In order to achieve the status one looks for when purchasing a new truck, most owners look to the aftermarket for accessories that will not only improve the look of their new vehicle but also the performance.
One of the first things people do when they buy a new truck is upgrade the exhaust system. Normally, stock exhaust systems are smaller than they should be, thus restricting airflow and decreasing horsepower and torque. As one of the easiest do-it-yourself installations, we figured an illustrated version of an exhaust install was in order.
We turned our attention to Billy Boat Performance Exhaust Systems (B&B Exhaust) in Phoenix, Arizona, where owner and racer Billy Boat has created a reputable company that specializes in making and selling performance exhaust systems.
B&B Exhaust is known for its superb styling of exhaust systems. We enlisted the company's help with our new Ford F-350 Power Stroke diesel truck and a new exhaust system. Read along and see just how easy this do-it-yourself installation can be.
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 The B&B Performance Exhaust...  The B&B Performance Exhaust system was designed as a complete unit. Completely polished, the new kit would not only deliver more horsepower but improve the look of the usually drab stock units as well. |
 The stock system was not only...  The stock system was not only lacking in horsepower, but it also lacked that visual appeal that is so important in today's aftermarket arena. B&B's new system would change all that. |
 Since the new and old systems...  Since the new and old systems were all bolt-on, the removal of the current system was as simple as unbolting it in a few key areas before pulling it out. |
 Because the exhaust had been...  Because the exhaust had been sitting since its creation at the factory in Detroit, there was a bit of resistance when removing the stock exhaust from its hangers. To help alleviate the stress, we used some spray lube to break the bushings apart. |
 Using a bit of leverage, we...  Using a bit of leverage, we pried the bushings apart and separated the exhaust from its connections, starting with the first one just after the catalytic converter and working our way back. |
 With all of the bushings loosened,...  With all of the bushings loosened, we were able to successfully remove the stock rear portion of the exhaust system. |
 In order to remove the downpipe,...  In order to remove the downpipe, we had to complete a few more steps, which included first removing the extension. |
 Next, we unfastened and removed...  Next, we unfastened and removed the lower transmission bracket. This was necessary in order to complete the following steps. |
 With the above steps completed,...  With the above steps completed, we were able to undo the resonator and remove it. |
 Making sure to support the...  Making sure to support the transmission (remember, we removed the lower bracket), we then undid the downpipe and removed it from the engine bay. |
 With all of the stock exhaust...  With all of the stock exhaust system removed, we were then able to begin the installation process. First on our list was to place and install the new B&B downpipe and tighten it down according to factory specs. |
 Saving ourselves some headache,...  Saving ourselves some headache, we decided to install the bushings on the exhaust while it was off the truck. Once the bushings were installed, we attached some of the sections of the exhaust to each other, then we hung the assembly from its correct hangers. |
 With the primary portion of...  With the primary portion of the exhaust installed, we added the B&B extension pipe. |
 During our installation, we...  During our installation, we noticed that Ford had gone and changed the location of its hangers. In order for the B&B Exhaust to fit properly, we had to move the original hanger forward just a bit. |
 With the exhaust hung in its...  With the exhaust hung in its correct place, we then installed the new B&B muffler, making sure to tighten the bolts at the front and rear of the unit. |
 Our final step was to install...  Our final step was to install the polished rear pipe section that included the exhaust tip. |
 After about one hour, we had...  After about one hour, we had ourselves roughly 22 more hp and 37 lb-ft of torque, as measured during an after-install dyno test. |