I did hear someone with a newer model then mine with strait out the back and it sounded fine. Mine is just a little quieter but I only have one cat on each bank. Sounds like others are talking about 4 total cats and that can make a differance. Really do like the sound of mine and most of my exhause is the stock 2 1/2 inch pipes. Like I posted earlear have had others ask me what kind of exhause I have...

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Black 1997 F-150 Supercab Flairside. 4.6L with Superchip, Jacobs DIS, K&N Generation II, Cat back Exhaust with Flowmaster 40 and MEG'S Stainless tip in front of rear wheel (nice rumble). 17" Off Road wheel pkg. Lots of body mods. 4 yrs old and still turns heads...and now paid for!!

 

Great, thanks for all the replies guys. Yesterday, I went to K.C. Show Trucks, and my local muffler shop, and both placed told me that their is a "new" system out called a "Bass Glasspack." I guess it's a SI/DO 24" glasspack that supposedly sounds bada$$. I thought glasspacks were junk? They told me about $275 for the setup, and it sounds better than anything else. The guy at K.C. Show Trucks, said that they were almost too loud!!! WOOHOO!!! Only problem is, I just sank over $200 into what I have now. Would a turn down be a good idea? The guy at K.C., told me to get my hack saw out, and "go to town." He told me to cut it off RIGHT after the muffler, and leave it. Any problems with that? Thanks again guys!!!

-AR

 

I guess I'll throw in my two cents in here too. First the exhaust configurations I've ran.

These are 2.5" in/2x2.25" out
1. Cheapo performance muffler, duals out the back.
<A HREF="http://tnet.dyndns.org/f150lowquality.wav" TARGET=_blank>http://tnet.dyndns.org/f150lowquality.wav
</A>
2. Glasspack split into duals out the back.<A HREF="http://tnet.dyndns.org/glasspack1.wav" TARGET=_blank>http://tnet.dyndns.org/glasspack1.wav
</A>
3. Straight pipe split into duals out the back.
<A HREF="http://tnet.dyndns.org/open.wav" TARGET=_blank>http://tnet.dyndns.org/open.wav
</A>

Then I took off the duals.
1. Glasspack with turndown.
2. Nothing, just about 15" of pipe after the two pipes y'd together.
3. Dynomax Ultra Flow 2.5" in/ 2.5" out with turndown.

Now as for observations. I wanted sound and performance to begin with. Didn't like the sound of the cheapo muffler so put on the glasspack. Glasspack had good sound at idle, but anything over 3/4 throttle and you could actually hear the restricted air rushing through it. Really hurt performance. Put just the straight pipe on one weekend to try and localize the restricted air rushing sound, turns out it was partly the glasspack and partly the poorly designed dual out pipes and splitter. Loved the sound of the straight pipe with tailpipes, but kind of annoying on road trips, especially when it would shift out of overdrive to climb a good hill. Anyway, so recently I ditched the duals and put a turndown on the glasspack. Same sound, just closer to the cab thus louder to me. Still sound of rushing air. Order Dynomax muffler from Summit for $59. Took off glasspack on morning it was to be delivered. Awesome sound with no muffler and tailpipe. _Way to loud for my taste for everyday driving. Great way to attact some attention though. Got the dynomax on and was very suprised and a little dissapointed at how well it muffled. Amazing what they can do with a straight pipe with holes in it. After driving it a bit though, I'm really liking it. It's got a great deep tone at idle, and it loud enough to hear, but not obtrusive at all. But the main reason for this last swap was performace related. I felt the glasspack duals were killing me and they were. This dynomax is performing great. It'll be my last muffler, and is staying with me if I every sell the truck. Anyway, the moral of this insanely long message, is beware of some glasspacks poorly designed ones can really hurt and it's very hard to try to help someone decide what to do with their exhaust because everybody likes something a little different. What's deafening loud to one is too quite to another, etc, etc.

P.S. Please forgive any and all spelling and grammer errors. Just typeing and don't want to bother looking anything up.

 

Awesome...thanks man!!! You sound as picky as I am. Sounds like you've tried a lot of setups. What's your opinion on my setup? It seems like my muffler is "cool" since it's not a pipe with holes. Instead, it's a "chamber" with plates that deflect the gasses. I think I feel better with it because it provides some back pressure. Do you think I'm better oof with stock setup, or a turndown. I'd hate to have wasted the $50 on the Gibson stainless tip, but if I can get better sound...

What are the pros / cons of a turndown vs. stock setup?

They muffler shop guy told me that dual outets are louder, because the exhaust has more area / time to make noise...does this sound right? Maybe that's why my 2 1/2" in / (2) 2 1/4" out 4.2L sounded so good?

THANKS!!!

-AR

[This message has been edited by Jackal (edited 11-01-2000).]

