Installing a Talons Garage F-150 PowerBoost Skid Plate! (How to Save Your Catalytic Converters)

[@stevesteve9719]

A couple of comments. First , the extra exhaust sound would be equal to if the Ford skid plate was on? Second , if the thieves have a grinder , it would be a minute or so to grind bolt heads off to drop shield.

[@cma8165]

Hey there @FixOrRepairDIY: When you mentioned that you noticed a different exhaust note, was it a pleasant exhaust note, or an unpleasant one?

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

Notice my update on the video comments: ***Update June 2023*** the additional noise that I spoke of in the review section was found to be the Talons plate just barely contacting the lower driver-side cat, causing a buzz. Flipping the Talons "wing" on that side to the outside mount solved the problem. ***** The exhaust note was louder. Now that I've corrected the problem, there is no additional exhaust noise due to the Talons plate.

[@1970351C2V]

Good video. How close does the exhaust get and do you think the transmission skid plate would stay cool enough to paint it on the outside at least?

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

the cat on the driver's side got close enough to slightly contact the Talon's plate until I switched the "wing" to an outside mount. So it's probably about 1/2" away now. I don't think heat is an issue, otherwise I'd smell the plate heating up during idling. You can paint it but no one will ever see it unless you're used to driving over people. 🙂

[@josipdolic6391]

1985-21 whew I’m glad my is 22 lol

[@harryallen457]

I would think that you could use the diaper material fastened to the inside of the skid plate to muffle the sound.

[@WarrenSatterlee]

I had the same thought. Looks like it would just require a little longer bolts.

[@chada472]

You said $400 but on their site $449+$35 ship and tax so closer to $500.

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

I bought mine discounted this winter when they were selling mis-matched finishes. I didn't figure that anyone would look under there nor care. I don't see that option on their site RN. There are cheaper alternatives to Talons, including fitting a Raptor plate which was about $110-$130 depending on where you sourced it.

[@CarlLyle-c6r]

I just purchased this from Talons and opted for picking up at their shop since I'm local to Houston. Great team of people, small business, everything is made in-house at their shop, super friendly. Fairly confident this will deter darn near any thief from wanting to get my cat. The product is top notch and looks amazing in bare aluminum.

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

Always a great feeling buying something made in the USA by a small business. BTW my vibration/buzz was caused by my install; the driver side "wing" had to be mounted to the outside of the main plate otherwise it slightly contacted the lower cat. I know your install will go well. cheers

[@newield76]

The bad thing Hybrids for the most part don't use their CATs full time. So are better to steal F-150 hybrids only use electric about 2% of the time. , My 2022 F-150 powerboost has 4 cats. I got the first generation Talons powerboost plate. It works but I added the side plates in stainless that the second gen you purchased now has. I too use the quick oil valve. sure hope it works in save the cats. Thanks for the video. Oh I got the Fumoto Valve because of your video on that. I used rubber/ nylon washer between steel frame and Aluminum plate.

[@newield76]

I did want to mention You and I may have made it imposable to check the transmission fluid level. See this video. Maybe someone will make after market remote one for racing or off road people. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5WmeJx-a6Z2a5o

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

@@newield76 If I know I'm going in for service and they're checking my tranny, I'll just remove this plate ahead of time. Four bolts, the first time is the hardest.

[@marsflee3815]

Hahaha! Yeah. I did the job myself. I used my hands and feet to balance the shield while bolting it to the truck. After a few curses and smashing stuff, I finally got it in.

[@vertablue3803]

My concern would be with oil changes and how it ends up on the cross member. Is the opening large enough to cleanup properly?

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

You have to use something like a Fumoto Valve with a shield like this. That way you can just plug the hose in to the valve, and direct the flow outside of the shield. If you don't use a valve, then I agree with you, it would be a mess.

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

Nice. I'm not a fan of inside hex bolts (allen head). Least ways not for structural use. They look great, but no thanks. I think I would use standard external hex head bolts.

[@dsmith1934]

I think it’s supposedly for security reasons but I’m with you they’re a PITA and are prone to stripping.

[@thomasjefferson3552]

did you notice better mpg bc of airflow improved?i had my cat stolen while my 98 4runner was parked in a hospital parking lot on a sunday at work... ive since painted and serialed the new cat.

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

No difference. I found and solved the noise issue as well.

[@sailromanichel4729]

I appreciated the video. Timely, prior to winter. Canada you know.

[@netspirit79]

Is this still an issue with newer (2022 and on) Powerboosts? I've heard the cat is now much harder to get to.

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

Mine is a 2022 and is quite easy to get at the cats once the diaper is removed.

[@cya442]

Nice work. I just installed the Talons Garage skid plate system on my 2018. Very nice craftsmanship on these plates. Two items to note. I wish they would provide torque specs on their hardware. I haven't been able to find this anywhere and for your oil drain access plate you installed the two brackets wrong. The plates should sit flush/flat against the skid plate.

