wanted: deep throaty cat-back exhaust. must not be loud. performance gain would be nice, but desired result is to get rid of a single hanging pipe which looks tacky.

i was sold on the raven 55 after reviewing all the posts, but surprisingly when i visited 2 separate midas shops both referred to them as a fad, expensive, and too loud for what i wanted. another surprise was the raven only comes with a 90 day warranty. then they tried selling me on the rhino muffler. never heard of it.

another issue which became important to me after reading the posts was getting a feel for the shop doing the work. i was turned off at the first midas store as i felt like i was bothering the guy who was of no use what so-ever. the second midas was better, although he quoted $25 more, but again in and out in 2 mintutes.

last on my list was advanced muffler. the guy was great. he builds race cars, was tinkering on his dually chevy, and walked me through his very tidy and organized shop. he answered all my questions, helped me learn more than i thought i knew. but here's the curve ball, the muffler of choice was an exlerator (pernounced accelerator). he had it on his truck and it sounded great. deep throaty and not too loud. this muffler comes with a lifetime warranty but i've never heard of it. so...HELP!!

this guy has won my business hands down. as he explained everything you could tell, to him, this was an art, not just another truck to slap on the rack. my dilema...

please educate me on this muffler. anyone have one installed, and if so...how is it?

his truck had a 454 engine. i'm sure there's going to be a difference on a 5.4 but how much?

any help is appreciated.

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Deep Wedgewood Blue 4x4 SuperCrew, XLT, Dk. Graphite, 5.4, Limited Slip, 17" R/T, Sliding Glass, Tow Package, Skid Plates, Bed Extender. Mods: Line-X

[This message has been edited by Kenny (edited 03-03-2001).]

 

That's why I avoid shops. It's the same story everytime and it's very rare to find someone that can help with what you specifically want, not them trying to sell what they have.

I got a bolt on Gibson Supertruck and even though I have to make some modifications to it because of the body lift I will be doing those myself.

I am sorry but don't know about the exlerator.

Good luck.

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My Ride: 1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.

Modifications:
Optima Red Top Battery
Split Fire Spark Plugs
K&N FIPK
Gibson Supertruck Exhaust System
Stepshield door sill protectors
Performance Accesories 3" Body Lift
Performance Accesories Lift Lips by Mountain Enterprises
Superlift 3" lift blocks
Gabriel Gas Ryder LT VST Shocks
Daystar Front Anti-sway Bar Polyurethane Bushings
Heckethorn Steering Stabilizer
35x12.5R16.5LT BFG All Terrain KO's
16.5x9.75 American Eagle 589's.
McGard Premium Wheel Locks

Photos at: http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck

 

Kenny,

In my humble opinion, go with the shop that you like, or order & install a system yourself...If you are concerned about the off brand muffler then ask him about doing the work for you & buying your own selected muffler. I have not heard of that muffler either. I might have seen it advertised in Petersons Four wheeler magizine. The Midas shops would not have earned my business either, way too high and it sounds like they are not customer oriented. I got a qote of $250 for the Z55 split rear duel system here where I live and the folks at Midas were very customer oriented. Midas also told me their warrenty was one year on muffler & system. I was impressed on price & information. From what I have gathered here on the boards & past experances, most system will offer some gains unless poorly performed. Look through the posts as I have done and learn as much as possible about our trucks then make a choice. It seems like the most common pipe size is 2 1/2 & is best with mandral bent pipes. Most folks seem to prefer Gibson for price & performance then it seems to be a toss up from there between Ravin/Flowmaster & others. I'm thinking of going with the Ravin Z55. Price & performance are key points along with deep tone. I would have done the deed this week but work came first. I still have thoughts of the Gibson split rear & installing myself then getting it welded later. The best thing to do is take your time & decide what's best for your situation. All for now & good luck on your choice.

RansToy

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• Y2K F-150 Lariot, Oxford White, Short bed Extended Cab
• 5.4 Liter V8
• 4X4 Off Road Package
• Grey Leather interior
• 4-speed Auto
• Soft Black Tonneau cover