I am interested in a new exhaust system, or muffler, to increase torque, HP, and gas milage for my 1996 F150-302. I will tell you right away that sound is NOT my concern. I wouldn't mind if the new exhaust sounded the same, or close, as the stock exhaust. I am VERY concerned about losing low end (as I have read about in some strings on this sight). I have many questions because I am not very experienced with this stuff (which is why I am asking for your help)-so here goes. I have heard that dual pipes originating from the same muffler offer little performance gains over a single pipe. Is this true? If this is true, then could I just cut the stock muffler out and replace it with a new muffler on the stock pipes? Would the stock pipes restrict the flow too much compared to the mandrel bent pipes? or would they help hold some backpressure for low end torque? What brand, style, and setup would y'all recomend for increased perfomance without decreasing low end (increasing it if possible). And now the $6,000,000 question: Which of these would be the most cost effective? I have read about systems running $600 and mufflers in the $50-$60 range. Please help! I really appreciate your collective expertise, and enjoy this sight very much. Thank you for your responses on any or all of this!

Martin Kellner
Baytown, TX
mwkellner@hotmail.com

 

I was in your shoes about two weeks ago. I'll try and answer your questions in order. I'm no expert but I've learned alot from this site as well as going out to muffler shops.
1. Your correct about the dual pipes. It's for looks only. No peformance added!!
2. I did the exact thing. I had the exixsting stock muffler cut out and replaced with a Magnaflow muffler. I had a nice 3" stainless tip welded on. It looks great and sounds even better. It cost me $167.00 total for muffler, stainless tip and labor. The stainless tips are pretty expensive. The same set up with dual pipes out the back would of ben over $300.00. The stock pipes are fine.
3. Your choice depends on how much sound you want. I didn't want a flowmaster because it was too loud for us. I decided to go with the Magnaflow because I get the the same performance as a Flowmaster just not as loud. Keep your stock pipes and go with a Magnaflow, Flowmaster or any other well made mufflers. I went to a muffler shop and they cut my muffler off and held up 5 or 6 different mufflers until I found the one I liked the best. Any good muffler shop should do that for you.
If your looking for more torque look into the superchip. Only bad thing is you have to run premium gas. I just added a K&N Generation II airfilter kit. Basically the same as the Airaid but made by K&N. With the muffler and K&N kit I can sqeal the tires. It's a big deal because it's a 4x4 with new 285 BF Goodrich mud and snow tires. Let me know what you do. Hope this helps...

 

I'm in the same boat as you and with similair concerns and was wondering if you had done any research into Gibson's exhaust systems? From what I've heard, and testimonials on this site, the 3" side swept catback is supposed to be tops for low end. They run a little more than $250, however. Be sure to let us know what you decide and good luck.