I'm thinking I'd like to install a new exhaust in my truck soon. I keep hearing rave reviews about the magnaflow from most of you guys and I think I'm sold.

My questions are this:

I've called most of the Magnaflow vendors here in Miami and they all say they can order the Cat-Back system or they can make one with the Magnaflow mufflers they have in stock. The one they make is usually cheaper than ordering the Cat-Back system. Most of the places(not all) are reputable dealers.

1)Will there be a remarkable difference in performance? This will be my first performance mod after which most of my stuff will probably be ordered from Troyer. The one mod I'd rather not wait on is the exhaust, but I don't want to sacrifice performance

2)If I make one, any suggestion on intake tube size, exhaust tube size, tips, muffler? Any thing I should keep an eye on?

Thanks in advance guys....I need the help.

 

If you are within $150 difference I would go with cat-back but one good thing about custom is you can do the tail pipes like you want to.

 

Good point, but will it affect performance?

 

Probably not enough to notice.

 

supposedly cat backs are tuned for performance as long as you have a good custom job done with clean bends I seriously doubt you would notice any difference in power

 

as long as you don't cut off your stock exhaust, bolt-on catbacks are good as far as taking them off easily if you don't like the sound anymore, or to return the truck to stock form before you sell it.

 

My experience with five (5) exhaust systems on the F150 5.4 engines (OEM, Gibson duals, Magnaflow duals on the '97-OEM, Magnaflow duals on the '04) lead me to one conclusion, i.e. on 2 1/2 to 3 ton vehicles, don't consider exhaust systems to be performance improvements. True, maybe the dyno will indicate small (but, insignificant) HP/TQ gains, but let's face reality and physics here... those gains don't translate into enhanced 0-60 times with 6000 pound vehicles. Like most perhaps, I modified my trucks for a sound and looks (dual rear exits) that I prefer. And, if I experienced a gain of 0.3-0.5 MPG as a result, I considered it a bonus at the pump.

Likewise with K&N drop-in filters and FIPKs. I've had/have both on the '97 and '04. No performance/mileage gains, but less net costs for replacement filters, more induction sound, and a 'show-me' item under the hood.

If you're the totally practical type, consider that the OEM system is already stainless steel (albeit not 304 grade)...maybe a muffler replacement for sound and perceived performance would suffice. If you prefer rear dual or side exits, go with a cat-back for under $400 plus installation (or do it yourself and save $$).

 

I'm looking at putting a cat back system on my 05 5.4L scab
and I want the deep loud sound when I give her gas but I'd like it to be somewhat quiet inside the cab cruising down the highway,what do you guys recommend? Can I have the best of both worlds?

 

wiscfordguy, I have a single in /double out Flowmaster 40 series may be 50 series?? Can't remember but it is 3 chamber with 4 inch tips you can see them in gallery. It couldn't sound any more perfect no interior rumble, mellow when idling and cruising. Punch it and people look but not abnoxious sounding. I get complements all the time on the sound!

I think you would really like!

 

wiscfordguy...I'm sure that you would get about the same reply as craig's from those who have installed Borla, Magnaflow, and most other systems. The worse offenders are the systems that create the dreaded drone in the cab. Magnaflows don't drone, but some consider them too quiet. Personally, I luv the Cherry Bomb glass-pak sound of Magnaflow, purring at idle, mellow at cruise, and a sound of an underwater exit, unmuffled, inboard ski boat at WOT.

Try the vendor's websites for sound clips or do a search on this forum or the exhaust forum for clips. Really, sound preference is too subjective to make decisions on recommendations alone.

 

Hi,
I agree that you aren't going to gain much adding a good exhaust, but there are things you can do to lose low end power.
Don't change the factory y pipe. Most of the pre packaged kits increase the size just behind the y to 3". I initally changed the y to one with a 3" outlet, and don't recomend doing that...Kevin

 

Another word of caution is not to use the "wrinkle bent" pipes. A lot of muffler shops put those on to save money on the install. They will considerably change the diameter of the pipes at the bend.

This is why Magnaflow uses mandrel bent pipes, as they retain the diameter of the pipe at the bends.

 

craig...nice looking rig. Initially, Silver was my first color choice, but finally went with Shadow over Silver. To the point...I don't know if you're interested in a deflector, but the EGR Carbon Fiber deflectors look stunning on Silver.

See at http://www.f150online.com/galleries/....cfm?gnum=3886