Hi, I just got an 06 F150 STX v6 4.2l flareside reg cab. Im really excited about getting it cause its my first car. I have a little bit of money that I need to spend mostly on gas but i would like to start customizing it. The only things i have done so far is buy floormats(it didnt come with any), and get my ipod wired into the dash. I would like to increase power and not sound like im driving a golf cart around. Also considering bedliner down the road. Im open to any suggestions, so what do yall think I should get and what should i get first?

 

whipple supercharger
but thats pricey...so i say Edge Tuner....then exhaust.

 

thanks patshea, a few other things i was thinking about getting
bedliner
bull bar
tires
muffler
window tint

 

being its your first truck im guessing your young and also guessing you want your truck to be loud so i say take off the muffler it seriously isnt extreamly loud...to my standards, but its free and wont take more then half an hour, it will sound a little wierd because of the exhaust exiting under the truck but if you like the loudness go to a muffler shop and have them run straight pipe out the side or dual whatever you want

 

well you guessed right im about to go look but would taking it off require cutting anything or is it just clamps, also is it legal to take it off?

edit- yeah its all clamps looks pretty easy to get off, also theres another cylinder closer to the engine and im not sure what that is, as you can tell i know nothing about trucks except a few things ive learned tinkering with my cousins

 

I have the 40 series original flowmasters and I love them! The edge evolution is also a must have if you want more power.

 

If someone could explain to me the relative loudness of straight pipes, glasspacks, and say a flowmaster that would be great-as well as which ones are legal. Thanks!

 

that cylinder is the catalytic converter. removing the muffler is illegal but i wouldn't sweat it, ESPECIALLY in Texas! If you are worried you can just go to any auto store and buy a glasspack they are relatively cheap I have seen them for $20. You can get that welded in place and you've got a cheap loud exhaust. Glasspacks are pretty much the same thing as straight pipes. I don't think your truck will be crazy loud. Ford trucks really aren't that loud in general I am not familar with new 4.2's mine friend had an 03 with flowmasters and it wasn't loud at all. I have glass packs on mine and they are dumped after the axle and I wish it was louder. Good luck, welcome to the forum. Keep us updated.

Edit: Straight pipes are technically illegal but like I said, in Texas, no biggie. I have glasspacks dumped and I still hear other vehicles with real mufflers louder then my truck.

 

Got the flowmaster! I was considering straight pipes but i was worried about the loss in performance which i really couldnt afford on a 4.2 it sounds perfect, a slight rumble in the cab at low rpms you can fell through the floors. Just sounds and feels more like a truck rather than a hybrid. Got the whole setup of 40 series, chrome tip and welded installation for 170 bucks flat!

 

good deal! post some pictures!

 

yeah straight pipes are illegal but like everyone said dont worry about it you should be ok

 

what does everyone think, K&N or Air hog? or do they even make a difference to warrant buying them

 

Glad to hear you went with the FlowMaster. You would have had trouble passing the Houston area vehicle inspection if you had cut the muffler or gone with straight pipes.

More than anything, keep in mind that you'll get a WIDE variety of opinions on these boards. Just keep your budget in mind and prioritize to meet YOUR goals.

I would recommend getting a programmer - maybe the Edge Evolution. There are some decent deals in this forums classifieds or on eBay. The performance boost --even with 87 octane-- will give some life to your engine.

 

I have given the programmer some thought but Im wondering if I know enough about the truck to get the full potential out of it. Ill check out the classifieds and Ebay though thanks! Thanks everyone for the help!

 

You don't have to know much about the programmers, especially the Edge Evolution. Just set it to your preferred level (e.g., Level 1, 2, or 3) and then let it rip. It's just plug it in, let it upload the program, and then off ya go.