Ravin Questions
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA USA
Ravin Questions
After reading all the posts about Ravin, and visiting Midas, I've decided to go with the Z-55, single-in/single out, side exit, 2 1/2" diameter, using the stock pipes.
First question: Is there any benefit to using new Ravin pipes vs. using the stock pipes?
I also like the oblong/oval tip shown on the Ravin website (www.goravin.com in the "Domestic" section). However, this would only look good if it were installed parallel to the truck body, and to do this would require another bend in the tail pipe, or perhaps bending the tail pipe to 90 degrees.
Second and third questions: Would these tail pipe bends decrease power or otherwise affect the system? Or should I just go with the standard oval tip?
Fourth question: If the Z-55 is too loud for me, I understand the Z-77 is quieter, but is there any loss in power?
Thanks for the input!
------------------
Promises Do Come True: 2000 F-150 XLT 4.6L V8 auto, supercab, oxford white/dark graphite, 3.55 LS, std bed, prem CD, class III towing, sliding rear window. ADDED: SuperChip! Westin step bars, Fumoto oil valve, Ford bugshield, Vent Visors, Penda Hide-A-Hooks, Rhino bed liner, SnugTop HiLiner cap, Lee Anderson carpet kit (sweet!), Kleen Wheel brake dust shields, Yakima TerraGate 2 hitch bike rack, rubber duckie antenna, Ford wheel locks, dark gray Dash Mat, stoopid fuel magnets, Lund wiper cowl, EGR fender flares, Ford cabin air filtration, custom curtains for the bed, custom cupholder inserts, custom sunglass insert for the garage door opener compartment. SOON: K&N FIPK, Flowmaster Delta 40 or 50.
First question: Is there any benefit to using new Ravin pipes vs. using the stock pipes?
I also like the oblong/oval tip shown on the Ravin website (www.goravin.com in the "Domestic" section). However, this would only look good if it were installed parallel to the truck body, and to do this would require another bend in the tail pipe, or perhaps bending the tail pipe to 90 degrees.
Second and third questions: Would these tail pipe bends decrease power or otherwise affect the system? Or should I just go with the standard oval tip?
Fourth question: If the Z-55 is too loud for me, I understand the Z-77 is quieter, but is there any loss in power?
Thanks for the input!
------------------
Promises Do Come True: 2000 F-150 XLT 4.6L V8 auto, supercab, oxford white/dark graphite, 3.55 LS, std bed, prem CD, class III towing, sliding rear window. ADDED: SuperChip! Westin step bars, Fumoto oil valve, Ford bugshield, Vent Visors, Penda Hide-A-Hooks, Rhino bed liner, SnugTop HiLiner cap, Lee Anderson carpet kit (sweet!), Kleen Wheel brake dust shields, Yakima TerraGate 2 hitch bike rack, rubber duckie antenna, Ford wheel locks, dark gray Dash Mat, stoopid fuel magnets, Lund wiper cowl, EGR fender flares, Ford cabin air filtration, custom curtains for the bed, custom cupholder inserts, custom sunglass insert for the garage door opener compartment. SOON: K&N FIPK, Flowmaster Delta 40 or 50.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, Canada
Christopher....Are you saying that the only thing you want to do is replace your stock muffler with a Z55 muffler? You would re-use your stock pipes....basically all you would be changing is the muffler...Right?
If this is the case I to am curious about this because if I could gain HP, torque and a bit of sound by just changing the muffler...then I would go for it!
Has anyone out there just changed the stock muffler to a Ravin type and re-used the stock 2.5 pipes?
If this is the case I to am curious about this because if I could gain HP, torque and a bit of sound by just changing the muffler...then I would go for it!
Has anyone out there just changed the stock muffler to a Ravin type and re-used the stock 2.5 pipes?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans, LA, USA
Christopher, not sure of the Ravin "pipes" specifically but I doubt it. I would use Ravin pipes (are they prefabbed?) or custom bent pipes for dual out; keep you stock for single out. Quite frankly, I don't believe that most "system" pipes are better than the stock pipes - all things being equal; diameter, guage (effects sound, weight), bends, etc. I may get alot of flames but I have had both, and for street use it becomes religious - not always factual.
Second and third questions depend on amount of bends, compression of bends, but from what I have done and seen - no.
I doubt that the Z55 is too loud for you. Any yes the Z77 flows less, hp less, torque, etc. (from memory here) they have the specs on the mufflers check them out.
