Guide to Bronco Performance Exhaust Options

If you’re the proud owner of a Ford Bronco, then it probably goes without saying that you’re invested in performance. The Bronco is a gearhead’s dream: it’s well equipped for both the concrete jungle and an unpaved trail, it has a strong engine, and it’s ripe for modifications left and right. And there’s nothing more fun than making those modifications. One of the best modifications that you can make is to upgrade the exhaust system, which has an immediate impact on the driving quality. Whether you use your Bronco for weekend camping trips, extreme outdoor adventures, or just commuting around town, you’ll notice a huge performance boost if you install a Ford Bronco exhaust system. It’s one of the best things you can do for your vehicle’s performance.

Why You Should Upgrade Your Exhaust System

A performance exhaust system helps you get the most out of your Bronco. Here are just a few of the reasons why it will make such a strong difference.

More Power

The biggest reason to upgrade your exhaust system is to experience a boost in power. A high-quality exhaust system will allow the flow of your exhaust to be more efficient, which will in turn boost the output of your engine. You’ll experience an increase in horsepower and torque which is noticeable no matter what kind of driving you do. It makes it easier to accelerate on the highway, tow heavy items at work, or power through mud and snow on a trail.

Better Sound

We all want our engines to be powerful, but let’s face it: we want them to sound great, too. And there’s no better way to make your Bronco sound better than ever than with an aftermarket exhaust system. Your vehicle will be louder, throatier, and more aggressive-sounding – if you want it to be.

More Responsive

Not only will your Bronco experience an increase in power with a new exhaust system, but you’ll feel an improved throttle response. This will give you better control of your vehicle’s power, and let you access it more quickly and precisely. It’s especially important when traversing a difficult unpaved trail.

Types of Bronco Exhaust Systems

There are two primary types of exhaust system to choose from when upgrading your Bronco, and each has its own set of benefits. As with so many upgrades, it’s mostly a matter of personal preference.

Axle Back

An axle-back is best viewed as an entry level exhaust system upgrade. It’s the most affordable way to upgrade your exhaust, short of just replacing the exhaust tips. With a Bronco axle-back exhaust upgrade, you only replace the exhaust system from the axle on back, which means the tips, tailpipes, and mufflers. With an axle-back exhaust system, you get all the visual and sound benefits of a more expensive system, but for a fraction of the price. And they’re very easy to install, even if you’re relatively new to working on cars. However, they won’t impact your performance all that much, as any power boost will be minimal.

Cat Back

Cat-backs are the most common type of exhaust system upgrade for a Bronco, and for good reason. They give you everything you could want in a modified exhaust system. With a Bronco cat-back exhaust system, you replace everything from the catalytic converter onward, making it a full exhaust system overhaul. They’re more expensive and more difficult to install than axle-backs, but the rewards are outrageous, as you’ll experience a very noticeable power boost. It’s not uncommon to see gains of more than 10 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque in your Bronco upon installing a cat-back exhaust system.

Turbo Back

A less common option is the turbo-back. If you really want to maximize performance, the turbo-back is the option for you, as it will give your Bronco the biggest power boost. However, most turbo-backs are going to cut out most of the important emissions parts, meaning they’re primarily used as an option for drivers who only use their Bronco for off-roading. And these systems often require piecing together a front straight pipe with a cat-back kit. If you drive your Ford on city streets or highways, you probably want to stick with an axle-back or a cat-back.

Some Important Considerations

As you gear up to install a new exhaust system in your Bronco, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Upgrading your exhaust system is a serious endeavor, so it’s important to be properly prepared and informed.

Check Your Warranty

Usually, a new exhaust system won’t impact your Bronco’s warranty, unless it’s the cause of a failure. It’s always something you should check with the dealership about first, and make sure to keep the stock exhaust parts around, just in case.

50-State Legal

A few states have their own laws regarding exhaust systems. Specifically, California, Colorado, and New York have special laws about exhaust, and if you live in one of those three states, make sure that the exhaust system you’re installing is legal where you live. When you buy a new exhaust system, check that it’s listed as “50-state legal” or “CARB-compliant” (California Air Resources Board), to be sure that it’s safe to add it to your vehicle.

Volume

As much as we all love the sound of a roaring engine and a high-performance exhaust, not everyone shares that passion. A lot of cities and neighborhoods have noise regulations and decibel limits, so you’ll want to make sure that your Bronco is compliant with your local laws. Most of the exhaust systems that we sell, even the high-performance ones, are designed to keep the noise at a volume that won’t get anyone in trouble. Whether you’re opting for an axle-back or a cat-back, your Bronco will take on new life if you upgrade the exhaust system, and we’re here to help with that. Our team of sales techs is standing by to answer all of your questions, offer their expertise on exhaust systems, and help you pick the perfect option for your next adventure.