I've came to a conclusion I should buy exhaust for my truck because well I want to! My choices are between Magnaflow or Borla. Now which one do you prefer and why? Which one sounds better? Which one makes more power? Im looking for cat back bolt on exhaust systems.

Where did you buy from and what was the price? Im pretty sure hottexhaust is the cheapest for magnaflow but what is the current code for the rebate? and which model do I need to get if my truck was built in March of 2004?

Sorry for all the questions..

 

Magnaflow is my choice, and I got mine from Hottexhaust. The latest coupon code is Fordtruck8, but I guess if you call their 800 number they will give you the latest code. Can't help you out with what part number you will need. I remember seeing somewhere that Magnaflow produced the best performance numbers. I have never heard a Borla system (they are supposed to be excellent) but I really love the sound and performance of my Magnaflow. There was a guy with an 05 checking out my magnaflow in the parking lot yesterday, he had lots of questions about it. Installation on mine was very straight forward, although I have heard others with issues with SI/DO systems. Whatever you choose, good luck.

 

I went with the Basanni cat back. Easy install, top quality all stainless steel, comes with all the hangers and clamps, and some AWESOME 3.5" slash cut polished SS tips. The sound is great, no cabin drone at all. It actually mellows out at highway speeds. A little more than the magna and borla, but well worth it IMO.

 

The code thomasj posted still works. Magnaflows are all I've heardon 04-05 f150s so I can't really compare other than to stock. Trucks manufactured before May 2004 use the kits made for the 04 models...Kevin

 

I have the borla on mine and have had great service from it with no rust, discoloration, etc. It sounds good, like a truck should.

 

Is this the exhaust I need for my supercrew?

http://www.hottexhaust.com/detail.asp?Product_ID=15834

 

That's the #...if y'all want dual rear exits. I paid just under $384 delivered and it arrived in about 4 days. It's an easier install if y'all drop the spare tire (I put mine under a locked SnugLid hard tonneau, permanently). You'll luv it, especially the sound & the 4" rolled, 15 degree slant, 18 inch tips. With the K&N drop-in, I picked up slightly under 1.5 MPG on the freeway...forget any MPG increase in town with a 5,600 lb. vehicle...ditto performance. It's all about sound.

 

also heard that with the factory hitch the SI/DO is a pain--that is the one I am looking at (Magnaflow), but how about this problem--or is it a problem at all?

 

Prior to my install, I reviewed all the previous threads/pics and noted the problem with the OEM hitch. Fortunately, I could disregard that issue since I don't have a hitch. However, I could plainly see that a hitch would preclude the use of several options for mounting the rear hangers...it's likely that welding the hangers to the frame or some other innovative approach will be required if y'all have a hitch.

 

So this is a no go for it being a complete bolt on for the Magnaflow if you have hitch?

 

The 15834 is the right SI/DO rear exit depending upon build date. Magnaflow says it won't work for trucks built after May 31st, 2004.

That is the same exhaust I put on mine with the OEM hitch and I had to weld the rear hangers in place. As long as you plan for it, it shouldn't be that big a deal. I just was taken by surprise that I had to screw around with it and it made that install day llllooonnnngggg. You may also call magnaflow to see if they have figured it out yet (I called and filled them in on my issues) and are providing new hardware, etc.

 

Two things ThumperMX113:

1. I have the #15834 installed on my truck, built July '04, and I had to cut the intermediate pipe. But just get the right one for your truck, and I notice it has been pointed out that is the right part number for your truck.

2. I also have the factory hitch on my truck. I had little problems mounting the hangers. Drop the spare, and inside the frame there are a few holes around where the hangers are. There are three holes I think. You have to put on of the speed nut things that the hanger bolts into in one hole, which then allows the bolt to bolt into another hole. I had my exhaust bolt into the lowest hole that was inside the frame. It is just about even with the back of the hitch inside the frame. You can kind of see where the hangers are in pics in my gallery, but I was just a tad too low to get the full hanger shot. Anyway, they should have corrected any problems by now, but I didn't really have any with the exhaust. It comes highly recommended by me. Hope I could help!

 

My solution to the rear hanger placement was to place them on the outside of the frame instead of the inside. I don't like the idea of welding them to the frame, so I drilled and tapped the frame just forward of the hitch bracket and used the bolts included with the kit. It is strong and I can take it off later if I change the exhaust.

 

Just one other point...the 15834 system fits SuperCrews without any cutting of the intermediate pipe. As I recall, most/all installs on other cab configurations requires cutting of the intermediate pipe.