------------------
2001 F150 SuperCrew, 5.4 V8, 4X4, Amazon Green, loaded to the max, K&N Gen II Cold Air Induction, Ravin Z55 Performance Exhaust, Line-X.
Second and third questions depend on amount of bends, compression of bends, but from what I have done and seen - no.
I doubt that the Z55 is too loud for you. Any yes the Z77 flows less, hp less, torque, etc. (from memory here) they have the specs on the mufflers check them out.
------------------
2001 F150 SuperCrew, 5.4 V8, 4X4, Amazon Green, loaded to the max, K&N Gen II Cold Air Induction, Ravin Z55 Performance Exhaust, Line-X.
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA USA
Thanks for the input, guys. Can you tell I'm a little confused?! What I meant about pipes is when folks talk about replacing everything from the catalytic converters backwards, as opposed to just replacing the muffler. As I read F150aGoGo's post, I do recall others saying that maximum power gains are to be had only by buying the integrated systems, instead of just the muffler. However, if we're splitting hairs here, who cares?
I'll check out the Z-55's this weekend.
Thanks,
------------------
Promises Do Come True: 2000 F-150 XLT 4.6L V8 auto, supercab, oxford white/dark graphite, 3.55 LS, std bed, prem CD, class III towing, sliding rear window. ADDED: SuperChip! Westin step bars, Fumoto oil valve, Ford bugshield, Vent Visors, Penda Hide-A-Hooks, Rhino bed liner, SnugTop HiLiner cap, Lee Anderson carpet kit (sweet!), Kleen Wheel brake dust shields, Yakima TerraGate 2 hitch bike rack, rubber duckie antenna, Ford wheel locks, dark gray Dash Mat, stoopid fuel magnets, Lund wiper cowl, EGR fender flares, Ford cabin air filtration, custom curtains for the bed, custom cupholder inserts, custom sunglass insert for the garage door opener compartment. SOON: K&N FIPK, Flowmaster Delta 40 or 50.
I'll check out the Z-55's this weekend.
Thanks,
------------------
Promises Do Come True: 2000 F-150 XLT 4.6L V8 auto, supercab, oxford white/dark graphite, 3.55 LS, std bed, prem CD, class III towing, sliding rear window. ADDED: SuperChip! Westin step bars, Fumoto oil valve, Ford bugshield, Vent Visors, Penda Hide-A-Hooks, Rhino bed liner, SnugTop HiLiner cap, Lee Anderson carpet kit (sweet!), Kleen Wheel brake dust shields, Yakima TerraGate 2 hitch bike rack, rubber duckie antenna, Ford wheel locks, dark gray Dash Mat, stoopid fuel magnets, Lund wiper cowl, EGR fender flares, Ford cabin air filtration, custom curtains for the bed, custom cupholder inserts, custom sunglass insert for the garage door opener compartment. SOON: K&N FIPK, Flowmaster Delta 40 or 50.
Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Faribault, MN
Well, having done both type setups. I can only express my take on, cat back vs muffler.
The best bang for the buck I have seen is with just a muffler replacment. opening up the exhaust pipes even a .5" had caused loss in low-end torque for one truck of mine. a Integrated system (IE Gibson)has been tuned to take this into consideration. But on a custom bend setup, there are a lot of variables, Pipe Dia, # of bends, type of bends, flow cap of the muffler, # of exit pipes.
For me, when it comes to just a perf upgrade I vote for just the muffler, and pipe if there are to many existing Hard bends.(Cost 75-140$
For sound and perf then a custom or integrated.(Cost 150-300$)
just my take
The best bang for the buck I have seen is with just a muffler replacment. opening up the exhaust pipes even a .5" had caused loss in low-end torque for one truck of mine. a Integrated system (IE Gibson)has been tuned to take this into consideration. But on a custom bend setup, there are a lot of variables, Pipe Dia, # of bends, type of bends, flow cap of the muffler, # of exit pipes.
For me, when it comes to just a perf upgrade I vote for just the muffler, and pipe if there are to many existing Hard bends.(Cost 75-140$
For sound and perf then a custom or integrated.(Cost 150-300$)
just my take
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans, LA, USA
I agree with thomasjs. I have had every known exhaust system known to man. Here's another perspective.
First you have to break the system into its components. The simplest is pipes, muffler, tips.
Marketing verbage says - Systems provide
1. a consistant flow of exhaust gases
pipes - true but ALL/any system (stock or custom) will as long as there are no ridiculous bends or crips in the pipes. If you don't go with a "system" and use stock or custom pipes that have no bending disadvantage then it is a wash.
muffler - debateable - some non system mufflers flow better than mufflers that come with systems. Check a muffler from a system vs. the flow rate of a Ravin or Flowmaster or a ... you get the picture. The biggest thing here is that just about ALL add on mufflers flow better than stock.
