Powerboost CAT Shield - Talons Garage or Miller CAT

[jp1450]

I'm looking to add some additional coverage underneath my 2024 Powerboost for the catalytic converter/transmission. It will be more for CAT security and light road debris protection, as I have no current plans to venture off-road in my new truck. I know there is an option out there using Ford part HL3Z7222E (Raptor skid plate), but right now I am looking closer at the two options below (links provided), and I would appreciate any feedback from other members regarding experience with either.


1. Talon's Garage Powerboost transmission/CAT shield

The Talons unit is a skid plate and looks very sturdy (1/4 inch aluminum weighing in at over 40 pounds) and has better overall coverage underneath. The downside appears to be limited access for oil changes, and the suggestion of adding an after-market drain valve (e.g. Fumoto, etc.) in order to avoid a mess. For me, if the access door were large enough to allow for oil changes without adding a drain valve (and without the mess), getting the Talons unit would be no-brainer. Current cost is $399 plus tax/shipping.

2. Millercat Powerboost hybrid CAT shield

The Millercat is a CAT shield - not a skid plate - and the company specifically states on the website that it is designed to be used under normal driving conditions, which I interpret as road/highway use. It is lightweight compared to the Talons, being constructed of .125 inch aluminum. I could not find a weight, but being half the thickness of the Talons, I would guess +/- 25 pounds. This shield is a "U" shape and leaves an open section in the middle of the plate that allows for easy oil changes, but leaves a section exposed. Current cost is $360 plus tax (shipping is "free").

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

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[RcFlyer330]

Here is a whole thread on the talons garage skid plate

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/talons-garage-new-powerboost-skid-plate.12106/

 

[jp1450]

Here is a whole thread on the talons garage skid plate

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/talons-garage-new-powerboost-skid-plate.12106/

Many thanks for posting the link to the forum thread on the Talons Garage skid plate. Lots of info for reference. I did read thru it during my research prior to my original post, which is why I am leaning toward this one. I just wish it had a larger opening for access to the oil drain plug so there would be no need for an after-market drain plug and hose to avoid a mess. Otherwise, I think this skid plate is a no-brainer for the protection it provides. It would be great to hear from someone that installed this skid plate without an aftermarket drain plug to hear about their experience during oil changes.

 

[PatchManager]

I did two oil changes before adding a Fumoto value. I generally add the Fumoto valve to to our vehicles anyway, so I was already planning to do so with our F150. The first oil change, I left the filter on, and the oil fill cap on. I removed the oil drain plug and the hole in the Talon skid plate worked perfectly. The oil stream flowed out through the skid plate hole without ever touching the skid plate. Leaving the oil fil cap on was an oversight since I normally take it off to allow the oil to flow better. The second oil change, I removed the oil fill cap, removed the oil drain plug, and the oil stream flowed completely onto the skid plate creating a huge mess. It is possible the skid plate hole is perfectly designed to allow the oil to be drained through the hole with the oil fill cap on, or maybe I just got lucky the first time.

I added the Fumoto value that allows a tube to be attached. I add a cap to the tube and use a Velcro strap to attach it to the front sway bar (I don't remember exactly, but it is very convenient location). This setup works great.

 

[Shane150]

Just get the Talon Garage and add the Fumoto valve. It makes changing the oil a lot easier. I installed the full plate setup and I have to remove the front plate every time I am changing oil to gain access to the oil filter. Doesn't bother me but it is an extra step. I have a post in the link which was mentioned by @RcFlyer330 with all the weights. Good luck!

 

[jp1450]

I did two oil changes before adding a Fumoto value. I generally add the Fumoto valve to to our vehicles anyway, so I was already planning to do so with our F150. The first oil change, I left the filter on, and the oil fill cap on. I removed the oil drain plug and the hole in the Talon skid plate worked perfectly. The oil stream flowed out through the skid plate hole without ever touching the skid plate. Leaving the oil fil cap on was an oversight since I normally take it off to allow the oil to flow better. The second oil change, I removed the oil fill cap, removed the oil drain plug, and the oil stream flowed completely onto the skid plate creating a huge mess. It is possible the skid plate hole is perfectly designed to allow the oil to be drained through the hole with the oil fill cap on, or maybe I just got lucky the first time.

I added the Fumoto value that allows a tube to be attached. I add a cap to the tube and use a Velcro strap to attach it to the front sway bar (I don't remember exactly, but it is very convenient location). This setup works great.

Many thanks for the info. After you installed the Fumoto valve and tube, did you leave the tube attached to the valve between oil changes? Just wondering if I would need to re-attach the hose to the valve each time I do an oil change.

 

[PatchManager]

Many thanks for the info. After you installed the Fumoto valve and tube, did you leave the tube attached to the valve between oil changes? Just wondering if I would need to re-attach the hose to the valve each time I do an oil change.

I do leave the tube attached and it has been that way for many months and over 10,000 miles. I have a cap on the tube. The last time I did an oil change, it was the best experience I've ever had with an oil change. In my case, that isn't saying a lot, but it was trouble free.

 

[jp1450]

I do leave the tube attached and it has been that way for many months and over 10,000 miles. I have a cap on the tube. The last time I did an oil change, it was the best experience I've ever had with an oil change. In my case, that isn't saying a lot, but it was trouble free.

Excellent! Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to go ahead and order the skid plate and valve today.

 

[PatchManager]

I have the full Talon Garage skid plate set and I think they are excellent, but I do have one complaint. I don't like the way the transfer case skid plate attaches or least the way it attached on the version I bought. I think they have made some slight changes. One corner of the transfer case skid plate is nearly impossible to get to because that skid plate and the transmission skid plate cover up that area such that you can barely get a flexible wrench in there and then you hope you can get the wrench on the nut. I ended up making a bracket with nut welded on that would sit on the cross member. The bolt would go through the skid plate, through the cross member, and then engage the nut. That works great.

 

[Hobkvet]

This is an older thread but does anyone know if this actually covers the cats and if this would fit on a 2023 STX with the 2.7 v6 ecoboost. The website only covers 3.5 and the 2024 2.7

 

[jp1450]

This is an older thread but does anyone know if this actually covers the cats and if this would fit on a 2023 STX with the 2.7 v6 ecoboost. The website only covers 3.5 and the 2024 2.7

I would suggest reaching out to them directly to inquire. When I ordered mine, their website only showed the 2023 version for the powerboost, so I reached out to confirm fit for my 2024 before placing the order. Everything fit fine. Just give them a call. Great outfit, IMO...

 

[Hobkvet]

got it thanks I will

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