Looking to upgrade my exhaust system. I don't have any experience in this stuff as you'll notice in this post. What is a "cat back" system. I was reading about that Gibson Super Truck Exhaust. Sounds good. Should I get that? Hell.. I don't have a clue. I guess my objective is to increase performance, and would like a beefier sound as well. I tow a trailer with a jet ski, and will be towing a popup camper in the future if that makes any difference. I've read about losing "back end". What exactly does that mean? With all this stuff about flow this, and flow that, High flow cat converters, I'm totally confused as to what to do. Any constructive suggestions would be appreciated. thanks.

 

Welcome to F-150 online. The people here are very knowledgeable and will be more than glad to help you. First, post a good vehicle description (year,engine,etc). A cat-back system is a system that replaces all of your exhaust from the catalytic converters back ( usually behind the Y-pipe back actually ). These are common because it is against Federal laws to remove the cats before 5yrs/50K miles. Top end power systems focus on high flow and big pipes. Towing, low end torque, and back pressure become more important for most uses. Needs vary between engine yr, HP, size, etc. Sound is the easy part and subjective. Materials used is also another consideration; stainless steel systems cost more, and become more important in extreme environmental conditions. There are alot of good systems out there. It is a good idea to have a "dyno tuned application specific system" with mandrel bent pipes, with all around driving improvements. I hope this will help you get started.

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2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
Class III tow/Payload #3/Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification,Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back.

 

If you have a 4.6 or 4.2 engine don't dual it out or go to a 3" single. Since you do a good deal of towing you would probably be unhappy with the outcome, less low end torque. All the F-150s since 97 come with a 2 1/2" system which is plenty of pipe for the V-6 or small V-8. Just get a good performance muffler and save a couple of hundred or more.

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98 Nascar Edition, Superchip, Airaid, Flowmaster 70 series, bedliner, in bed tool box, Profile bug deflector and window vents, Class III receiver hitch.

 

Thanks for the info everyone. As it turns out, the advice from Jonny B is exactly what I got from some guys at work who are rather knowlegable about this stuff. They said basicaly the same thing. They said since I really only use my truck to get from point A to point B, with some light towing once in awhile, my money could be better spent elsewhere. My truck has a 4.6L 8cyl

[This message has been edited by jefferydm (edited 07-01-2000).]

[This message has been edited by jefferydm (edited 07-01-2000).]