Also remember that if you open up your exhaust and have no increase in intake what have bought? (sound). More air in more air out, denser, colder, that produces more hp and torque.
2. increased hp and torque. What they usually don't say is compared to what? Obviously stock systems. Not so obvious is systems vs systems. I say challenge them - ask them what system is it better than? And what are the system componets tested?
3. good fit - either for the system muffler of some type, or for pipe routing, or for ease of installation. I agree on the ease of installation. Unless of course your just swapping to a performance muffler.
Now if we expand systems to include headers, heads, ignition, etc. things get real interesting.
But for street driven trucks, you be fine with the keep it simple principle.
I see you have the chip, and a bunch of "other" stuff, and had intended to go with the FM but decided on the Ravin "(After reading all the posts about Ravin, and visiting Midas, I've decided to go with the Z-55, single-in/single out, side exit, 2 1/2" diameter, using the stock pipes.)". That is a good choice that is easily changeable should you wish in the future. With the Ravin you WILL get a deeper tone, no FM gurggle or resonance, and better flow than with the FM. After the FIPK you be in business.
Good luck.
------------------
2001 F150 SuperCrew, 5.4 V8, 4X4, Amazon Green, loaded to the max, K&N Gen II Cold Air Induction, Ravin Z55 Performance Exhaust, Line-X.
First you have to break the system into its components. The simplest is pipes, muffler, tips.
Marketing verbage says - Systems provide
1. a consistant flow of exhaust gases
pipes - true but ALL/any system (stock or custom) will as long as there are no ridiculous bends or crips in the pipes. If you don't go with a "system" and use stock or custom pipes that have no bending disadvantage then it is a wash.
muffler - debateable - some non system mufflers flow better than mufflers that come with systems. Check a muffler from a system vs. the flow rate of a Ravin or Flowmaster or a ... you get the picture. The biggest thing here is that just about ALL add on mufflers flow better than stock.
Also remember that if you open up your exhaust and have no increase in intake what have bought? (sound). More air in more air out, denser, colder, that produces more hp and torque.
2. increased hp and torque. What they usually don't say is compared to what? Obviously stock systems. Not so obvious is systems vs systems. I say challenge them - ask them what system is it better than? And what are the system componets tested?
3. good fit - either for the system muffler of some type, or for pipe routing, or for ease of installation. I agree on the ease of installation. Unless of course your just swapping to a performance muffler.
Now if we expand systems to include headers, heads, ignition, etc. things get real interesting.
But for street driven trucks, you be fine with the keep it simple principle.
I see you have the chip, and a bunch of "other" stuff, and had intended to go with the FM but decided on the Ravin "(After reading all the posts about Ravin, and visiting Midas, I've decided to go with the Z-55, single-in/single out, side exit, 2 1/2" diameter, using the stock pipes.)". That is a good choice that is easily changeable should you wish in the future. With the Ravin you WILL get a deeper tone, no FM gurggle or resonance, and better flow than with the FM. After the FIPK you be in business.
Good luck.
------------------
2001 F150 SuperCrew, 5.4 V8, 4X4, Amazon Green, loaded to the max, K&N Gen II Cold Air Induction, Ravin Z55 Performance Exhaust, Line-X.
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA USA
Goldarn, F150aGoGo, thanks for the diatribe! I've learned a lot on this board from knowledgable, real-world folks like you. Thanks for the scoop.
I finally found a decent human being at a Midas shop who basically spent the time to tell me the same things that you did. I'll go with a Ravin muffler when they get 'em in. Then I'll forget all about it and just be happy! Until I think about my next mod, that is... why is California taking so long to approve the Y2K K&N FIPK system?!
------------------
Promises Do Come True: 2000 F-150 XLT 4.6L V8 auto, supercab, oxford white/dark graphite, 3.55 LS, std bed, prem CD, class III towing, sliding rear window. ADDED: SuperChip! Westin step bars, Fumoto oil valve, Ford bugshield, Vent Visors, Penda Hide-A-Hooks, Rhino bed liner, SnugTop HiLiner cap, Lee Anderson carpet kit (sweet!), Kleen Wheel brake dust shields, Yakima TerraGate 2 hitch bike rack, rubber duckie antenna, Ford wheel locks, dark gray Dash Mat, stoopid fuel magnets, Lund wiper cowl, EGR fender flares, Ford cabin air filtration, custom curtains for the bed, custom cupholder inserts, custom sunglass insert for the garage door opener compartment. SOON: K&N FIPK, Flowmaster or Ravin exhaust.
