Getting ready to order a cat back system for my brother's 4.6 We were wondering which (of Flowmaster, Gibson, Borla, or any others) would be the loudest, and which produces the most horsepower. Do all of them bolt on easily without any welding? Thanks for any info on this.

 

My bro-in-law put the gibson on his, and had no problem. Seems like a pretty good system. I have flowmasters, but not bolt on I had a custom shop put 'em on. I like the system but don't know much about their bolt on products

 

Gibson is an easy install. Cut the stock pipe where the instructions show, bolt the new one on. Piece of cake. My supertruck system fit perfect, so did my buddies 3" cat back on his Chevy.

Flowmaster makes a decent muffler, but the 14 ga steel on the gibson is hard to beat(I think flowmaster is 16 ga). The gibson supertruck is the loudest that they have. The tech at gibson said they get a lot of complaints with the other systems because they're too quiet

Much better above 60 mph on the highway. My 5.4 used-ta really wheeze from 60-75, not nearly as bad now. Very noticable performance improvement at higher speeds.

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99 XLT Black Ex-cab, Flareside, 5.4, ORP, 3.73, Gibson Supertruck, K&N, Raised front 1", Modified Airbox, Slap-Free Motor at @19k, Superchip on order

 

With the Gibson Super Truck you do not have to cut anything (except maybe the old muffler clamp due to rust). Many do, but it is not necessary to do so. You might have to heat it up a little to get it to seperate but mine came apart easily after almost three years of use. You can seperate the original bell fitting (after removing the clamp)just behind the cat and slip the new system into place using the existing three hanging places. You will have to dislodge the hangers on the old system first in order to do this without cutting. Of the Gibson's the ST is the loudest.

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97 F-150 SC Lariat, Styleside, White over Gold, 4.6L (Windsor), Automatic, 3.55 rear end, electronic 4X4, w/ every option of Lariat and ORP packages except the 17" wheels and the 4X4 decals, MODs so far: K&N air box mod, Gibson Super Truck, clear Bugflector II, Leer TSC 600 hard cover, Bridgestone Dueler OWL ATP 265/75 R-16's, TrailMaster Invader N7 shocks, Smittybilt step bars, Ford moulded mud guards, "White-white" head lamps, Bosch platinum + 4's.

 

Does anyone think that the Gibson 3" swept side is TOO quiet? I am probably going to go with the swept side unless someone can convince me otherwise. Too many people out there have the flowmaster already, need a little different sound.


97 150 lariat x cab 4x4 4.6

 

Jason Langston,

The Gibson side swept IS too quiet. I have one and am planning to get rid of it as soon as I pick up my truck from Ford (currently undergoing an engine replacement). I'll sell you mine for cheap if you'd like-100.00 plus UPS shipping charges), however, if your looking for the traditional american V8 rumble, don't go with the side swept...

I'm getting ready to have a glasspack installed after the "Y" and then run 2.5" duals out to the back. Should truly represent the sound I'm after, without raping my wallet for it...

-kindest regards

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1999 F150 4x4, dark blue, 5.4l auto, Manick brush guard, KC Hilites, tinted windows, K&N air filter without airbox, Gibson side swept exhaust, bedliner, toolbox, Uniden CB with whip, and now, an appointment with Dr Ford for open heart surgery (to replace a Piston Slap'in Engine)...

 

Jason,

I have to agree with wjt, I have the swept-side and I think it's too quiet. There is a little sound improvement and some power gains, but as soon as I'm done with other mods I'll be going back to this one to try to get a little more rumble.

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'99 F150 XLT,Wedgewood Blue, 4.6 V8, SC, Penda liner, K&N FIPK, Superchip, Gibson 3" stainless single, Edelbrock IAS shocks

 

wjt,

I may be interested in your Gibson. I live in northern VA, I could probably stop by and pick it up! Maybe even get some advise on the install. How long has it been on your truck?

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Paul... :-)
99 F-150 XLT SC Sport, 4.6L, Auto, Captain Chairs, Class III Towing Package, Sliding Rear Window,
White, 4X2, CD, Soft Factory Tonneau Cover, K&N Filter, Line-X Spray on Bed Liner
More to come

 

PaulT,

I have approximately 3K on the Gibson. Still is in the same condition except for surface rust on the welds, which I assume is normal.

I plan on having a new exhaust system installed by 15 December, the Gibson will be available after that date.

I'm located in Columbia Maryland, approximately 18 miles north of DC. If you decide to purchase, I'll meet you halfway for the sale at a predetermined place and time if you'd like.

Email me at: willtill@home.com -we'll sort out the details whenever you're ready....

-kindest regards

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1999 F150 4x4, wedgewood blue, 5.4l auto, Manick brush guard, Duraliner, KC Hilites, surf rod holders, tinted windows, K&N air filter without airbox, Gibson side swept exhaust, toolbox, Uniden CB with whip, and now, currently under anethesia at Academy Ford in Laurel, Maryland, undergoing a heart transplant (to replace a Piston Slapp'in Engine)...