 

I had flowmasters put on mine (not sure which series) and I thought it sounded good. Then I wanted to make it louder, so I cut it off right after the muffler, and now it is much louder and it sounds like a Mustang with Flowmasters. It pops alot, but thats the way I like it. The muffler is si/do, by the way.

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Y2K F-150 Silver XLT Sport
R/C Flareside
4.6L V-8 3.55 gears, 5-Speed
A.R.E. "Lowrider" Fiberglass cover, Flowmaster

 

JACKAL,
Since you removed a "brand new exhaust system", could I get it from you? 10 years from now I may need a replacement for my stock exhaust

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2001 F150 SC SPORT 4X4 FLARESIDE
* Black
* 4.6
* awesome factory 10 spoke 17" wheels
* "MAN"ual shift 4x4
* 3.55 Limited slip
* Captains chairs W/console
* Factory tube steps
* Slider

 

Yeah, that's my main ambition in life... to have an exhaust so loud people turn their heads to see what idiot paid hundreds of dollars to make a great truck sound like a piece of junk! They're probably turning their heads to get your license tag to call the police and report you for disturbing the peace! A nice looking F-150 does not need to sound LOUD to get attention.

 

Jackel, I don't know much about Flowmasters. I do know that people spout how flowmasters don't actually flow near as much as some, but what they don't realize is that they aren't supposed to. At least not according to flowmaster. It uses the pulses of the exhaust or some such. But when it boils down to it they compare and perform quite well when it comes down to it. As for the stock exhaust location, I personally don't like an exhaust that exits behind the rear tire just like every other exhaust in the world. I've also gotten to where I don't like duals straight out the back for the same kind of reason. Alot of people have that, plus you eat alot of exhaust fumes trying to hook up a boat or something else to pull. I'm partial to some type of turn out in front of the rear tire, like a lightning or like what was stock on the '97s. Except I want something prettier that what was stock in '97. Or I also like just a turn down with no visible pipes, that's just kind of cool to me. The only negatives are you will hear the exhaust more since it's closer(you have to decide for yourself if that's a negative or not) and you might be able to smell some fumes every once in awhile. I don't really see how dual outs are louder and I didn't experience this. The tailpipes themselves will muffle some.

Kenster, to each his own. I don't like the excessive open pipe sound either, but it does have a nice raw tone that strikes something down in my Arkansas redneck core. I also don't like the non-existant exhaust note stock. It's a V8 and I like to hear it a little, like I said to each his own....

 

I think you're in the minority here Kenster. These trucks can't get loud, but anything is better than stock. Maybe you're thinking of a rusty ol' Chevy with open-headers. Anyway...I went today to have my exhaust cut, and a 16" X 3" chrome tip welded on just after the muffler, but the guys said that it would hardly make any difference. I agree with you about stock location, and duals. The muffler guys said that the only way to get the sound, is to install a "glasspack" type deal, (which really isn't a glasspack) and go SI/DO with it. They tell me that the restriction is all due to the muffler. Hell, all it is, is a chamber with plates. I figured the FM 40 was the loudest...besides annoying, popping GP's. Two different shops told me this. The GP's are not an option...I WILL keep my FM 40...the only question now is: Do I get use to it, or do I spent more money to have a tip placed after the muffler, and waste the $50 I spent on the stainless tip I have now? I guess I could use it...but it is only 10 X 3 1/2". Theirs is 14" X 3" non-stainless, chromed. What to do...

-AR

 

You could always get some Megs

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2000 F150 XLT 4x4 Short Bed. Amazon Green, 5.4L, SuperCab, ORP, Tow Package, Sliding Rear Window, Electronic Shift, Keyless Entry, LT265-70-17 Tires, Clarion Pro Audio, Herculiner Bedliner, Air Silencer Removed.

1994 SVT Mustang Cobra. #1032 of 6009. Black coupe with black leather int., 3.73 rear, Bassani Exhaust, Aluminum D/S, Bridgestone RE-71 255-45-ZR17

My Home Page

 

Jackal,

Here's my 2 cents, A few months ago I installed a dynomax system on my 4.6 it sounds so sweet, My buddy has the same truck I do and he wanted the same sound but, I coundn't get the muffler fast enough for him so I ordered him a flowmaster 40 series and its about 1/2 the sound of mine (is he pissed) long story short pull the flowmaster off and install a ultra flow dynomax. Go to dynomax.com and listen to the ultra flow muffler(my truck sounds like the expy with the ultra flow welded) and you make the choice

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98 f150 4.6 auto 4x4 supercab-short box/bright red & black/6 disk cd changer/ dynomax cat back/k&n fipk/super chip/lund taillight covers/clear corner lens/factory fog lamps/pace edwards box cover/ultra wheels/LT265-75-16 BFG/ westin nerf bars/steel horse billit grill & bumper insert/reflex shocks/bosch plat. plus 4/accel wires/auto start/left hand grab handle/skidoo summit 700 high mark/FORD DEALERSHIP



[This message has been edited by summitman (edited 11-01-2000).]

