Being new to the board and just getting my Supercrew i got to ask some stupid questions. I know I'm gonna get flamed but i must ask. What is that difference between a catback exhaust system and just replacing the muffler? Are there any other options when dealing with exhaust? When shopping for a system is there anything i should look for? I want to get something that rumbles when at idle but not annoying at high speeds. By looking at the posts, it seems that Flowmaster and Borla are popular. Are there any other notable companies? Any replies would be greatly appreciated....

 

Don't worry about being "flamed" around here just for asking questions, this is a pretty friendly place with plenty of people who help in the exchange of information needed. On the 4.6 engine, you can gain about 10-12 hp with a good cat-back system, and on the 5.4 motor you'll gain about 12 to maybe as much as 14 hp or so. Figure roughly half that gain with just a muffler change.

The difference between doing a muffler change and replacing the cat-back exhaust system is roughly about half the raw horsepower power gain, as a very loose general rule, with the cat-back systems gaining more of course. There are some cat-back systems that flow too freely for these heavy vehicles and can actually cause you to lose torque on the low end, but gain higher rpm horsepower. So the peak gain is nice, but driveability can suffer from the hole in the torque curve down low.

If you do a straight muffler replacement, then you usually don't see any loss in low-end torque, and may actually pick up a bit. And, if you select the *right* cat-back system, you won't suffer that low-end torque loss either, and get nice gains all around.

In cat-back systems, we suggest that you go with a system that is flow-engineered specifically for towing, as in these heavy vehicles that works the best. Gibson makes a system engineered for towing that works very nicely. They also make other types of systems for these vehicles, so make sure you go with the one designed for towing.

Dynomax has a cat-back system called the Super Turbo, and it is very quiet and flows well, without causing a loss in low-end torque, and comparable gains.

Borla is top-quality T-304 stainless steel, which is why it's so expensive. It gains good horsepower at upper rpms, but can "drone" in the cabin at freeway speeds, and can also cost torque down low.

This is just a little bit of info to get you started, and best of luck in your research. You might also want to talk to others here who have done this, and see what they like as well.

They carry some nice exhaust systems in the Online Store here, and you can get there by clicking on the link that says "Online Store" on the left side of your screen.

Good luck!

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer

[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 08-11-2000).]

 

Superchips,
What is the name/model of that Gibson exhuast you are talking about? If I'm going to replace a stock exhuast, I'm going to make sure I don't lose any power.period-- I don't want a glass pack sound. I want a low mellow tone.

 

I'm guessing Mike is talking about the Sweptside. Check out Gibson's site, and this is the only one they recommend for towing and off-road use.

I installed this system on my truck, and the power is definitely there. It was very quiet right after I installed it, but has gotten a little bit louder over time. It's still quiet, and has no highway drone at all. With this and the intake, I've gained power and mileage. Someone has installed this system and turned the muffler around to gain sound per Gibson's blessing. I'm happy with the sleeper sound of my exhaust and grin when an off-breed pulls up next to me with a loud sounding exhaust


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2000 F150 XLT 4X4 Off Road 5.4L Reg. Cab 3.55
K&N, WMS Velocity Tube, and Gibson Sweptside...

(For now)

 

Thanks,

I'm so picky on this stuff. I'm still researching but I will definately consider the Swept Side.

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2000 F-150 XLT Supercab 4x4 styleside, 5.4L, 3.55LS, Towing, 17" wheels.
Mods:
K&N Filtercharger, JVC 50W x4 cd player w/remote
Mods as soon as I sell my Explorer:
K&N catback, Pace Edward's roll top cover, Herculiner, Tighten torsion bar 1" and add a leaf rear, largest tires possible on stock 17" rims.