I think I made up my mind. I want to go with the Flowmaster 40 series on my 5.4 F150 (2000). But, I concerned with the interior noise level . I'm keeping the stock pipes and cats. I am just removing the stock muf and replacing with a SI/SO muffler (FM40). I would thin that the cats would quiet it down a bit. But do I need to worry about interior noise? I don't mind hearing the exhaust from the inside actually I prefer to hear that muscle sound. Any input? Thanks.

 

Well, if you want loud, then the original 40 series will give you that. I have heard the 40 on a friends 5.0L Mustang and another on a Dodge Ram 5.9L truck. The sound is awesome, but it is VERY noisy inside the vehicle. Having the 5.4 on your truck, it will definitely sound nice and loud for you!

To the surprise of many, catalytic convertors don't play much part in sound. They are just there for the emissions, so keeping them or ditching them probably won't make a noticeable difference in noise.

Anyway, it all comes down to your personal preference. If you really do want a loud exhaust, go with the 40. If you tow anything or take long trips with heavy load (actually, even if you travel with nothing!) you may learn to hate the 40. It is up to you though! www.flowmaster.com has some sound clips in case you didn't know. The quality of the files is actually pretty good.

Good luck!

 

I have the 40 series on my 5.4 and you can definitely tell it's there at acceleration and low speeds. For me, with the windows up and the radio on, I can't really tell it's there at highway speeds. I tow a travel trailer and it hasn't bothered me at all on long trips. It's all a personal preference. I would definitely recommend the 40 series.

 

With your stock cats and tailpipe I dont think it'll bother you at all. It'll sound sweet

 

Thanks. Just did not want to make a mistake. Can't wait to install it. I will post sound clips on my site (interior and exterior) if anybody was interested exhaustsoundclips.com . Thanks again

 

I like the sound of mine, deep but not harsh.

 

hell I hardly have my radio on must of the time 'cause the flow sounds that good

 

Correction to the flowmaster website mentioned above in this thread, it is www.flowmastermufflers.com

 

A lot of people don't like flowmaster for various reasons. Other companies have "free flowing" exhaust like Borla, Magnaflow and Bassani. Flowmaster has baffles and chambers, which does rob some low end torque. But, I haven't had the problems people keep on bringing up about droning sound at freeway speeds. The point is, any improvment on the stock restrictive system will be much appreciated by the truck. Personally, I will be replacing my Flowmaster system this summer with a SS Magnaflow system. I have grown out of teh "sound" phase.


good luck!
PS Flowmaster does come with all Stainless Steel systems, now.

 

LOUD

 

I repalced the stock muffler on my 2002 SCAB 5.4L with the Flowmaster 40 series muffler. Left the stock pipe and to be honest, it sounds great. There is a bit of a drone at highway speed but you can drive through it and it goes away. Performance increase? Hard to tell, not much. But as was stated earlier, any improvement over stock restriction is going to help some. Enjoy!