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

Thanks Chris. Talons let me know that second point when they saw the video and noted that everyone was doing it wrong. (!) My comments on the "additional noise" were recently solved; my driver side lower cat was very slightly contacting the plate and creating a buzz which got worse with time. I flipped the driver's side "wing" to the outside mount and problem solved. Also took the time to fix the oil door. You're right, I'm pretty sure I will overtighten those 3mm allen heads on my next change. Already thinking about changing them to something more substantial with the same thread. cheers

[@davidwelty9763]

I know these are good for protecting the cats, but how are they as skid plates?

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

You might want to reach out to Talons to ask. My opinion: the plate itself is definitely beefy and will protect everything under there about 10 orders of magnitude better than the felt diaper that comes stock. The aluminum stock is about 1/4" thick; that would take a hell of a knock from underneath. The mounting hardware would probably shear before the plate would give way. It's primary purpose is just as a cat shield but will definitely protect as a skid plate. JMHO.

[@stevesteve9719]

Quesion , great videos. So I want to get an in stock powerboost , 6 1/2 foot bed. Considering one on a lot with the offroad package , with ford skid plates. Any idea if the ford plates cover the cats?

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

Steve, i do not know. My assumption is no, because the actual skid plates cover a different area than the cats. But that’s just my assumption. Probably someone on reddit or f150gen14.com knows for sure because they have that combination. Bed size won’t matter

[@stevesteve9719]

@@fixorrepairdiy4609 Thanks!

[@mike-tv6wz]

@@stevesteve9719 I have the off-road package on my 2021 Powerboost. The stock skid plates do not cover the cats.

[@danieljackson8266]

Wow. Great video. Another modification I need to do

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

thanks Daniel!

[@FinalWarrior591]

What's stopping a cat thief from just cutting through the aluminum skid plate?

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

Nothing. Nor is there anything preventing them from removing four allen bolts and dropping the plate. But if I were a thief, I would instantly bail if I saw anything impeding a very quick sawzall job. There's no time for "Hey Harry, can you look in the toolbox for a 6mm allen wrench?"

[@FinalWarrior591]

@@fixorrepairdiy4609 I see. My thinking is that if they already have a Sawzall in hand, cutting through the aluminum isn't going to take so much more time that it'll be an effective deterrent.

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

@@FinalWarrior591 I hear what you're saying and I don't disagree. A determined thief with time will take the additional five minutes to saw through the skid plate. I personally believe that the only way that they stay in business is to a) not get caught, or b) not be shot at. Taking five minutes plus to deal with the plate itself, and then be able to saw the cats off is well beyond what the majority of thieves would do, and would increase their chances of being turned into a cheese grater, at least where I live. We can only hope that a professional reads these comments and lets us know their opinion! lol cheers

[@FinalWarrior591]

@@fixorrepairdiy4609 Yeah, I wish folks in my area were more up-to-date on their form 2A 😉; but alas.

[@lasphotos]

This is a great video to help you install the Talons shield. I have a F150 V6, 3.3 L. It fit but I needed to cut the heat shield on the drivers side so the long bolt goes through the cross member. Pretty easy to install. I inserted like he did. Front first then lifted the rear part of the shield with wood blocks to hold up in order to bolt the back in, again I had to cut the heat shield so bolt goes through.

[@mikehoffy5765]

What about heat build-up? Is it an issue?

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

Great question. I had some concerns with this since the plate is so close to the cats...but no, none that I can see. The OEM felt diaper would hold in just as much heat as the Talons plate anyway. cheers

[@mikehoffy5765]

@fixorrepairdiy4609 thanks for the info. Always enjoy watching your content

[@vicc6744]

Was the noise, had you known, make you reconsider this skid plate? or any skid plate?

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

The noise was actually incorrect installation and the plate was very slightly contacting one of the cats. Once I moved the driver's side "wing" to the outside mount, all noise was gone. This guidance was included with the installation manual but I thought the cat was clear of the plate.

[@vicc6744]

@@fixorrepairdiy4609 Thanks-'m saving my pennies now- this looks great- you did a nice job on the install- are you thinking of painting it? I have not seen anyone who has though.

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

@@vicc6744 No. You just can't see it. Some of the front skid plates that they create would be visible, but this plate is just buried under the truck and there's no point in spending any time making it look awesome. 100% function over form.

[@vicc6744]

@@fixorrepairdiy4609 Yup makes sense. one last thing how about oil changes- do you do your own or how did jiffy lube react to that opening for the drain plug? and did you get a new fangeled 60-dollar plug?

