New Exhaust/Beating a Dead Horse...
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 83
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From: New Orleans, LA
New Exhaust/Beating a Dead Horse...
I know all of this stuff is probably on here somewhere, but I was hoping to consolidate the info into one spot. I am considering replacing my stock exhaust (2000 F-150 XLT, 4.6L V8 all stock except K&N Air Filter) and I wanted to go over my options with everyone on this site.
Option 1 - Borla Cat Back system. Priced out the single side outlet SS system at $325 plus shipping. Local shop quoted me $80-$100 for the install, but I may try to find a better price.
Option 2 - Ravin "Z" Series mufflers with custom made dual outlets, chrome tips, aluminized steel pipes. $259.00 installed.
Option 2 seems to be better on the wallet short term, but I am not sure it is the best decision overall. From what I have read in the posts, the Ravin mufflers will give me a lot more sound, which is not really what I am looking for. Primarily, I want power and whatever meager mileage gains I can pick up, but since I drive this truck every day, I don't want a loud, or droning system. The Borla system should last a lot longer, but is it worth the extra money? I am also pretty sure I will be trashing the factory Y-Pipe at the same time since it seems like that causes an awful lot of restriction. I would appreciate any input on these, or any other options. Thanks.
Option 1 - Borla Cat Back system. Priced out the single side outlet SS system at $325 plus shipping. Local shop quoted me $80-$100 for the install, but I may try to find a better price.
Option 2 - Ravin "Z" Series mufflers with custom made dual outlets, chrome tips, aluminized steel pipes. $259.00 installed.
Option 2 seems to be better on the wallet short term, but I am not sure it is the best decision overall. From what I have read in the posts, the Ravin mufflers will give me a lot more sound, which is not really what I am looking for. Primarily, I want power and whatever meager mileage gains I can pick up, but since I drive this truck every day, I don't want a loud, or droning system. The Borla system should last a lot longer, but is it worth the extra money? I am also pretty sure I will be trashing the factory Y-Pipe at the same time since it seems like that causes an awful lot of restriction. I would appreciate any input on these, or any other options. Thanks.
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 364
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From: Houston, Tx.
Hi Jacap1,
Six months ago I asked for, and had a system almost identical to your option 2 installed. I asked for a Ravin Z-55, but they put on a Z-33. I loved the system (but hated the sloppy install job performed by Midas - have had true duals installed since). For me, it was not loud and had no drone. Actually, I thought the Z-33 would be louder than it was. Since you are not looking for sound, I imagine that the Z-55 would be about right, although exhaust sounds are purely personal preference. I don't really know anything about the Borla system.
GDG
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Stock Package: 2001 SuperCrew XLT, Silver, 5.4L, 4x4, 3.55 LS, Tow Package, 265x70x17, Sliding Rear Window,
Modifications: Tuff Spray-on Liner, JBA Headers Jet Black Coated, True Duals with Magnaflow X-pipe 2xRavin Z55's 18"x3" Stainless Tips exiting before the rear wheel, K&N FIPK with fabricated cold-air box and ram-air, SuperChip, ASP Pullies, 1" Thick Sheepskin seat covers (nice "seat-of-the-pants" feel!), Nerf Bars, PIAA Superwhites, 65W (9006) Fog Lights, Dual 14" Perma-Cool Fans w/ stock shroud, Baumann Shift Kit on Stage 4 with Sonnex Bypass Clutch control Valve, B&M Deep Trans Pan, Pillar mounted Autometer Ultra-Lite Water and Tranny Temperature Gages, Amsoil front to back, TPS Mod to 0.999, Custom ported TB.
Future mods - Roots Supercharger, modified sterio system
Six months ago I asked for, and had a system almost identical to your option 2 installed. I asked for a Ravin Z-55, but they put on a Z-33. I loved the system (but hated the sloppy install job performed by Midas - have had true duals installed since). For me, it was not loud and had no drone. Actually, I thought the Z-33 would be louder than it was. Since you are not looking for sound, I imagine that the Z-55 would be about right, although exhaust sounds are purely personal preference. I don't really know anything about the Borla system.
GDG
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Stock Package: 2001 SuperCrew XLT, Silver, 5.4L, 4x4, 3.55 LS, Tow Package, 265x70x17, Sliding Rear Window,
Modifications: Tuff Spray-on Liner, JBA Headers Jet Black Coated, True Duals with Magnaflow X-pipe 2xRavin Z55's 18"x3" Stainless Tips exiting before the rear wheel, K&N FIPK with fabricated cold-air box and ram-air, SuperChip, ASP Pullies, 1" Thick Sheepskin seat covers (nice "seat-of-the-pants" feel!), Nerf Bars, PIAA Superwhites, 65W (9006) Fog Lights, Dual 14" Perma-Cool Fans w/ stock shroud, Baumann Shift Kit on Stage 4 with Sonnex Bypass Clutch control Valve, B&M Deep Trans Pan, Pillar mounted Autometer Ultra-Lite Water and Tranny Temperature Gages, Amsoil front to back, TPS Mod to 0.999, Custom ported TB.
Future mods - Roots Supercharger, modified sterio system
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 83
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From: New Orleans, LA
Well, I decided to got with the Borla. Installed, it should only run me about $150 more, and the million mile warranty made me feel pretty good about the purchase in terms of long term quality, etc. After reading a bunch of the posts, I heard a lot of really good things about the Ravin systems, but many of the same comments about the installers... I was tentative about using Midas to custom-build me a system as I had no idea what kind of performance I would get. For what I am doing, the single outlet, stainless steel Borla should be fine. Should be installed within the next couple of weeks - I will keep everyone posted. Next mod I am considering is a superchip. Anyone have any thoughts? Trying to find a little performance with the 4.6L, but mainly trying to improve the terrible gas mileage. Thanks