Introduced in the 2021 model year, the 14th Gen. Ford F-150 is the first generation that included electric and hybrid trucks. This range of pickup trucks seems to be greatly improved compared to other trucks in the past generations. The 14th Gen. comes with many options including a variety of layouts, configurations, and engines including V6 and V8 options. The 2021 F-150 is available with a 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6; a 400-hp 5.0-liter V-8; a 325-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6; a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6; and a 250-hp 3.0-liter diesel V-6.
For those who choose the 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood, their engine is making 400 horsepower with 500 pound-feet of torque, mated to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission with a locking rear axle. The Ecoboost motor is beneficial as it delivers powerful performance and better fuel economy than larger displacement engines, and when it comes to this type of engine very simple modifications such as adding an upgraded air intake system, intercooler, and ECU Flash can make it achieve mindblowing performance and power gains, and take your modern truck aesthetics and efficiency to the next level.
1.) Intake System
For an increase in your Ford F-150, we recommend an intake system upgrade, specifically the aFe Momentum GT Cold Air Intake System w/ Pro 5R Filter Ford F-150 V6-3.5L (tt) 2021, which is available in our shop for just $479.70. aFe as a company has a good reputation in the aftermarket industry for their products such as air intake systems, turbochargers, exhaust systems, etc. Perfect for street use, this system has a unique filter-to-housing interface that was built to feature the largest air filter possible.
This 9-tall, pre-oiled 360-degree radial flow air filter features aFe’s pre-oiled Pro 5R media with five layers of progressively finer cotton gauze media for maximum performance and filtration. Its inverted top and large surface area provide a much longer life between maintenance intervals.
Features:
- Outflows Factory Intake by 58%
- Measured Flow: 780 CFM @ 7″ H20
- Washable and Reusable Pro 5R Air Filter for Maximum Performance
Fitment:
- Ford F-150 EcoBoost V6 3.5L (tt) 2021
If that intake system isn’t the one you would love to go for, check out Our Shop for more intake options, or this one that we believe might also be the best bang for the buck.
2.) Intercooler
When it comes to an intercooler for your Ford F-150, we recommend the Addictive Desert Designs Intercooler Kit for Ford Raptor 2017-2022 which is available for an affordable price of $1,930.28. Addictive Desert Designs is known for making products that cater to the needs of the offroading community, and this intercooler kit is no different. When it comes to the manufacturing of this product Addictive Desert Designs paired up with one of the leaders in the automotive aftermarket world, Advanced FLOW Engineering (aFe Power) to create a comprehensive intercooler kit that covers everyone’s needs.
This kit is designed to integrate flawlessly with ADD winch mount and frame cut bumpers to eliminate the need for any extra bracketry. The masters at aFe were able to squeeze 8.5% more flow than the leading competitors in the market. The provided intercooler is 100% TIG welded with an 18-core main assembly. The intercooler sits atop a welded steel mounting beam, which is beefy enough to allow for offroad use. This kit retains all OEM sensors and adaptive cruise control function (adaptive cruise control relocation bracket included).
Features:
- 8.5% more flow over the nearest competitor
- Beefy steel mounting beam ready for any terrain
- 18 Core Intercooler
We also think this intercooler kit would be the best option for you if the Addictive Desert Designs Intercooler Kit didn’t pick your interest, or you can check more options from our shop by clicking here.
3.) ECU Flash
We recommend the Whipple Stage 1 Calibration Ford F-150 Ecoboost 2015-2021 which is available in our shop for just $950 and takes only 30 minutes to install. Whipple is known for its industry-leading upgrade systems and technological innovations and has now brought the same technology to the 2017 and up 3.5L V6 F150 and Raptors with the Whipple Stage 1 calibration. Guaranteed to generate more torque while delivering smooth, and predictable power increases, your engine will gain up to 60* horsepower and an astounding 120* foot pounds over stock with Whipple Stage 1 Calibration Ford F-150 Ecoboost 2015-2021. Even better, at 3500rpm, the system produces up to 140 foot-pounds of torque over stock giving more power under the curve for incredible throttle response.
If you didn’t like the one we recommended, check out the VR Tuned ECU Flash here, or see more options for you by clicking here.
4.) Exhaust
When it comes to an exhaust system, we recommend the $1,195 AWE 0FG Dual Side Exit Catback Exhaust w/ 4.5″ Diamond Black Tips Ford F150 2021+. This exhaust features a non-resonated mid-pipe and AWE’s proprietary, patented drone-canceling solution, and 180 Technology. The 0FG Exhaust delivers a unique dose of refined aggression out of your F-150, without any drone at cruising speeds. The AWE 0FG Exhaust is a rugged 3T304L stainless steel Cat-Back configuration with a 100% straight-through design for optimal flow. Regardless of low or high gear, the 0FG Exhaust will be on the top of your playlist.
