Read the end of the last topic, the truth comes out!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
From: LA
This is somewhat off the subject, but I have a question for Rand. I'm changing my exhaust and I was wondering which one you think would work better. How about the Gibson Sweptside? Anyone who is familiar please advise and thanks. My other mods are below in the signature.
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1999 F-150 Lariat SC 2 WD, White/Silver, 5.4L, 3.55LS, K & N FIPK, Superchip, underdrive pulley set, Dynomax Super Turbo Series Exhaust, six disc CD changer, towing package and captain chairs
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1999 F-150 Lariat SC 2 WD, White/Silver, 5.4L, 3.55LS, K & N FIPK, Superchip, underdrive pulley set, Dynomax Super Turbo Series Exhaust, six disc CD changer, towing package and captain chairs
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 632
Likes: 0
From: DOT BOMB CITY!
Mikey 88:
I too looked into exhaust systems for a possible increase in MPG and help with towing. This is what I found:
Most people are very concerned with exhaust note (sound). So am I. However, I was looking for a VERY stock sound or maybe a little heftier....
Secondly, are you interested in low end torque gains or high-end HP gains?
A larger diameter pipe tends to give high HP at high RPMs WITH a LOSS in low end torque. Stock diameter with a better muffler can have a better scavenging affect and give low-rpm torque increases with minimal HP losses at higher RMPs.
I personally found, for my 5.4, that keeping the stock piping (unless you want to spring for Mandrell bent tubing) and going with a Flowmaster delta 50 series was best. Gave a supposed increase in MPG and increased low-end, off-d-line, torque. However, from all the postings you'll find just as many "Its not loud enough"s to "Its too loud"s about the 50 series...
I called Flowmaster and they told me to go with the 70 series. 70 series might only help in the torque area, very very mellow sound, but no MPG gains.
Cost: About $200 in my area. NOT WORTH IT!!
If you plan to do many mods to your engine... WAIT and do the Cat-Back after all mods. You'll probably get the best benifit.
If loud is your only concern? Then 40 series, no cats and 3" piping! Or hell, just cut off the pipes at the manifold! LOL!!
HP: Bigger pipes and very free-flowing muffler. Possible Torque loss.
TQ: Stock pipes and better muffler but not necessarily the most free-flowing.
MPG: One that says it will do this. Although most might give slightly better.
[This message has been edited by Rand (edited 12-21-2000).]
I too looked into exhaust systems for a possible increase in MPG and help with towing. This is what I found:
Most people are very concerned with exhaust note (sound). So am I. However, I was looking for a VERY stock sound or maybe a little heftier....
Secondly, are you interested in low end torque gains or high-end HP gains?
A larger diameter pipe tends to give high HP at high RPMs WITH a LOSS in low end torque. Stock diameter with a better muffler can have a better scavenging affect and give low-rpm torque increases with minimal HP losses at higher RMPs.
I personally found, for my 5.4, that keeping the stock piping (unless you want to spring for Mandrell bent tubing) and going with a Flowmaster delta 50 series was best. Gave a supposed increase in MPG and increased low-end, off-d-line, torque. However, from all the postings you'll find just as many "Its not loud enough"s to "Its too loud"s about the 50 series...
I called Flowmaster and they told me to go with the 70 series. 70 series might only help in the torque area, very very mellow sound, but no MPG gains.
Cost: About $200 in my area. NOT WORTH IT!!
If you plan to do many mods to your engine... WAIT and do the Cat-Back after all mods. You'll probably get the best benifit.
If loud is your only concern? Then 40 series, no cats and 3" piping! Or hell, just cut off the pipes at the manifold! LOL!!
HP: Bigger pipes and very free-flowing muffler. Possible Torque loss.
TQ: Stock pipes and better muffler but not necessarily the most free-flowing.
MPG: One that says it will do this. Although most might give slightly better.
[This message has been edited by Rand (edited 12-21-2000).]
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
From: LA
Thanks Rand. I'm more concerned about high end hp and not low end tq. I don't pull anything, but I occasionally line up with a chevy for a race so I think the top end hp is best for me. Have fun at work and there is no such thing as all work an no play!!!
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1999 F-150 Lariat SC 2 WD, White/Silver, 5.4L, 3.55LS, K & N FIPK, Superchip, underdrive pulley set, Dynomax Super Turbo Series Exhaust, six disc CD changer, towing package and captain chairs
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1999 F-150 Lariat SC 2 WD, White/Silver, 5.4L, 3.55LS, K & N FIPK, Superchip, underdrive pulley set, Dynomax Super Turbo Series Exhaust, six disc CD changer, towing package and captain chairs
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 632
Likes: 0
From: DOT BOMB CITY!
Mikey88:
You should look for an exhaust SYSTEM where an aftermarket company has TUNED an application specifically for your truck. A tuned exhaust system will give you the best benifit! Might cost a lot though! I think Borla systems are tuned??
You should look for an exhaust SYSTEM where an aftermarket company has TUNED an application specifically for your truck. A tuned exhaust system will give you the best benifit! Might cost a lot though! I think Borla systems are tuned??