I finally found a decent human being at a Midas shop who basically spent the time to tell me the same things that you did. I'll go with a Ravin muffler when they get 'em in. Then I'll forget all about it and just be happy! Until I think about my next mod, that is... why is California taking so long to approve the Y2K K&N FIPK system?!
------------------
Promises Do Come True: 2000 F-150 XLT 4.6L V8 auto, supercab, oxford white/dark graphite, 3.55 LS, std bed, prem CD, class III towing, sliding rear window. ADDED: SuperChip! Westin step bars, Fumoto oil valve, Ford bugshield, Vent Visors, Penda Hide-A-Hooks, Rhino bed liner, SnugTop HiLiner cap, Lee Anderson carpet kit (sweet!), Kleen Wheel brake dust shields, Yakima TerraGate 2 hitch bike rack, rubber duckie antenna, Ford wheel locks, dark gray Dash Mat, stoopid fuel magnets, Lund wiper cowl, EGR fender flares, Ford cabin air filtration, custom curtains for the bed, custom cupholder inserts, custom sunglass insert for the garage door opener compartment. SOON: K&N FIPK, Flowmaster or Ravin exhaust.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I second F150AGoGo's opinion. My Midas guy talked about adding $95 for a 3" single side out pipe or $174 more for dual 3" out the back. I ordered a 1997 model Ravin 55 with 2.5" si/so using my stock tail pipe.
He said the internal construction of Ravin is much better than anything else he's seen on the market, and that going with 3" pipe (Ravin's pipe) isn't worth the $$ since crimps in pipe here and there are almost immeasurable when it comes to HP and torque.
My 55 should be in by Thur/Fri this week, $159 out the door.
He said the internal construction of Ravin is much better than anything else he's seen on the market, and that going with 3" pipe (Ravin's pipe) isn't worth the $$ since crimps in pipe here and there are almost immeasurable when it comes to HP and torque.
My 55 should be in by Thur/Fri this week, $159 out the door.
Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
In Covington, LA outside of New Orleans.
I had the Ravin 55 put in Friday last week. You can feel improvement from the line, plus the deepest growl from an exhaust you'ld ever want. Staying with the 2.5" si/so muffler using my stock 2.5" side out pipe was the right choice for me. It still has plenty of sound without the cost of dual pipes out the back/side. Definitely worth it.
------------------
Dave
1999 F150 S/C 4.6 V8 Auto
I had the Ravin 55 put in Friday last week. You can feel improvement from the line, plus the deepest growl from an exhaust you'ld ever want. Staying with the 2.5" si/so muffler using my stock 2.5" side out pipe was the right choice for me. It still has plenty of sound without the cost of dual pipes out the back/side. Definitely worth it.
------------------
Dave
1999 F150 S/C 4.6 V8 Auto
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 773
Likes: 1
From: Durham NC USA
After getting another brochure from Ravin today(more free stickers too)there are now 4 more area Midas shops that carry the Ravins than 2 mths ago. Called the nearest one and got a price of 115.00 for a si/so Z55 muffler using my stock pipes and 24.95 for the install for a total of 140.00 out the door. Had the FM40 put on awhile back but changing over to the Ravin Thurs. Heard the owners truck which happens to be a 2000 F150 4x4 with 5.4L with this set-up and it sounds much better than the FM40 in my opinion. Just wish I had gotten this in the first place as its only 20.00 more installed than my FM 40 was
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 773
Likes: 1
From: Durham NC USA
Oops forgot sig in last post.
------------------
2000 F150 SC, XLT, Bright Red/Silver 4x2,Auto, 5.4, 3.55LS,CD, sliding rear window, Tow package,Captains chairs,Remote Entry, Ford Bedliner, molded splash guards,Stainless step bars and bed rails.FM40 single in/Single out the side cat back installed.Pretty much stock now but waiting for performance mods to include FIPK,,Superchip, new wheels/tires and new audio.
------------------
2000 F150 SC, XLT, Bright Red/Silver 4x2,Auto, 5.4, 3.55LS,CD, sliding rear window, Tow package,Captains chairs,Remote Entry, Ford Bedliner, molded splash guards,Stainless step bars and bed rails.FM40 single in/Single out the side cat back installed.Pretty much stock now but waiting for performance mods to include FIPK,,Superchip, new wheels/tires and new audio.