Thanks for your kind words. I'll give you my opinion knowing it differs from others. I did read that FM post earlier. First of all, the 3" in muffler and dual out do nothing for performance greater than what 1)2.5" system will obtain. This is because flow comes from the engine back and is limited by it's first restriction. It uses 1)2.5" exit Y-pipe & some part of the 2.5" intermediate pipe, and that's all anything afterwards will ever flow. Second, this system eliminates stainless steel parts, and has more weight & second pipe engineering. 1 pipe can flow just as much as 2, you just use a larger one (just a fact, some prefer duals). To me that setup is designed for looks and a particular sound, not performance. Personally, I prefer 2 mufflers with Flowmasters because they have low flow rates (under 400cfms).
Scenario #2- Throaty: You have to get very loud mufflers to obtain this with the multi-cat setup. Flowmaster reg 40s and Dynomax Ultra-flows come to mind. These are reasonably quiet at idle, moderate on the highway, and really growl at certain load/rpms. If those were too loud, I would use Borlas or Edelbrocks (not choosing another FM due to lower flow rates). You should not get popping or gurgling with any of those setups matched with your application.
Starting from scratch- A "muffler only" replacement is a great mod that can add sound and performance, especially if you leave the factory Y intact. This method allows you to use the factory stainless steel pipe matched to a stainless muffler for a low cost. The 2.5" pipes can handle the standard mods short of a supercharger. If I wanted a cat-back, I would buy a dyno-tuned, application specific, mandrel bent system (stainless if money was no object or if I was not replacing the Y; stainless ones are custom). I would trust the engineers more than the luck of finding a knowledgeable shop guy. These are for performance reasons; custom setups are great for cost, ease, a certain look; exits, tips, etc.(rarily stainless steel or mandrel bent). I think the Borla setup is a excellent system; high flow, stainless steel, and moderate sound. My system has no place that both sides of the engine breathe through anything smaller than 3". It is for performance and a very specific sound. It is oversized for my future supercharger plans, although I lost no low end torque; huge gain mid to top end. I know there is alot of different opinions and products available, only adding choice and confusion. If I can help you in any way, don't hesitate to ask.

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2000 F-150 XL, RC, LB, 5.4L, 4R70W, 3.55LS,
Class III tow, Payload #3, & Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS, Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner w/Paintsaver & gas/wheel/spare locks,
K&N F.I.P.K. w/Outwears pre-filter, Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back w/ 3" Y-pipe,
Hellwig front & rear anti-sway bars, Rancho RS 9000s,
Mobil 1, K&N oil filter.

 

Max, thank you very much for the response and the time you took to answer my specific questions. Your post put my second thoughts to rest. I'm proceeding with the Borlas and looking forward to reading of your supercharger install when that time comes.

 

Hi Max....I really appreciate the vast knowledge you bring to F150online. The manner in which you address questions is forthright, factual and non-judgemental.

After witnessing/hearing the Flowmaster installation earlier this week, I am giving other exhaust options a look before I cross the "installation bridge" making the Borlas unreturnable.

*What is your opinion of the Flowmaster Delta 50 three chamber set up I wrote about?

*Starting from scratch and knowing what you do now, would you simply replace the factory muffler with another, buy an aftermarket catback system or have a custom catback system built by a muffler shop?

These questions are somewhat subjective but use these parameters:

*throaty, muscular sound without resonance in the cab at highway speed

*gets your attention when you punch it but not so loud that it will wake the neighbors if you come home late

*definitely no popping or gurgling when you let off the gas.

Again, thank you for your contributions to the board.

[This message has been edited by Zach (edited 05-11-2001).]

 

You're more than welcome. Good Luck, it's a wonderful system. Let us know how you like it.

[This message has been edited by max mitchell (edited 05-12-2001).]

 

Hey Max,

I was just wondering where you got your 3" Y-pipe?

Thanks.

Chris

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From factory:
2001 White 4x4 SuperCrew (Lariat), 5.4L, limited slip, skid plates, towing pkg, captains chairs, CD changer

Add-on's:
SuperChip; Black Westin Nerf Bars; Husky Mud Guards (F&R); Beige CatchAll's (F&R); Line-X bedliner; Eagle 1219-series 16x8 wheels w/ 285/75-16 BFG AT-KO rubber

Plans:
Intake; Exhaust; Shocks

 

Flowmaster P# Y250300A; Magnaflow has one on their website as well.

[This message has been edited by max mitchell (edited 05-14-2001).]