Since the introduction of the S550 Mustang in 2015, we've had the option to select a 2.3L EcoBoost between the base V6 and the V8 powered GT. The EcoBoost Mustang offers an excellent balance of power and fuel economy. With 310 horsepower and 320 foot pounds of torque on tap, the EcoBoost Mustang makes even more power than many of the V8 powered Mustangs of prior generations. Not only does the EcoBoost put out great power, but it responds very well to upgrades.
If you’re looking for an easy way to make a significant improvement in exhaust flow for your EcoBoost powered S550 Mustang, the BBK Performance High Flow Downpipe is an excellent option. The high flowing 3” mandrel bent tubing will increase exhaust flow to help improve turbo spool, keep EGTs low and will provide a more aggressive tone. They typically add 20+ RWHP. Not only does it offer a great performance and sound upgrade, the BBK Downpipe is also one of the least expensive EcoBoost downpipes on the market, making it an excellent value.
The BBK EcoBoost Mustang Downpipe comes in 2 styles. One completely eliminates the catalytic converter for maximum flow and sound increase. This off-road EcoBoost Downpipe (BBK 18090) is designed for racing applications where emissions equipment is not required. The other features a high-flow metallic substrate catalytic converter (BBK 1809), designed to offer maximum exhaust flow while reducing emissions and helping to eliminate the raw-fuel smell that can come from bypassing the catalytic converter completely. It should be noted that even the catted version isn’t emissions legal in California or any jurisdiction that has adopted California emissions standards.
Either flavor of BBK EcoBoost 2.3L downpipe will add a more aggressive note to your exhaust. The BBK downpipe will make your exhaust just a little bit louder and give it a little “racier” tone. Depending on which catback you use, a high flow downpipe can also add a bit of “crackle” on deceleration, giving your Mustang a real race-car tone.
Installation is pretty easy and can typically be done in an hour or so with basic tools. A lift makes access a bit easier, as with most installations, but jack stands will do. Even though this pipe is significantly larger in diameter than the factory piece it necks down at the rear, allowing it to fit with the stock exhaust or any catback designed to fit the factory downpipe. Most kits on the market are this way. This prevents a need for cutting or modifying the rest of your exhaust, making this a completely bolt-on installation. Click Here to see the complete BBK EcoBoost Mustang Downpipe installation instructions.
Tuning is definitely something you’re going to want to look into for either the catted or off road downpipe. Deleting the catalytic converter will cause a check engine light unless you have a way to disable the rear oxygen sensors. This also tends to be the case even with the catted downpipe since the high flow cat flows so much more freely than stock. Besides simply keeping the check engine light off, you’re going to want a custom tune to ensure you’re getting the most power and best drivability from this upgrade. While these cars will self-adjust to mods such as this, at least close enough to be safely driven, they need a proper tune to get the air/fuel ratio just right. You may already have a tuner, since it’s a common first upgrade. If so you’d only need to pay for the custom tune (or a revision if you’ve already got a custom tune).
Many handheld Mustang tuners support the EcoBoost Mustang, including SCT, COBB and Diablosport. Just make sure you find a reputable custom tuner for whichever tuning platform you choose, as a preloaded tune usually assumes you’re still running the OEM downpipe. You can typically get a pretty solid tune remotely but a dyno tune is the best way to ensure it’s dialed in perfectly. A dyno tune can be a bit more expensive but can be accomplished all in one visit, where remote tuning requires you to datalog your car on a base file and send the logs back to the tuner for revisions. Since this can take a bit of back and forth, remote tunes can take a couple of days or more to dial in completely.
Overall the BBK High Flow EcoBoost Mustang Downpipe is a great upgrade, especially once you’ve already laid the groundwork with other supporting mods, like a cold air intake and possibly an upgraded intercooler. This way when you get your custom tune you will be getting the most out of tying all of those supporting parts together for maximum performance. Brothers Performance has already sold a bunch of these downpipes and they continue to be a popular Mustang upgrade. Since we’re the largest stocking dealer of BBK Performance parts we almost constantly have them in stock, despite the high demand.
Check Out These Other Popular Mustang Mods:
Mustang Exhaust Systems
Mustang Ring & Pinion Gears
Mustang Tuners
Mustang Throttle Bodies
Mustang Cold Air Intake Kits