 

Hey Jack here we go, I have the delta flow 40 on my 5.4 and it has a really good rumble. Im runnin 1 in 2 out the back,2 1/2" pipes. You may have the 50 series on your ride thats the only thing I can think of. That is the muffler that comes in the kit for our trucks and its not much louder than stock. All the trucks that I have heard with the 40 series have the same sound with the 4.6 and the 5.4 so it aint your motor. Double check the muffler...a 50 series is 2" thicker and about 4" longer than a 40 series you can get the exack measurements from your local flowmaster dealer or call them they are pretty helpful and last if that doesnt work maybe you are deaf. Good luck and lemme know how it works out.

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*2001 F-150 4X4 Supercab
*Sport package(xlt)
*Silver/Dark Graphite
*5.4L V8
*auto
*Vinyl Tonneau cover
*Bedliner w/Paintsaver
*Flowmaster Delta flow 40
*dual out the back
*Airaid intake kit(silver)

 

Thanks for the reply man...it's hard to tell with just the sound. Mine sounds like that too, depending on where you are standing. Do 5-speed trucks sound quite a bit different than autos.? It seems like the autos have a constant growl, while the 5 speeds seem to only "open-up" at very high RPM's or WOT. Do duals really make more noise like the muffler shop claimed? I guess these questions would help me make my best decision:

---------------------------------------------------

What setup allows for the loudest sound:

- Duals

- Stock (behind rear wheel.)

- Cut-off just behind the muffler

I've heard that "turn-downs" make the best sound, out the back is for looks, and stock is for...well, the stock look. But isn't the hot exhaust blowing underneath bad?

Do "megaphone" exhaust tips make a substantial difference?

With stock setup, you're VERY limited on size of tip. With duals, you can have near 24", and with "turn-down", you're unlimited as well, but would you want true "turn-downs", a 16" X 3" tip, or standard 3" pipe after the muffler, and how long?

What "muffler" is the loudest, without the "glasspack" type popping sound?

I like gurgle...but not the cheap pissed off bumble bee popping. I assumed it was the FM 40, but I guess I was wrong. Gibson makes a short, FAT, "glasspack" looking deal that is basically straight through.

How do you guys get the shop to do a "straight-pipes" install? Is it legal? How does it sound? Compaired to glasspacks?

[i]I hear that straight pipes offer the best sound, but does't it effect back pressure considerably?

---------------------------------------------------

Here's what I'm thinking of going with...tell me your opinions:

- Current "stock" setup with straight through pipes.

- Current "stock" setup with different type of "muffler". (But what's less restrictive than a FM? I mean, it's a chamber, with a few plates in it.)

- "Cut-off" after the FM 40 with resonating tip / no tip / turn down. (Which is best?)

- "Cut-off" fat Gibson type "glasspack" deal with resonating tip.

- Duals with tips, but what muffler?

I hope you all don't get sick of me, I just want a nice(er) sounding truck, and I sure can't trust the everyday muffler shops. Thanks for your help guys.

-AR


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2001 F-150 XLT 4X4 Off-Road, S/C, FS, Black
- 4.6L Triton V8 (Romeo, 20 HP Increase)
- 5 Speed / 3:55 Reg. Axle
- Keyless
- Premium Audio CD
Mods.
- K&N Cold Airbox / Throttle Body Mod.
- Flowmaster 40 (Stock Setup with 3 1/2" x 10" Gibson Tip)
- Cranked Torsion Bars
- APC XENON PLASMA Super Whites
- Bugshield
- Bedliner
- Ventshades
- "Light Argent" 4X4 Off-Road Decals
- K&N & Flowmaster Stickers (Under the Hood)
Build Date: 8/23/00 (Kansas City Plant)

arobbins@mail.liberty.k12.mo.us




[This message has been edited by Jackal (edited 11-01-2000).]

 

HAHAHAHA!!! "Maybe you're deaf..." I think your right. HAHAHAHA!!! It definately is a standard FM 40...the body is 13" long. In the FM 50, it's like 17", and the 70 is like 22" long or something. I'll go triple check right now though. I'll post again if I find something different. ...good one man.

-AR

 

A few quick observations: (Note: It's like 65 degrees here, and the truck was completly "cold.")

From inside the truck, with the windows up, you can hear it fire up nicely...when it return to idle, it sounds stock. From outside the truck, next to the driver's door, you can hear it...but it's very quiet. From outside the truck, sext to the tail pipe, it has a very nice deep rumble, and I'm very happy with it, however, it only sounds this good when the motor is "cold", and only if I'm right next to the tail pipe. Sounds nice when I "romp" it from inside...about two pops at the RPM's drop. I like that. Would a "cut-off" get me where I'd like to be? I wanna feel the exhaust too...as of now, theirs nothing. I hope I don't have to shell out another $300 +.

-AR