Just got my new exhaust system installed at my local muffler place called Canyon Muffler here in Santa Clarita, CA. The proprietors name is Fred and I have taken all of my cars to him for the last 10 years.

I approached him about the best balanced system to get taking into account price, power, sound and cabin resonance. He suggested using a Flowmaster 50 with a 3" catback. I have read on previous posts that the 50 was too quiet and asked about the 40. He said that it would be pretty loud but he'll install both to see which one I liked. He also said one of the secrets to low resonance is using 13 GA steel piping. Using an "off-the-shelf" catback is thinner gage. This sounded logical and went ahead with the installation.

It took a total of 1 1/2 hours after making a Saturday morning appointment. (He only does custom jobs on Sat.) I started out with the FM50. When I fired it up, I was extremely pleased! A nice throaty sound without any "popping". I didn't even bother trying the 40... this was purrrrfect!

As far as power goes, I did a pre-test on a steep grade going 70 in OD and marked when the tranny downshifted (about halfway up). After installation with my family in the car, I made it all the way to the top with no downshift! I was totally blown away!

To conclude, I feel this was the best bang for the buck mod I could do. Total price including a chrome tip was $290.00. Well worth it.

Next is a superchip. YAHOOOOOO!


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2001 Ford F150 SuperCrew XLT 4X4
All black
17" Aluminum alloy wheels
5.4 Liter
3.55 Limited Slip Differential
Class III Towing Package.
Captains Chairs
6 CD changer
Sliding rear window
Bed extender


Modifications I've done:

Duraliner bedliner
Bugflector II
Stull chrome billet grille
Westin chrome side steps
Custom catback 3 " exhaust system w/Flowmaster 50


Modifications to be done:

Superchip
Finding big-*** tires to mount on my 17" wheels
2" lift kit

Check out the pics at http://www.coolfx.com/f150.htm
[This message has been edited by screwy2k1 (edited 10-08-2000).]

[This message has been edited by screwy2k1 (edited 10-08-2000).]

 

Screwy,
Good looking ride. Like the black color, of course. Good description of the catback; thanks. I'm still undecided on Flowmasters, Ravins, or straight pipe. Why don't we all just get together in one place to compare notes?

------------------
(scheduled to arrive 10/30): '01 SuperCrew XLT 4x2: 5.4L; Limited Slip; Black; 5-Spoke Rims; Dark Graphite Cloth; Captain's Chairs; Power Seat; Cab Steps; Bed Extender; Moonroof.
(now for sale): '93 Ranger XLT SuperCab 4x2: 65K miles; 4.0L; Limited Slip; Black; Alum. Rims; A.C.; Power windows, mirrors, and locks; CD Player; Hard Tonneau; Running Boards.
The GO 4D IT Ranger

 

Screwy,
Does it have a good solid sound from outside? Is your's dual FM50's? Would that be better?

Thanks,

Rick

Your truck looks great!

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2001 Super Crew XLT 4x4,Toredo Red/Harvest Gold, Tan Interior, 4.6l, Keyless Entry,Towing Package,Captain Chairs, Line-X Bed liner, Limited Slip,3.55 axle,Skids,and Sliding Rear Window

 

Thanks for the comments guys.

Ralderman, The sound is great from the outside even with a single FM50 exhaust. I thought about installing duals, but from what I read somewhere on this site, the "Y" pipe is needed for efficientcy.
As far as the Ravens go, I didn't want to wait 2-3 weeks.

Another thing that did make a difference is disconnecting the battery to let the computer reset.

Good luck with your Screws!

------------------
2001 Ford F150 SuperCrew XLT 4X4
All black
17" Aluminum alloy wheels
5.4 Liter
3.55 Limited Slip Differential
Class III Towing Package.
Captains Chairs
6 CD changer
Sliding rear window
Bed extender


Modifications I've done:

Duraliner bedliner
Bugflector II
Stull chrome billet grille
Westin chrome side steps
Custom catback 3 " exhaust system w/Flowmaster 50


Modifications to be done:

Superchip
Finding big-*** tires to mount on my 17" wheels
2" lift kit

Check out the pics at
[URL=http://www.coolfx.com/f150.htm
]http://www.coolfx.com/f150.htm

 

Screwy, I'm looking at the flowmaster 50 series also. My brother is a Midas boy of 12 yrs untill recently and he thinks the Flowmaster is better. Also I will put the sgle in dual out, dual (each side) out behind tires due to the topper on my truck that jr. uses for a play area on the open road trips. Very important not to go out the back with topper even with good seals or you could do the dog in or worse. Flowmaster pointed that out on their web site. They make the dual out behind the wheels set and it looks nice! My brother also told me no H or Y pipe is needed for equalization with a sgl in dual out mufler, only on true duals to stop the poping. Anyway how do you like the sound of yours? Why are you asking about Ravin? Not satisfied? Is it a noticable dif in sound from stock? Please let me know.
Thanks,
RkyMtnFordFan

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1999 oxford wht F150 4x4 s/c, 5.4, XLT, ORP, Tow pkg, Alpine/Infinity, K&N, GlassTite over the rail style topper.

 

Hey Rocky,

I considered the ravins based on the comments made on the board, but after talking to my muffler guy (Fred) and a co-worker who's really into this stuff, I decided to go with the FM50. I'm totally happy with the sound especially using the thick gage 3" pipe (low resonance). It adds a little weight to the truck, but worth it.
I would check with the "kits" on the piping gage. Anybody else have comments on this? Have I been taken down the road to scamville?

Anyway, I see a major increase in HP and torque.

Sounds like duals are the way to go for you! Good luck.

------------------
2001 Ford F150 SuperCrew XLT 4X4
All black
17" Aluminum alloy wheels
5.4 Liter
3.55 Limited Slip Differential
Class III Towing Package.
Captains Chairs
6 CD changer
Sliding rear window
Bed extender


Modifications I've done:

Superchip
Duraliner bedliner
Bugflector II
Stull chrome billet grille
Westin chrome nerf bars
Custom catback 3" exhaust system w/Flowmaster 50


Modifications to be done:

Finding big-*** tires to mount on my 17" wheels
2" lift kit

Check out the pics at
http://www.coolfx.com/f150.htm

 

I went with the FM50 too. I'm totally happy with it. It makes my truck so much fun to drive now. I heard FM40's on a Expy and it was a little too much for me.

------------------
F150IslandBoy

1997 F150 Lariat
SuperCab, Dark Toreador Red w/ Gold, Styleside, 4.6L, A/T, A/C, 3.55 Limited Slip, Class III Tow Package, Leather Captain Seats, Sliding Rear Window.
Modifications:
Airaid FIPK, Flowmaster Delta Flow 50 Series, Bugflector II, Viper 500ESP Alarm, Pendaliner Bedliner, Cobra Trapshooter 3 Radar Detector, CARR Tubular Nerf Bars, Ventshade Ventvisors & Taillight Covers, Monroe Sensa-Trac w/ Safe Trac Shocks, NFA 1400 Compact 55W=>85W Halogen O.E. Lights, Durango 255/70R16, Chrome eyelet tie downs, Smoked front lic. plate cover.