As you may have read I just installed the gibson single out the back on my 98 4.6l sc 3.55 auto. With the only mod being the exhaust the sound is mellow and deeper than stock, still quiet in the cab but new mustang like at the tailpipe. After installing headers it got louder and I would say it is at the limit of what would be comfortable on a long trip. It seems to be loudest at 1800-2000 RPM and cruising just above 70 MPH is necessary to keep the wife happy, below that it gets a little boomy. Not at all annoying though. It just plain old sounds great! I paid $245.00 for the aluminized version and the fit is as good as possible, just like stock. Very easy to install, just 2 cuts with the sawsall and it was on in an hour.

Chris

 

JimMcK,
The Vortex system that I installed is "out the back" exhaust. I'm picking up more technical info on it tonight as I thought I might get asked questions I didn't know the answers to after I posted a reply.

I'll keep you posted.

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Fordman2
1998 F-150S/C w/5.4

 

It's been almost 3 weeks now since I installed a Gibson Sport Truck system. This system uses the same muffler as the Super Truck. Mabye the shorter pipes on the Super Truck systm. (exit in front of tire) make for a slightly louder exhaust note. As for the Sport Truck (exit behind the wheel)I agree with Henry Ellar,this may be too quiet for some. I think his 3" single and my dual 2 1/2's sound about the same.

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Jim McGuigan '98 Lariat SC SB 4X4 5.4L ORP Dark Toreadore Red Air box/silencer mod, Gibson Sport Truck,Hop cap Penda-liner

 

Tina,
I have a muffler shop that wants to do the same for my, how does it sound with just the one pip out behind the wheel? any drone? they want to charge me 280, what did u pay? thanx for the input

 

99F150Triton5.4,
I have just the one 2 chamber Flowmaster with the stock pipe out in front of the rear tire. The muffler cost me $45 and the install cost another $40 at a local weld shop. The extension to "bridge" the gap between the muffler and the stock pipe didn't cost me anything. I love the sound at idle and at low end but at WOT it sounds very tinny. (you have to have the windows down to notice it though) I've noticed a tremendous increase in power and torque. I have 31.5" mudders on my truck and have a very hard time NOT turning them over when I take off.
Hope this helps, John

 

I finally had my Flowmaster 40 Series #43041 installed yesterday with a Bassani Nascar tip, exiting out in front of the rear wheel. I LOVE IT!! It sounds awsome! I was like alot of other people, I was a little worried it might be too loud. It has nice low rumble at idle and when you step on it, it really comes to life. Thats when it can get a little loud. Sounds really good though. On the freeway at about 70MPH you can barely hear it. It has really improved the power also, The truck just wants to go! I had Ed Hanson Mufflers in San Diego install it. It took about an hour. $265.00 out the door. I all ready had the tip. No regreats!

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97 F150 XLT 4.6L Auto 4x4 ORP SC 3.55LS Oxford white, Med. Graphite Int. Bed Cap,Superchip,AirRaid,Bug Deflector,Prolong Engine/Transmission Treatment.3"Flowmaster 40 series,Bassani Nascar Tip.

 

99F-150Triton5.4: Well I must have gotten the special of the day, I only paid $116. (I sure didn't see any sign saying sale) I didn't put a tip on. Every time I go to get one the husband says "no, no, you don't want that". I'm gonna leave him home. About drone: yes there is some but the radio COMPLETELY covers up the sound. Personally I like to hear the muffler and will turn off the radio. There is a noticable increase in power. And the sounds when I downshift are great.

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97F150 SC 4x4 Flairside 4.6 V8 5sp Dk Toreador Red,skid plates
leaky sliding rear window, Hard tonneau cover, p255/70rx16 tires
(it came with sm. tires) 40s Flowmaster, 3.55 LS, superchip
bed liner, side window deflectors, reese hitch K&N air filter

 

Anyone heard the Lightning exhaust yet? Think SVT will sell the system to put on our Trucks?

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1999 F150 Lariat
Reg cab Short box Styleside
5.4L 3.55ls
Deep Wedgwood Blue/Silver
Lund Interceptor hood shield, VentVisors, Class III hitch, Ford molded mud guards

 

Has anyone installed a Gibson split rear cat-back system? I ordered one but after reading everyone notes here that may have not been a wise choice! Should I send it back?

 

Dont send it back! I believe duals sound great. But if you do tow, send it back. Duals will dirty up whatever you are towing. Then you get a supertruck exhaust or something similar.

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1999 Ford F150 XLT ,Cloth Seats, CD Player, 4.6 Liter Triton V8, 3:55 LS, Towing Package, 4 Speed Auto, K&N Airfilter, and soon Superchip and Airaid

Fast46Triton The Freaky, fast engine from the factory!
The 4.6 is a strong runnin engine, so dont be dissin it!

 

NDY
Where did you purchase your Gibson system? I called them today about a system for a 97 and was told they did make one yet but would have them available in 3 weeks. Their website states not recommended for heavy towing. I asked them about this and the first person did not know why it said that. I called back and was told the noise in the cab is loud when towing. I was wanting to get a Gibson system but they quoted a price of $399 + shipping. I can get a Flow master for $259.

 

Hi bilfil,

I ordered the Flowmaster 17139 from Legal Performance in Texas for $229. Nice kit, and I am pleased with the finished product. I sometimes wish it was a bit louder, but I will get over that.

It feels like performance improved, though it is difficult to detect. However, I did note a 2.4% mileage increase since installation (about four weeks ago).

Something to consider with the Flowmaster dual out rear system though... If you have a 4x4 with 12 bolt axle and 17" wheels, you may want to go with single out side (instead of dual out rear). The duals look nice, but the pipe that exits on the left was a tight fit between the spare tire and axle cover plate. When I put my spare back now, I have to give it a tug towards the tow bar. Otherwise, the exhaust pipe will touch the tire.

Also, a muffler shop I work with in Escondido, CA said of the Gibson product: "I would never purchase one of those. Nothing more than a glass pack with piping added by Gibson. Flowmaster will give you performance." Their statement not mine...

Let me know if you have any further questions about my Flowmaster system. Good luck!

DirkR 1997 F-150 4x4 5.4 S/C ORP

 

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Bilfil,
Your best bet for shopping for a gibson is to talk to Gibson regarding which system you want then pick up a copy of "Truckin" magazine and call the numerous suppliers in there. Of course Gibson is going to be more expensive, otherwise they wouldn't have retailers! I just ordered my side swept system for my good 'ol 300 cu. in. straight 6 and it was $325+ tax. I'm sure I could have gotten it cheaper, but I like dealing with local merchants. Good luck hunting!
Neal

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'94 F-150, 4.9 6cyl., Pioneer CD, 400 Watt amp, and a couple speakers to boot! Soon to come: Flowmaster headers, performance cats, Flowmaster mufflers, Superchip, K&N air induction, and any other thing I can spend my money on!!!

 

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[This message has been edited by Ford man (edited 11-14-1999).]