murfster, i just changed the muffler and left the rest of the system alone. i have been driving with the new muffler for about a month or so. i like it more everyday. this is by far the best deal i have got when it comes to exhaust modes.Also, i did not get the Z33 because i was afraid of any drone the Z-33 mihgt cause. My z55 sounds great outside and no drone inside.

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Black 2001 Supercrew Lariat,
4.6
2w.d.
lowered 2" front
4" back
svt rims
265/60/18 avs yokohamas,
2 KC daylighters.
Air Force one.
Ravin Z55

FUTURE MODS: Harley Davidson front bumper assy.

[This message has been edited by veloci (edited 03-29-2001).]

[This message has been edited by veloci (edited 03-29-2001).]

 

veloci Thanks for the info. I agree with the droning, I wouldn't want it either. I agree with your philosophy of replacing the muffler only. If I look, the real bottle up air comes from the header, y-pipe then muffler (sorry, cats have to stay). The actual pipe is fairly strait to muffler, then beyond the muffler. Replacing the muffler is a fairly inexpensive HP enhancement.
Question: did you notice a sound difference between the stock and the Z55? I talked to Midas, they'll do it for about $150. out the door.
To answer the original post: Borla makes EXCELLENT systems engineered per vehicle configuration, not a "one size fits all". As soon as I feel like it, I will probably replace the entire thing with JBA headers, custom YPipe, converter replacements and a Borla system.

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'99 Ford F-150 Lariat, 4WD, SCab, ORP, LS/3.73, Tow Pkg, 5.4L
* Superchip
* K&N FIPK GEN II
'99 Chrysler 300M, PHP, Sunroof, Premium Infinity Sound, 3.5L
* Borla Cat-Bak
* K&N Filtercharger
www.atlantagamerz.com
www.f150online.com
www.300mclub.org

 

I have done some high flow cat replacements and it never "appeared" to affect the emissions controls. Illegal...hmm, don't think so. I think the C.A.R.B. certs are on the majority of the makers high-flows.
The stock Y-Pipe basically merges the exhaust flow from each side to one exit. They are "normally" a die-cast, unfinished (pits, metal bleed, bad angle). Custom y-pipes are generally very clean with reduces angles, making a smooth transition from 2 to 1. There are some estimates of 15%-25% increase in flow just by changing out the y-pipe, thereby increasing HP (when I say "normally", some BMW's, Mercedes, Porches have very nice ypipes which really can't be improved on).
I'm perfectly happy with mine right now, but I also believe in reducing the "stock" bottling of power. I'll start with just the muffler for now.
Increase unrestricted air flow in...and out...are basic to increasing performance (and mileage). A good example: NHRA --- look at their setup (in a air flow perspective): huge blowers (air intake) and 8 single bend independent exhaust pipes (air out). I'll bet a good sized pet could be sucked in and spit out of those things without a hiccup.

I'm not sure if I added any confusion (I just kept typing away...heh). Hope some of that makes sense.

------------------
'99 Ford F-150 Lariat, 4WD, SCab, ORP, LS/3.73, Tow Pkg, 5.4L
* Superchip
* K&N FIPK GEN II
'99 Chrysler 300M, PHP, Sunroof, Premium Infinity Sound, 3.5L
* Borla Cat-Bak
* K&N Filtercharger
www.atlantagamerz.com
www.f150online.com
www.300mclub.org

 

Borla sucks,I tried it twice, I've had a 97 f150 lariat, a99 f250 superduty lariat(V-10 sounds like a singer sewing machine), a 2000 f150 lariat, and currently a 2001 lightning, and the borla system just don't cut it.. On my 01L ,I just went straight pipes from the cat back. The cats make up 90% of your back pressure anyway. $150.00 on the 01L.It ain't worth the price. Just my opinion

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01L lowered black Toy: 91 Heritage Softtail Classic/lowered

When the blower is shrieken' the bulls**ters are freakin'.... [img]//www.f150online.com/fordnews/harley1.jpg[/img]

 

Thanks Murfster for the info.I thought it was illegal to change the cats if they are still in proper working condition.Anyways, I went to truckperformance and they don't have any high-flow cats for my truck, they only have them for the Lightining.Also, what do you mean about the custom Y-pipe, I'm fairly new at this.What would a custom Y-pipe do?What is its function and what is wrong with the stock Y-pipe is it too restrictive.Any info would be appreciated.Thanks in advance for any future response.