Features:
- Proudly engineered, designed, and manufactured in-house, in the USA
- Full 3″ Cat Back exhausts with non-resonated mid-pipe – all in one kit
- Features AWE’s proprietary, patented drone-canceling solution, 180 Technology
- 4.5″ slash-cut, double-walled tips in Chrome Silver or Diamond Black
- Handcrafted from U.S.-sourced CNC mandrel-bent .065″ wall T304L stainless steel
- Direct bolt-on for factory-like simplicity
- Applicable to 2.7L Ecoboost, 3.5L Ecoboost, and 5.0L V8
- Fits 145.4″ & 157.2″ wheelbases (except Tremor & Powerboost)
- Less is more: clean, straight-through design maximizes performance
Specifications:
- 180 Technology: Yes
- 50 State Legal: Yes
- Edition: 0FG Edition
- Fit Guarantee: Yes
- Hardware Included: Yes
- Material: T304L Stainless Steel
If you didn’t like that exhaust, this one is still the best bang for the buck, or click here to browse more options for you
5.) Leveling Kit
For a leveling kit, we recommend the Camburg Uni Cap UCA Fox 2.0 Trail Series Kit which is available in our shop for just $2,419.79. The Camburg FOX 2.0 Trail Series kit is a great all-around suspension system for your Ford F-150 utilizing FOX’s 2.0 series of shocks. FOX 2.0 Performance Series IFP Coilovers are valved specifically for your application, they can gain 0-2 inches of lift, and increase wheel travel as well.
These Factory Series shocks feature a smooth-bore, clear coated, zinc-plated, honed seamless alloy body, black anodized 6061-T6 billet aluminum components, a 5/8″ hard chrome plated heat treated alloy steel shaft, and an internal reservoir design to separate the shock oil from the high-pressure nitrogen. FOX direct replacement shocks deliver race-winning performance in a simple direct replacement bolt-on shock. Each application has been rigorously tested by FOX engineers to maximize suspension travel and performance on and off the road. After lifting your truck, the stock upper arms become the limiting factor and hold back your suspension’s performance.
Kit includes:
- FOX Performance Series 2.0 Coilovers (985-02-147)
- Camburg 1.25 Uniball Upper Arms (CAM-110210)
- FOX Performance Series 2.0 IFP Rear Shocks (985-24-265)
Product features:
- 0-2.5″ lift (front)
- Improved ride & handling
- Easy bolt-on installation
Tech Specifications:
- Lift: 0-2.5 in (front)
- Track Width: Stock
- Wheel Size: 17-20 in
- Max Backspacing: 5.00 in
- Tire Size: 32-33 in
Fitment:
- Ford F-150 2wd 2021-2022
If you don’t like this leveling kit, click here to visit our shop and choose the best option for yourself
6.) Wheels
The 2021 Ford F-150 has a common wheel size of 17 – 22″. In our shop we have a variety of wheels for you to choose from that are available in Satin Bronze, Matte Black, Gunmetal, Satin Titanium, Techna Bronze, and other finishes. These fully forged wheels are the best wheel sizes and fitment for your vehicle and are guaranteed to take the aesthetics of your 2021 Ford F-150 to the next level. Being lightweight, and with incredible strength, these wheels will make your next adventure that much more memorable because of their performance.
We mostly recommend the VR Forged 17″ or 20″ wheel set packages that you can find here, but these Fifiteen52 Traverse HD wheels are a good option too. If none of those recommended are what you would prefer for your Ford F-150, click here to see more options and hence choose what you would prefer from our shop.
7.) Tires
You probably have a leveling kit upgrade on your vehicle, so it is important to know which tire will fit better. With a leveling kit, the most common wheel and tire package for this setup is a set of 20×9 +20 wheels with 275/65R20 tires. But if you prefer a small wheel big tire setup, you can have 18×9 -12 wheels with 285/65R18 tires, and if you prefer a big wheel small tires setup you can install 22×10 -19 wheels with 33×12.5R22 tires. Knowing all that, when it comes to tires, we still recommend Toyo Tires’ Open Country M/T LT285/75 R17 117Q C1 BSW which is available in our shop for an affordable price of $412.96. This has maximum traction and is one of the toughest mud terrain tires that is designed for your next adventure. The tires are durable with impressive off-road performance, and they are engineered with a high-void tread pattern for grip on soft surfaces like mud and snow, while their deep siping within its tread blocks allows for confident handling when it’s time to take the paved road home.
Features:
- Its aggressive hook-shaped tread block design delivers extra biting edges for relentless off-road performance.
- For grip in wet conditions on and off the road, the tread blocks feature deep sipes.
- Alternating scalloped and open shoulder blocks provide traction in soft surfaces such as mud, sand, and snow, while self-cleaning through its open grooves.
Wheel Specifications:
- Section Width: 285
- Aspect Ratio: 75
- Rim Diameter: 17
- Rim Width Range: 7.0″ – 10.0″
- Weight: 67 LBS
- Tread Depth: 19/32″
- Load Index: 117
- Load Range: C1
- Max PSI: 50 PSI
- Speed Rating: UP TO 100 MPH
- Sidewall: BSW – BLACK SIDE WALL
If you didn’t like that tire, then try this one out!
8.) Custom Steering Wheel
For a steering wheel, for your Ford F-150, we recommend these customized steering wheels from VR Bespoke. These steering wheels by Vivid Racing are fully customizable so no matter the year, or the buttons you have, Vivid Racing can make a wheel for you. A steering wheel upgrade is a great way to upgrade the interior of your vehicle. Vivid Racing has built steering wheels for a wide range of makes, including Ford, Tesla, Porsche, Mercedes, Ferrari, and more, and their steering wheel upgrade brings about proper ergonomics and a luxury feel that the OEM steering wheel simply does not have.
