2011-2014 F150 5.0L Single-Exit Cat-Back Exhaust Systems

F150 Single-Exit Cat-Back Exhausts and Wheelbase Fitment

If you're looking to swap out your restrictive, power robbing factory stock exhaust for a high-performance system, we have a lot of options for you to choose from. Before you make your decision, though, you'll want to make sure you're picking up the right system that goes with your specific cab/bed combination. Some kits do come with extension and reduction pipes that allow them to fit with maybe some cutting, but anyone with a 126" , 133" , or 163" wheelbase should expect at least a little (if not a lot) of "wet work" to get an aftermarket cat-back kit on their truck. The good news is that the two most common wheelbase sizes -- 145" and 157" -- don't need to worry about fitment. Nearly all of our F150 5.0L cat-back exhaust kits will bolt-right on to those trucks without any modifications. Check below for our wheelbase breakdown.

• 126" - Standard Cab w/ 6.5' Bed
• 145" - Standard Cab w/ 8' Bed
• 133" - SuperCab w/ 5.5' Bed
• 145" - SuperCab w/ 6.5' Bed
• 163" - SuperCab w/ 8' Bed
• 145" - SuperCrew w/ 5.5' Bed
• 157" - SuperCrew w/ 6.5' Bed

If our breakdown didn't help you out much, then you can check your driver's door information sticker to find out your wheelbase, which is listed under "WB" beneath the bar code and paint color code. Check the image below for an example.

2011-2014 F150 5.0L Single-Exit Cat-Back Exhaust Testing on our 2012 FX4 Project Truck

There are a ton of cat-back exhaust options for the 5.0L Coyote F150s. The good news is that most of them sound between pretty good and outright fantastic. Still, with a huge amount to choose from we here at Stage 3 decided to grab our most popular F150 cat-back kits for a bit of a sound testing shootout on our 2012 5.0L FX4 Project truck. We understand that it can be confusing, if not downright frustrating, trying to pick out what cat back exhaust system has the sound you want by listening to countless clips online. Some of the videos are typically shot with people's iPhones or in outdoor conditions that interfere with the sound quality. That's why we've independently performed our own testing of different exhaust systems on the same exact truck, using a high-def camera, in order to deliver you a consistent comparison you can use to determine which exhaust tone is right for you. Check out these different single-exit exhaust systems we tested on or our 2012 FX4 Project Truck. Or check out our Dual-Exit Exhaust Page for more video testing results:

The first cat-back we tested was the aFe Mach Force XP 3" Stainless Steel kit. The guys over at Extreme got aFe's kit installed with some fairly minor cutting, and off we went with our cameras to a nearby road. aFe's kit falls squarely in the "good" category when it comes to aftermarket exhaust kits. Not too aggressive, not too loud, not too raspy. It's the perfect kit for anyone who wants a little more roar without a huge increase in sound. In-cabin sound is noticeable when you step on the throttle, with only the slightest hint that there's an aftermarket exhaust kit on the truck at cruising and idle. Anyway, check out our clip below.

Up next is the Solo Performance M400 4" Cat-Back Exhaust Kit. This F150 5.0L kit was much easier to install, due to the fact Solo provides separate kits for both 145" wheelbases and 157" wheelbases that let the systems bolt right up to your truck without cutting (unless you have any other wheelbase size). The MR400 has a few features that allow you to adjust the sound of your F150 exhaust system to some degree. The most noticeable of which is the kit's unique J-Pipe design that helps cancel out drone and rasp, but can also be removed for a more aggressive sound. Secondly, the muffler is reversible allowing you to face its perforation toward or away from your exhaust flow for a quieter or louder tone. We configured this kit for the quietest sound for our testing, and even then, the MR400 system was deeper, louder, and more aggressive aFe's Mach Force XP System. Check out the video below:

2011-2014 F150 5.0L MBRP XP-Series 3" Single Side Exit Cat-Back Exhaust Kit. This MBRP XP Series cat-back features a stock-style single side exit configuration and uses larger tubing and a performance muffler to give your truck a brutal new sound, more horsepower, extra torque, improved fuel economy, and faster throttle response all at once. The XP Series cat-back kit is the perfect balance of performance, sound, fit, and quality and makes a great all around upgrade.

2011-2014 F150 5.0L Magnaflow 3" Turn-Down Cat-back Exhaust Kit. This kit features a dumped exhaust tip right after the muffler that pours exhaust gas right into the pavement (or dirt) directly underneath your truck with minimal muffling. The kit's aggressive muffler design and unique style let it produce a huge, throaty roar that you and everyone will instantly notice.

2011-2014 F150 5.0L Magnaflow Cat-back Exhaust Kit. This Magnaflow F150 cat-back exhaust kit features 3.0" tubing that's all mandrel-bent instead of crimped to give your truck improved exhaust outflow for power and torque gains. The kit features a specially-designed Magnaflow muffler that provides a nice, deep tone without a a lot interior drone or rasp, making it perfect for just about any application. The kit comes with a 4" polished tip in a single side exit design for a great, OE-style look.