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2000 F-150 4x4 XLT
Current Mods:
Ford Window Deflectors
Ford Bug Deflectors

 

murfster, i really like the sound. way more aggresive than stock without anoying the hell out of you.it seems to get deeper the more i drive it. go for it, you will enjoy it.

------------------
Black 2001 Supercrew Lariat,
4.6
2w.d.
lowered 2" front
4" back
svt rims
265/60/18 avs yokohamas,
2 KC daylighters.
Air Force one.
Ravin Z55

FUTURE MODS: Harley Davidson front bumper assy.

 

Hey Murfster as for the cats issue, that is what I heard here in my area.One of my friends hollowed out his cats and he says he feels a little bit more umph but then again he drives a Chevy, I bet hell have a little trouble passing inspections.lol.I was thinking about just running straight pipes.A local muffler shop is running a special for under $100.What would removing the cats do?There are so many things I want to do just not enough cash and time.What would you recommend I do?Thanks everyone for all the information.

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2000 F-150 4x4 XLT
Current Mods:
Ford Window Deflectors
Ford Bug Deflectors

 

cabraco What didn't you like about the Borla? Not enough sound? That's not a reason. If you are looking for engineered performance, Borla is the way to go. If you are looking for sound, Flowmaster or the Z33 (from what I've heard from posts). Straight pipes from the cat-bak on your '01L? Wow, bet that's loud as he**.

veloci Thanks for the info. I have never done a Ravin, but am interested. I want that sleeper effect without being obnoxious. Thanks!

Steel Breez Well, sure, a backyard hollowing out of the cats would probably not pass emissions and might violate some air saving laws. If you do high-flow cats, you want to make sure that the are at least C.A.R.B. certified (as with all emission control components).
I wouldn't recommend straight flow pipes (indicating you are taking out the ypipe, cats and mufflers). You have back pressure issues to deal with. Chances are you will decrease performance, although you will increase sound. You might sound good, but won't go anywhere (bad visual on a 2K XLT getting beat by a '86 Yugo...**shudder**).

Anyway, what do you want? Just sound and some mild peformance. Try the cheap way of just a Ravin Z33. From what I understand, it is the loudest of the bunch and reduces the exhaust bottleneck. Z55 is next, but a milder tone, again reducing the bottleneck.

Me personally, I'm doing the Z55 so at least I can free up the exhaust from the stock Ford can and add a little more rumble.

------------------
'99 Ford F-150 Lariat, 4WD, SCab, ORP, LS/3.73, Tow Pkg, 5.4L
* Superchip
* K&N FIPK GEN II
'99 Chrysler 300M, PHP, Sunroof, Premium Infinity Sound, 3.5L
* Borla Cat-Bak
* K&N Filtercharger
www.atlantagamerz.com
www.f150online.com
www.300mclub.org

 

Hey Murfster how much would performance and sound be affected if I just changed the muffler.And where I could get me a set of high-flow cats and for how much.TruckPerformance doesn't carry them for my truck.How does the Borla sound on your 300M.What type of engine does it have?Well anyways thanks Murfster you've been a lot of help.

 

Steel Breez Dynomax makes a Super Converter for many cars/trucks. That's where I would start. How much performance on just a muffler change? I'm not really sure on a Ford truck. It would depend on what is currently being bottled up with the stock can and how much the new muffler is going to release. I've heard estimates of about 5%-10% power increase. Sound...the muffler is made to baffle the sound. Modify the internal baffles and flow path and the sound will change.
The 300M? It now sounds like a well tuned V8. The engine is a 3.5L V6. It started stock at 253HP (crank) and has been on the dyno'd at 233HP (at the wheel). There are some slight modifications. I'm getting my truck built up so it can keep up with the "M". Beemers, Mustangs (stock GT's) hate me.

[This message has been edited by murfster (edited 04-03-2001).]