Exhaust Question
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 306
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From: Prince George, BC Canada
Exhaust Question
Hey everyone,
A couple of years back I got a dual exhaust put on my truck. It is basically a single with an additional pipe for appearance only. I didn't really notice any drop in power, in fact I thought there was more.
Then the other day, I drove my buddies 2000 4.6 Auto, EC, 4x4. Same truck as mine, same rear end, same everything . . . except stock. His had alot more grunt up to about 20 - 25 mph than my truck. I believe mine pulls harder after that and up in the RPM's, but I'd like to have the low end torque that I felt in his truck.
I'm wondering if my exhaust setup is too open? I read some posts about losing backpressure and low end torque if the exhaust is too freeflowing. When I first got my exhaust, they ran just straight pipes with no muffler . . . when I complained about the noise, they put a small "muffler" on. Now I'm begginning to think it was just a resonator of sorts.
Do you think the exhaust is the difference? I notice that his truck "jumps" off the line with just a tap of the throttle while mine is way less so. My truck is a 97, but I don't think the age of the engines alone would account for this. My truck has been very well kept with no major problems.
What do you think the difference is and how can I fix it . . . besides a superchip, which may come with time. Would a new exhaust help with the low end torque . . . I've read about the Gibson Sideswept but I don't think we have a dealer here. what about Dynomax or Flowmaster? Any other options if I can't track down the Gibson?
- Coug
1997 F-150 4x4, EC, 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS, K&N Filter
A couple of years back I got a dual exhaust put on my truck. It is basically a single with an additional pipe for appearance only. I didn't really notice any drop in power, in fact I thought there was more.
Then the other day, I drove my buddies 2000 4.6 Auto, EC, 4x4. Same truck as mine, same rear end, same everything . . . except stock. His had alot more grunt up to about 20 - 25 mph than my truck. I believe mine pulls harder after that and up in the RPM's, but I'd like to have the low end torque that I felt in his truck.
I'm wondering if my exhaust setup is too open? I read some posts about losing backpressure and low end torque if the exhaust is too freeflowing. When I first got my exhaust, they ran just straight pipes with no muffler . . . when I complained about the noise, they put a small "muffler" on. Now I'm begginning to think it was just a resonator of sorts.
Do you think the exhaust is the difference? I notice that his truck "jumps" off the line with just a tap of the throttle while mine is way less so. My truck is a 97, but I don't think the age of the engines alone would account for this. My truck has been very well kept with no major problems.
What do you think the difference is and how can I fix it . . . besides a superchip, which may come with time. Would a new exhaust help with the low end torque . . . I've read about the Gibson Sideswept but I don't think we have a dealer here. what about Dynomax or Flowmaster? Any other options if I can't track down the Gibson?
- Coug
1997 F-150 4x4, EC, 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS, K&N Filter
Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Livermore, CA
Cougar Guy, It's sounds like your muffler is too free flowing and you may want to consider replacing the muffler. I installed a CGS Motorsport muffler. It was designed for low-end torque and has worked well to improve the low-end torque on both my 5.4 and my dad's 4.6. We both ran a 3" inlet and dual 2 1/2" outlets system. The Gibson muffler is also designed for low-end torque and works well from what I've read. I'd stay away from the Flowmasters, Magnaflows, Dynomax and any other straight-flow design mufflers if you're concerned about loss of low-end torque. These mufflers are designed for high RPM's and work well at WOT. You can order the CGS muffler and have it shipped directly to you. Their website is: www.cgsmotorsports.com. The Gibson muffler is available at many online stores, just do a search. My 2 cents, good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, VA
Cougar Guy,
Sounds like your exhaust might be too free flowing. The only way to know for sure is to try another.
Just about any system you want can be mail ordered, or ordered on the 'net. Most cat backs can be done yourself, or you can just take it to the local muffler shop and let them do it.
Also keep in mind that gearing and other factors will be part of the picture. Also, you're friends truck is fresh, probably still in perfect tune, and has the new heads with higher stock output.
Sounds like your exhaust might be too free flowing. The only way to know for sure is to try another.
Just about any system you want can be mail ordered, or ordered on the 'net. Most cat backs can be done yourself, or you can just take it to the local muffler shop and let them do it.
Also keep in mind that gearing and other factors will be part of the picture. Also, you're friends truck is fresh, probably still in perfect tune, and has the new heads with higher stock output.