5.4 Exhaust Plan - Whuddya Think?
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From: Colorado
5.4 Exhaust Plan - Whuddya Think?
Here's my current plan for an exhaust system on my '97 5.4 X-Cab. I'd appreciate any input. Advantages/Disadvanages, ideas to make it work better, etc:
The plan is to basically make a traditional true out-the-back dual system, but incorporate an x-pipe between the cats & mufflers. High-flow cats are planned, but I haven't decided on mufflers. I plan on using the stock-size 2 1/4" pipe for the whole system to maintain low-end torque. I like the look of slash-cut stainless tips - 3 or 3 1/2 inch. My plan was to buy the cats, x-pipe, tips and possibly mufflers online and then have a local (Colorado Springs) exhaust shop put it all together with their in-stock pipe.
Thanks for any thoughts!
- Glynn
The plan is to basically make a traditional true out-the-back dual system, but incorporate an x-pipe between the cats & mufflers. High-flow cats are planned, but I haven't decided on mufflers. I plan on using the stock-size 2 1/4" pipe for the whole system to maintain low-end torque. I like the look of slash-cut stainless tips - 3 or 3 1/2 inch. My plan was to buy the cats, x-pipe, tips and possibly mufflers online and then have a local (Colorado Springs) exhaust shop put it all together with their in-stock pipe.
Thanks for any thoughts!
- Glynn
Last edited by tatesrus; Jan 24, 2004 at 10:48 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8
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From: s.e. georgia
This may not help much, but its food for thought...
I had very similar plans for my 99 5.4 about a year ago. I was partial to the classic pick-up look too... duals out the back, but decided against it because I tow a boat(ya know they need cleaning too :-). I was going with the 2 1/2" pipe because of the increased hp, but I didn't want to drop any bottom end torque. The best way to not lose the bottom end torque in a true dual exhaust system is to change the cats with hi-flo cats, and go with the x-pipe.
Depending on other/future mods consider the 2 1/2" pipes and definetly go with the x-pipe!
If $400 vs. $1000 isn't that big a deal when it comes to doing it right, I think your on the right track.
As far as mufflers go... Flowmaster makes a more aggressive/louder muffler, but I think Gibson or magnaflow really have a better quality product, and the tone is strong, especially when you put your foot in it.
As far as tips go, I like the 3 1/2" s/s about 14" long and a can of never dull!
Just make sure your local shop can do mandrel bends, dont let em put crush bends under your truck... be pushy man go in see whats going on! Crush bends not only restrict flow, they collect condensation and rust out faster.
These are just my thoughts and experiences from building my own truck, I went with the Magnaflow cat back system 15609, and changed my Y-pipe, no bottom end torque loss, no cat changes, no x-pipe(Y-pipe is optional), and tack on 15-20 ponies!. All for under 5 bills, including local muffler shop welding and rack time. May eventually change the cats, when the kids braces are paid for...
When it's all said and done brother... its your ride, do what feels right, and drive it like you stole it!!
I had very similar plans for my 99 5.4 about a year ago. I was partial to the classic pick-up look too... duals out the back, but decided against it because I tow a boat(ya know they need cleaning too :-). I was going with the 2 1/2" pipe because of the increased hp, but I didn't want to drop any bottom end torque. The best way to not lose the bottom end torque in a true dual exhaust system is to change the cats with hi-flo cats, and go with the x-pipe.
Depending on other/future mods consider the 2 1/2" pipes and definetly go with the x-pipe!
If $400 vs. $1000 isn't that big a deal when it comes to doing it right, I think your on the right track.
As far as mufflers go... Flowmaster makes a more aggressive/louder muffler, but I think Gibson or magnaflow really have a better quality product, and the tone is strong, especially when you put your foot in it.
As far as tips go, I like the 3 1/2" s/s about 14" long and a can of never dull!
Just make sure your local shop can do mandrel bends, dont let em put crush bends under your truck... be pushy man go in see whats going on! Crush bends not only restrict flow, they collect condensation and rust out faster.
These are just my thoughts and experiences from building my own truck, I went with the Magnaflow cat back system 15609, and changed my Y-pipe, no bottom end torque loss, no cat changes, no x-pipe(Y-pipe is optional), and tack on 15-20 ponies!. All for under 5 bills, including local muffler shop welding and rack time. May eventually change the cats, when the kids braces are paid for...
When it's all said and done brother... its your ride, do what feels right, and drive it like you stole it!!
Last edited by papabear1973; Jan 25, 2004 at 02:33 AM.
