Ford F-350 Powerstroke gains HP with performance system
Owners of the top diesel pickups—Ford Power Stroke, GMC Duramax and Dodge Cummins—most likely chose their models because they offer more standard horsepower and torque than their gasoline-fed brothers.
That thirst for power never seems to be quenched.
CORSA Performance Exhausts (mission: “Put the thrill back in driving”) understands. CORSA’s 100% stainless steel performance exhaust increases horsepower and torque while adding a silky-smooth growl.
How much difference can an exhaust system make? The diesel engine is, in fact, a giant air pump. The more efficiently it moves air, the more power it makes. CORSA claims its systems increase exhaust flow up to 47% over OE systems due to their products’ non-restrictive, straight-through design. This, they say, significantly reduces backpressure and lowers exhaust gas temperature, which allows the turbocharger to quickly build boost and enhance a diesel truck’s hauling and towing power.
To put these claims to the test, we traveled to The Dream Car Factory in Streetsboro, Ohio. The shop had recently purchased a new F-350 Super Duty® featuring Ford’s 6.0L Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel V8 engine and agreed to let us take a peek at what this upgrade provided. (In addition to the Ford Power Stroke system, CORSA makes diesel exhausts for the GMC Duramax and a Dodge Cummins system is under development.)
While the 4-inch performance exhaust system will not transform your diesel into a drag-racing demon, it is ideal for freeing-up a few more ponies, which means your truck will work harder for you. A pull on the Dream Car Factory dyno confirms CORSA’s claim of increased horsepower and torque. The F-350 picked up 7 horsepower and 10 ft.-lbs. torque at the rear wheels (9 horsepower/21 ft.-lbs. torque at the crank).
That stainless steel tip also looks sharp in the sunlight and the signature performance sound is sure to turn heads. Heck, you weren’t trying to sneak around in this truck, were you?
CORSA has gone to great lengths to keep things quiet in the cab with its patented Reflective Sound-Cancellation™ (RSC) technology. To fully explain RSC technology we’ll need to review aeronautical and space age noise-suppression techniques. Or we can watch paint dry. All you need to know is that sound waves are reflected within the muffler, producing a cancellation wave effect, which eliminates in-cabin drone. That means occupants can still enjoy music and conversation while cruising down the highway. Which is nice, unless you are hauling teenagers.
Expect to pay around $1,000 for one of these 4-inch diameter 304L stainless steel beauties. In return you get more power, more torque, a performance look and a bold new sound.
Info box
Vehicle: 2007 Ford F-350 Super Duty® Diesel Dually
Product: 100% Stainless Steel 4” Performance Exhaust System
MSRP: $1,001.99
Manufacturer: CORSA Performance Exhausts
Address: 140 Blaze Industrial Parkway
Berea, OH 44017
Contact: 800.486.0999
Web site: www.corsaperf.com
Install Time: 2 hours (maximum)
Install Difficulty: Moderate (experience required)
Tools Required: Safety glasses; 15mm wrench or deep socket; Torque wrench; Soap/water solution; Level (optional)
Source Box
CORSA Performance Exhausts
140 Blaze Industrial Parkway
Berea, OH 44017
800.486.0999
www.corsaperf.com
The Dream Car Factory
525 Frost Rd.
Streetsboro, Ohio 44241
800.977.9894
www.thedreamcarfactory.com
 Removal of the stock system begins with loosening the clamp (using a 15mm socket) on the intermediate pipe located directly in front of the muffler. |  Next, the intermediate pipe muffler hangers are removed from the rubber isolators and the tail pipe. The stock system can now be maneuvered toward the front of the vehicle and removed. A soap and water solution was used on all hangers and rubber isolators to facilitate removal. |  The design of the CORSA exhaust system (top) is noticeably more streamlined than the stock system (bottom). |
 Installing the exhaust begins with positioning the intermediate pipe over the outlet pipe. The hanger is then inserted into the rubber isolator and the clamp is snug fit. |  The muffler is then slid over the intermediate pipe outlet and the clamp is snug fit. It is IMPORTANT to make sure the small drain hole in the rear of the muffler faces down when the muffler is installed. |  tail pipe is routed over the axle housing and slid on to the muffler outlet. |
 The hydroformed exhaust tip is then slid over the tail pipe. |  Next, all clamps are tightened to the proper specification of 45 ft.-lbs. |  Before tightening the tip clamp, check the alignment of the tip (CORSA recommends using a level) and be sure to allow enough clearance between the top of the tip assembly and the body panel. |
 A pull on the Dream Car Factory dyno confirms CORSA’s claim of increased horsepower and torque. The F-350 picked up 7 horsepower and 10 ft.-lbs. torque at the rear wheels (9 horsepower/21 ft.-lbs. torque at the crank). |  It is MANDATORY that all clamps be checked and tightened (if necessary) after road testing the vehicle and after the system has cooled. |  Dream Car Factory’s F-350 proudly sports its new CORSA performance exhaust system. |
