Well, I was set to get a flowmaster Force II 50 series for my '97 4.6L, but all these posts about the Ravin Z-55 have me curious. I don't have a lot of disposable income so I would like to get the most for my money. How does the Flowmaster 50 SI/DO compare to the Ravin SI/DO in terms of overall installed price, power gains, and sound? Any information is, as always, appreciated.

-Mike

 

Ok, here is someone with the same question I was just getting ready to post. I was also looking at Ravin systems and Flowmaster systems except I was not buying a complete system.
Option 1:
Local muffler shop to clamp on Flowmaster 40 or 50 series (does not carry Delta flows) aluminized pipe si/do with chrome tips (does not have stainless steel). Last con, will not weld it on, says it is too hard to get them back off later (who cares, if I want it welded, then they should weld it on), Price $320
Option 2:
Go to Midas shop. Have them "weld" on a Ravin Z33 or Z55 si/do aluminized pipe with chrome or stainless steel tips. I have only talked to one Midas shop so far and he hadn't installed this muffler put promised to check it out more and he said he knew he could get them. He wasn't for sure on the prices. When I first stated I wanted a sual exhaust system he quoted me a price of $216 + $38 labor before he gave me a chance to ask about the ravin and ss tips. After i told him the range of what I thought the ravin muff were he siad he should be able to put the system on for around $350 or less.

Help me pick here guys, can't make up my mind. Plus I do not want to modify the y pipe yet so should I go 2.5 to muff and then go 2.25 dual(or stick to dual 2.5)out the rear or should I go to 3 in to muff then one of the exit options mentioned above.

Sorry for long post, I know this subject is getting old for the most of you. Just trying to spend wisely.

 

Ravin all the way! Not that Flowmasters are bad, the only hint of a problem I've heard with them is the interior "drone". If you're still wondering, let the price be your guide, that price at the Midas shop is reasonable and I would definitely go with the welds instead of the clamps.

------------------
2000 F-150SC 5.4L 4X4ORP
DEEP WEDGEWOOD BLUE
AUTO, 3.55LS, TOW PKG.
RAVIN Z-55 DUAL EXHAUST
CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS,
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
REAR SLIDER
PREMIUM SOUND w/ CD
RHINO LINER
STATE ISSUED UNIV.OF GA. PLATE.
UGA RECEIVER COVER
UGA LICENSE PLATE(FRONT)

WISH LIST:
AIRAID FIPK
SUPERCHIP
TINTED WINDOWS
HOOD DEFLECTOR(PAINTED)

A NATIONAL TITLE FOR UGA(FOOTBALL)
Then maybe when I get more money:

3" BODY LIFT KIT
BIGGER TIRES

etc., etc., etc.

 

I checked a local Midas today and was quoted a price of $659 (approx) to install the following cat back system onto my truck:

Raven Z-55 muffler ($125), dual aluminized outs ($104 a piece), chrome tips (they said the largest listed were 24", not 36"...forgot the price)

That sounded very high to me, but then again, the '97 wasn't listed in the catalog either (just a '98, which I assume is applicable to the '97). Is it really that expensive for a Raven system? He said if I went with the Raven muffler and generic pipes it would be about $400-500 total installed, but again, this sounded a bit higher than I expected. Whay are the prices for these systems so disparate from one locale to another?

Mike

 

Thats high!!! Same system here in Ga was $299 plus tax and that included 36" long chrome tips. You are talking about just one muffler right?

------------------
ORDERED 4/16/01 - WOOHOO!!!
2001 F-150 Supercrew XLT 4wd. 5.4V8, 507A, 3.55LS, Captains chairs, bed extender, cab steps, power moonroof, power seat, skid plates, trlr towing, aluminum wheels, AM/FM cass with 6 cd changer. Bright red clearcoat with DARK graphite interior

IMMEDIATE MODS:
Wet Okole seat covers
Fox Weatherboots front and back
AR Baja's 16x8
MIchelin LTX M/S 265/75/16
Tint front
Line-X
Ravin Z-55 Duals out the back
Lightening headlights, corners and tails

 

Yep...that's just for one muffler! I did a double-take when I saw the total estimate pop up on the garage database (with labor charges next to the part prices). Total installed was $659. The guy helping me look it up seemed pretty knowledgeable about the matter though. There is only one other Midas nearby that I know of so I am going to check there and see if it's a local cost issue (my I.D. says VA, but I am currently in RI).

-Mike

 

Hey Ya'll,

I am getting my Z55 SO/DO installed on Thursday....here's the run down of parts costs here in IL: (rounded to nearst $1)

- Alum EXH Pipe $63
- muffler $103
- Alum Tail pipe $77 (2)
- L & R hangers $18 (2)
- Labor $126
- SS Tips $107 (VP1311)
- Exhaust clamp $7 (2)
- Environ Disp Fee $2
-------------
$503

Actual Tot w/Tax: 518.70


Only thing I concerned about now is the clamp setup to hold the tips on....anyone have any experience with these?

Keep Rollin'




[This message has been edited by braboin (edited 05-08-2001).]

 

HERE IN MINNESOTA A Z55 IS 111.95 AND A Z33 IS 91.95 AND 10 BUCKS TO INSTALL A SI/SO A COMPLETE INSTALL WITH ALUMIZ PIPE AND STAINLESS TIPS WAS 300-350 DEPENDING ON THE 33 OR 55 AND LENGTH OF TIPS, I OPTED TO JUST BUY THE Z33 AND HAVE THEM MAKE UP A COUPLE OF PIPES ONE 24 INCHES LONG 3 DIAM CRUSHED DOWN TO FIT STOCK 2.5 PIPE ON THE INLET SIDE AND TWO 2.25 FOR THE OUTLETS 24 INCHES LONG WITH 45 DEGREE TURNDOWNS FOR OVER THE AXEL TO MY SURPRISE THERE IS VERY LITTLE DRONE AND A REAL GREAT RUMBLE AT SPPEDS BELOW 30 MPH AFTER THAT PRETTY MELLOW I BELEIVE IT ISNT THAT LOUD BECAUSE THE LACK OF TIPS TO HELP WITH ECHO. IT STILL HAS THAT RAVIN SOUND BUT I DID IT MYSELF IN 30 MIN FOR 102 BUCKS

------------------
1998 F-150 SUPER CAB
4.6 L
3.55 GEARS
3" PERFORMANCE ASSC. BOD-I LIFT
285/75/16 COURSER MT TIRES
RAVIN Z-33 WITH DUAL DUMPS AT AXEL
K-N AIR FILTER WITH MOD AIR BOX
POWERAID TBI SPACER
PIONEER SPEAKERS IN 4 CORNERS
AURA BASS SHAKERS WITH AMP
TINTED GLASS
DEE ZEE CHEST TOOL BOX
ALUM SKID PLATE