Ford Ranger Exhausts: Discover How it Improves Outback Performance
It’s no secret that Ford’s rugged 3.0l turbo diesel PJ and PK Rangers, along with Mazda’s hardy little BT50s, are some of the most sought-after 4WDs in Australia. They’re mid-sized and they’re Aussie-engineered, and the Aussie aftermarket doesn’t mind bending over backward to accommodate them, especially when it comes to exhaust systems.
With 115kW on hand, the Gen 3 Rangers and BT50s are eager beneficiaries of the increased flow and up to 12kW increase that outback aftermarket exhaust systems have to offer. They’re the perfect way to unleash the power that the Ranger’s snappy Duratorq 3.0l is capable of producing; and since they’re also one of the most affordable upgrades around, you can’t afford to overlook them.
You Get a Natural Increase in Power from an Upgraded Ranger Exhaust
It’s a fact: when you swap out the Duratorq’s throttled 2.0“ pipes for a tuned outback 3.0“ exhaust for Ford Ranger PJs and PKs, not only can you expect to see an instant increase in performance, but also an increase in the Duratorq’s efficiency. A larger diameter pipe is especially helpful with moving power robbing heat away from the engine and turbo: a problem that’s complicated even further by Australia’s hot climate.
Heat, and heated exhaust gas evacuation are crucial components in helping prevent potentially catastrophic thermal fatigue, and an upgraded 3.0” Ford Ranger exhaust helps keep the heat in check by:
- Scavenging as much heat away from the engine as possible;
- Creating enough exhaust flow velocity to evacuate spent gases quickly; and,
- Removing any obstacles that could hamper exhaust gas movement.
The increased flow velocity produced by a Ford Ranger exhaust upgrade also contributes significantly to faster turbo spooling. Across the board, the upgrade’s larger pipe diameter is tantamount to a natural increase in power and torque.
Free-Flowing Features for any Ranger Configuration
Although they’re an inch wider, top quality Australian-made 3.0” outback Ford Ranger exhaust systems are exact replacements for the Duratorq’s OE pipes and boast a range of standard and optional features that include:
- Standard front dump pipe and connector pipe with double braided flex joint;
- Optional 200 cell high flow diesel catalytic converter assembly;
- Optional low-restriction muffler or resonator assembly;
- Standard side exit tailpipe assembly; and,
- All necessary connection hardware.
TIG welded flanges and mandrel bent tubing round out the free-flowing characteristics that these Ranger exhaust systems have, with the advantage that they generate minimal turbulence while encouraging maximum scavenging. As these systems are direct replacements for all Durotorq’s factory exhaust systems, they also work with any of the Ranger’s space-, extra-, or dual-cab configurations.
409 Stainless Steel is the Key to Efficient Performance
Materials are one of the primary considerations when it comes to aftermarket Ford Ranger exhaust system design, and 409-grade stainless steel has all the performance attributes needed to make a system that’s durable, long-lasting, and as effective as possible. Unlike the standard selection of highly polished grades of stainless steel like 304 or 316, the 11% chromium content in 409-grade stainless is easily identified by the passive layer of surface rust that forms over it. This layer of oxidation protects it from corrosion, while the chromium composition also adds to the ductility that makes it easier to repair than other grades of stainless.
Most importantly, 409-grade stainless is as much as 60% more efficient at shedding heat than other stainless steel alloys, giving it a core of efficiency attributes that include:
- Sustained heat resistance to 675°C, with limited short term exposure up to 815°C;
- Excellent resistance to thermal fatigue as a result of heat cycling; and,
- Outstanding corrosion resistance against exhaust gases or on-road exposure.
The heat transfer capacity of a 409-grade stainless Ranger exhaust system also helps reduce the possibility of EGR sensor failures, together with unwanted increases in fuel consumption and decreases in performance.
High-Performance Coatings That Keep Ranger Temperatures Under Control
Because heat is such a persistent performance prohibitor, especially with turbocharged engines, there’s no way to overlook the role that exhaust systems play in regulating temperatures. Ford Ranger exhausts are no exception; and even under modest loads, downstream turbo temperatures can routinely climb beyond 600°C, creating all kinds of exhaust scavenging problems that need to be addressed as quickly as possible.
Thermal barrier coatings are essential applications that are formulated to withstand exhaust temperatures over 1000°C; and when it comes to a premium quality exhaust system for Ford Ranger PJs and PKs, they’re the perfect compound for:
- Improving the active heat retention needed for exhaust scavenging;
- Reducing mechanical losses at the turbo due to heat build-up; and,
- Reducing exhaust tube oxidation resulting from extreme temperatures.
Make no mistake: when you invest in a custom aftermarket exhaust, Ford Ranger systems need the protection that thermal coatings have to offer, and you’ll benefit from the boost in durability throughout your full drivetrain.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, the Gen 3 Ranger’s Australian-bred simplicity, together with its feisty 3.0l Duratorq, are the reasons behind its success. It’s the 4WD that was made especially for Australia, and an Australian-made exhaust system is the best way to get the most out of it.
A tuned outback 3.0“ exhaust for Ford Ranger PJs and PKs is the right system to get the most out of these steadfast performers. They’ve got power to spare, and an outback exhaust is the best way to tap into it.