I own a 1998 F-150 supercab 5.4L 4x4. Looking to increase my dismal gas mileage and add some power. Have already installed a K&N filtercharger and now want to open up the exhaust.

I am looking for a fairly QUIET exhaust. By quiet, I am looking for something that won't wake the neighbors in the morning and I don't want people thinking I own a hot-rod (I am a family man). I also don't want headaches while cruising down the highway on long trips. I don't mind if it gets loud when I WANT it to be loud... like when I punch it or when the engine is under heavy load.

I guess I want something that sounds like the stock muffler at idle and during normal driving conditions, and something that sounds "mean" when I get on it.

Several people have recommended the Swept Side Gibson. Is this the muffler for me?

--Steve

 

Steve,

Definetly go with the Gibson Swept Side. I recently installed one on my '97 and it sounds exactly the way you describe. It has a nice low tone at idle and while driving with your rear window open, but you would think you have the stock exhaust at highway speed. I had my 18 year old son do a drive by, and even when he got on it, it wasn't too loud (he thinks it's too quiet). This baby does breath though, no restriction at all I think you would be happy with it. Just my $.02 worth.

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Steve-O, 1997 F150XLT,Two Tone Moonlight Blue & Silver,3.55 LS,Class III Tow Package, 4.6L Auto, STD Cab Styleside, Alpine CD, Soundstream Rubicon, Kicker Solo-Baric Sub, Boston Pro Separates,Tinted Windows, Gibson Exhaust, K&N Filter, Superchipped

 

Hey, all:

I've not been on the net for a while, it's good to be back and reading the great posts.
To SteveE55: Did you notice a big difference in power gain, particularily in the low end? I too am not too concerned about the extra noise, but I want to open it up a bit. I figure with my superchip and new intake, it should combine together to provide a bit extra punch for my baby. I know that a single 3" out the side is probably what gives the best low end improvement.

 

Hello, I also recommend the Gibson. I installed one on my dads GMC truck. Sounds exactly like SteveE55 describes. He's happy with it and He did not really notice any difference in performance.

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97 F-150 Black, 4x4 XLT ext.cab,sb,offroad pack.
4" Susp. lift, 3" body
4.56 gears w/LS,Borla exhaust
35" BFG.,16.5x9.75 Weld Scorpio V wheels, Edelbrock IAS Shocks,Lift Lips,
K&N Filter, TransGo Shift kit,
Bug shield,Tinted windows
Sony ES head unit,Sony ES changer,MTX Thunderform sub,Boston Acoustic Pro-Series up front, Polk in rear,PPI & Coustic Amps,Alpine Alarm
Check it out at:

http://members.aol.com/squanto804/scottwebpage.html

 

JimW,

Can't speak for the side exhaust, but I believe the Swept Side (behind rear tire) helped my truck more on the high end.
I hate to repeat what's been posted many times on this site, but the Superchip made the biggest difference on my truck I did that mod first and the rest (intake & exhaust)seemed to compliment it, but never made as noticeable of an improvement. Hope this helps.

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Steve-O, 1997 F150XLT,Two Tone Moonlight Blue & Silver,3.55 LS,Class III Tow Package, 4.6L Auto, STD Cab Styleside, Alpine CD, Soundstream Rubicon, Kicker Solo-Baric Sub, Boston Pro Separates,Tinted Windows, Gibson Exhaust, K&N Filter, Superchipped
Soon to add: Stull Billet Grille, Hella Fog Lamps, and.....