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

@@vicc6744 do all my own oil changes. Not sure that Jiffy Lube would know how to handle the Fumoto valve and replace the locking clip properly. The fumoto valve makes the oil change really easy with the talons plate since I can stick a clear hose on the end of the valve and route it below the plate in order to drain. Not sure how you would do an oil change WITHOUT some type of valve/hose with the talons plate.

[@jameszeiger8533]

They busted the ring which was an interstate and international ring, along with some people here in Denver as part of a nationwide task force. The ring was based out of New Jersey with thieves in all the major cities. For Denver, we have one of the highest Cat theft rates and vehicle thefts. They busted a ring of ~ 11 people ring here in this city and nationally they arrested many others in the major cities. They found the ring based out of New Jersey and they shipped all the Cats via container ships to Japan, where they were all taken and used for their rare metals. Having a 2021 PB, I am looking anyway at adding this item as my deductible is ~ $1000 on my vehicle. The headaches and install would be way more hassle and so it makes complete sense for me to just spend the money for this even though it is just a few dollars less than my deductible

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

James, once you see the heft of this unit, a thief will roll under there and take one look, say "WTF?" and just move onto the next vehicle. I think it's a wise choice, a well-made unit, and a really great little Texas company. cheers

[@jameszeiger8533]

@@fixorrepairdiy4609 has anyone installed all 3 shields from this company or the first one you mentioned? They both make the front "rock", mid and transmission shield configurations for the PB so it looks like on both their menu options?

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

@@jameszeiger8533 I would check with Dan of the "Gears and Gadgets" youtube channel. He has done a couple of reviews of this plate, and if memory serves did the full set in the second video. cheers

[@jameszeiger8533]

@@fixorrepairdiy4609 Thank you for the tip. I'm glad you solved the resonant noise issue with flipping the wing piece to the outside. That was almost a deal killer for me because as you know, one of the really, really great things about the PB is how stinking quiet it is rolling down the road and a resonant additive noise is kinda a pisser on an otherwise great upgrade.

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

@@jameszeiger8533 yes it was a good day for me when I solved that, and the price for the fix was perfect.

[@Boricua19620205]

Why install the filter cover? Why not install it?

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

Sorry, not sure that I understand your question.

[@Boricua19620205]

Is there a reazon for the oil filter cover in the Talon unit to be in place all the time?

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

@@Boricua19620205 That is the cover for the oil drain, not the filter. (why I was confused by your question) The oil filter is at the front of the engine. Back to the cover, I prefer having it covered up because of 1) wind resistance, and 2) keeping rain and other road crap out of the underside of the engine. Otherwise, you could run with it open all the time. It does not really serve any purpose to protect the cats. It takes about 2 minutes to remove it, so I keep it there. cheers

[@mars1952]

@07:02 The brackets are upside down.

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

Thanks...yeah, Talons commented on this shortly after the video was released. Easy fix last time I dropped the plate. cheers

[@mars1952]

@@fixorrepairdiy4609 I am currently ignoring your advice and trying to install the skid plate by myself. I think I am going to give up and wait until my son in law gets here.

[@mars1952]

I managed to get it installed by myself.

[@WarrenSatterlee]

Do you ever respond to the comments?

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

All the time. If you'd look further below at the comment stream, I think you'll see a lot of responses. What's on your mind, Warren?

[@WarrenSatterlee]

@@fixorrepairdiy4609 I don't see any responses from you below. I truly appreciate the very helpful videos you have and are providing. Thank you!

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

@@WarrenSatterlee you have to expand the comment section and you'll see replies from me. Thanks for your kind words, Warren.

[@ZonaWildcats]

!!One important note, it looks like you installed the mounting plates for the oil drain door upside down. The bolts would be trying to pull those fly nuts out of the plate that way, plus they arent sitting flush. Flip em over so its metal to metal. I do appreciate the video thoug since Talons instructions are pretty vague, especially when it comes to the hardware provided.

[@fixorrepairdiy4609]

I copied Talons on the video and they mentioned the same thing. I fixed this when I flipped the "wings" to outside mount a month later so I could eliminate the noise that I was hearing...the driver's side wing was actually contacting the cat. When I moved the wings to outside, I also fixed the oil door. Thanks

[@ZonaWildcats]

@fixorrepairdiy4609 Good deal. The quality of the plate is pretty good. My biggest complaint is that there are too many different size bolts, and they flip flop between SAE and Metric. My truck also has a metal heat shield on the driver side, which initially was difficult to figure out fitting the nut underneath.

[@12minutetrading]

@@ZonaWildcats yeah I had to drill through a thin heat shield to mount it. Very happy with this unit, sort of a "buy it and forget it" purchase. Thanks

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Agreed this makes it more difficult. But it's really like +10-15minutes cut time. Or 2-4minutes if they cut mount bolts. Which is a LOT more time than just a 45-120second cat cutoff. Great point on the exhaust note, had not even occurred to me. Great point!