If you're looking to wake up your 2013 Ford Focus ST exhaust, you've probably realized that the factory setup is a bit of a letdown. While the car itself is a blast to drive, the sound coming out of those center-exit tips is surprisingly muted. Ford tried to fix this by installing a "sound symposer"—a literal plastic tube that pumps engine noise into the cabin—but for most enthusiasts, that's just not the same as a real, throaty exhaust note echoing off a tunnel wall.
Upgrading the exhaust is usually the first "real" mod most owners do. It's the easiest way to give the car some personality and, if you pick the right setup, you might even pick up a few extra horsepower along the way. But with so many options on the market, it's easy to get overwhelmed by terms like "cat-back," "resonated," or "3-inch mandrel bent." Let's break down what actually matters when you're trying to make your ST sound like a proper hot hatch.
Understanding the Stock Limitations
The factory 2013 Ford Focus ST exhaust is designed for the masses. Ford had to make sure this car wouldn't annoy someone's grandma during a trip to the grocery store. Because of that, the piping is relatively narrow and features a massive resonator and a heavy muffler that kills almost all the character of the 2.0L EcoBoost engine.
Another quirk of the 2013 model year is the exhaust hanger configuration. If you're shopping for used parts or specific kits, you'll notice that some early 2013 models have slightly different hanger placements than the 2014 or 2015 versions. Most aftermarket companies have standardized their kits now, but it's always worth a quick look under your car before you hit the "buy" button.
Cat-Back vs. Turbo-Back: What Do You Need?
When you start browsing for a 2013 Ford Focus ST exhaust, you'll see two main categories: cat-back and turbo-back.
A cat-back exhaust replaces everything from the catalytic converter to the rear tips. This is the most common choice because it doesn't mess with your emissions sensors and usually doesn't require a tune. It's mostly about the sound. You get a deeper growl and those satisfying pops on deceleration without much hassle.
A turbo-back exhaust, on the other hand, replaces the downpipe as well. This is where the real power is hidden. The stock downpipe is pretty restrictive, so swapping it out allows the turbo to spool faster. However, if you go this route, you must get a tune (like a Cobb Accessport) to manage the air-fuel ratios and keep the check engine light from staring you in the face. It's louder, more aggressive, and definitely more expensive.
The Quest for the Perfect Sound
Sound is subjective, but in the ST community, there are a few "flavor profiles" people generally go for.
The Refined Daily Driver
If you use your car for commuting and don't want your neighbors to hate you, you'll want something resonated. Brands like Mountune or Ford Performance (which is actually manufactured by Borla) are great for this. They offer a deep, sophisticated tone that sounds stock-plus. You'll hear it when you floor it, but it won't drone on the highway.
The Aggressive Growl
For those who want people to know they're coming, Borla or Cobb are the go-to choices. These systems usually use 3-inch piping, which gives the EcoBoost a much deeper, more "hollow" sound. It's loud, but it usually stays on the right side of being obnoxious. You'll get plenty of gurgles and the occasional "crack" when you shift gears.
The "Look at Me" Setup
Then there's the Roush or the AWE Track Edition. These are loud. Like, really loud. If you're a fan of a raspy, high-volume exhaust that can be heard from three blocks away, this is your lane. Just be warned: the drone inside the cabin can be intense. If you do a lot of long-distance driving, your ears might start ringing after an hour at 70 mph.
Dealing with the Dreaded Drone
Drone is that annoying hum that vibrates through the entire car when you're cruising at a steady RPM. Because the Focus ST has a relatively small cabin and the exhaust exits right in the middle of the rear bumper, it's prone to this.
If you're worried about drone, look for a 2013 Ford Focus ST exhaust system that includes a high-quality resonator or uses some form of frequency-tuning technology. AWE Tuning, for example, has their "180 Technology" which is specifically designed to cancel out those annoying frequencies while keeping the aggressive sound when you're actually on the throttle. It's a bit like noise-canceling headphones for your car.
Does Pipe Diameter Actually Matter?
You'll see a lot of debate online about 2.5-inch vs. 3-inch piping. For a stock turbo 2013 Focus ST, a 2.5-inch exhaust is technically plenty. You aren't pushing enough air to truly "need" 3 inches of clearance.
However, almost everyone goes with 3-inch piping anyway. Why? Because it sounds better. The larger diameter creates a deeper resonance that the smaller pipes just can't replicate. Plus, if you ever decide to upgrade the turbo later on, you won't have to buy a second exhaust system because your first one is now a bottleneck.
Installation: DIY or Shop?
Installing a 2013 Ford Focus ST exhaust is a pretty straightforward driveway job, but there is one major catch: you have to cut the original exhaust to get it out.
The factory exhaust is one solid piece from the cat all the way to the tips. Since it's threaded over the rear subframe, there is no way to remove it in one piece unless you drop the entire rear suspension (which nobody wants to do). Most people just take a Sawzall to the pipe right over the rear axle. Once that's done, the new aftermarket system will usually come in three or four pieces that bolt together with clamps, making it much easier to install than the old one was to remove.
If you're doing it yourself, grab some soapy water to help slide the rubber hangers off. Those things can be surprisingly stubborn, especially if they've been sitting under the car since 2013.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, picking a 2013 Ford Focus ST exhaust comes down to how you use the car. If it's your only way to get to work, don't sacrifice your sanity for the loudest pipe on the market. A nice, resonated 3-inch cat-back will give you that "angry tractor" sound these cars are famous for without making your daily commute a chore.
The Focus ST is a car with a lot of soul, and the right exhaust just helps bring that out. Once you hear that first pop-gurgle on a downshift, you'll realize it was the best money you ever spent on the car. Just make sure to keep your old hangers—or better yet, upgrade to stiffer polyurethane ones—to keep those nice new tips from rattling against your bumper. Happy driving!