience efficient and more economical.

Reduced Greenhouse Gases Emission

Cat-back systems convert toxic carbon monoxide to less dangerous carbon dioxide before releasing it out. Hence, the harm caused to the environment is significantly reduced by using exhaust systems.

Aspects to Consider Before Buying

The main features that need to be considered while choosing the best exhaust system are usually subjective and depend on the different requirements of the buyer. However, some key factors should be considered before making a purchase.

Cat-Back or Axle-Back Systems

Exhaust systems should be cat-back since they help fulfill the legal requirements of emissions of exhaust gases. Depending on the design of catalytic converters, they can allow the free exit of gases that increases engine efficiency. However, axle-back systems can be a good choice if you are looking for inexpensive and easy-to-install exhausts.

Sound

If you want to reduce sound levels, you should prefer silent muffler designs. Alternatively, if you like your truck to roar, you can choose a muffler to increase the bass of your engine.

Heavy-Duty Material

Poor quality can result in rapid corrosion in unfavorable weather conditions. Hence, make sure the material used in these exhaust systems is stainless, heavy-duty steel to prevent corrosion.

Pipe Diameter and Pipe bends

Choose a pipe diameter based on your engine RPMs and size. For pipe bends, you should prefer the stock exhaust pipe manufactured by the mandrel bending to prevent pipe walls from collapsing.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned exhaust systems may vary based on their material, configuration, and construction, but they all serve the same purpose of pumping up your engine to higher standards of performance and efficiency. The article has narrowed down the best options, along with their features so you can make an informed decision before making a purchase.

Sean comes from the forums actually and drives an OBS Ford. He writes fantastic DIYs and knows his way around a camera, too. We keep him caffeinated and away from DPF filters to avoid another rant about recent emissions restrictions.