Im sure this question has been asked before but do not feel like searching 1000 forums to find the right kind of information. I have a 2002 F-150 FX4 supercab w/ 4.6L V8 and i am wondering what brand of cat back exhaust system seems to be the best out of a select few as far as sound, horsepower, and torque. The brands i am considering... well actually have the option of puchasing (using a gift certificate) are Borla, Gibson, Flowmaster, Magnaflow and Ractive. Anyone with experience in the matter or any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have a 2001 f-150 supercrew 5.4, I was going to put the magna-flow cat back system on but thought $500.00 was a bit steep, so what I did instead was go to a good exhaust shop in town and had them replace the stock muffler with a 12259 magna-flow muffler on the original 2.5 inch exhaust pipe. cost, $111.74. I could have gone with 3 inch pipe just like the catback systems for another $70.00 thats $180.00 total. You have to realize that 95% of a catback systems improvement is in the muffler, I got the 12259 muffler because it has a 3" in and out so if I decide down the road to get the bigger pipe I do not have to change mufflers again. If you want loud this muffler is not for you, it just sounds good. The Magna-flow mufflers are a straight through design and have a lifetime warranty. I like mine very much and would never consider buying a catback system again, your local shop can do the same thing for you for half the price, and thats installed. TPOPE

 

IMO performance is huge when considering what exhuast to purchase with the 4.6L engine.

Having said that...

I would consider Magnaflow, Dynomax, and Borla. I have the Magnaflow and have been very pleased with it. I have also heard very good things about Dynomax and Borla. No first hand experience with them though.

For me, I got the best deal at a local shop. Just make sure they know their stuff. You can loose a lot of low end torque if you choose the wrong pipe diameter...etc. Go to someone that has been around awhile.

The benefit with the CAT-Back systems are that they have been tested with best performance in mind, and they come pre-fabbed for the do-it-yourselfer (you can't really screw it up).

As far as Flowmaster...I think they have some of the loudest systems out there, and could probably be found just about anywhere pretty cheap.

I can't help you out on Ractive and Gibson. Ractive I have never heard of before, and Gibson was not one that I was researching when I was looking for mine.

If you can find a local shop to build you a custom exhaust (of your choice) cheaper than what you would buy a pre-fabbed kit, you may be able to throw in a set of High Flow Cats, or a X-pipe..etc to increase your HP gains even more and still be better of financially than buying a CAT-Back system. FYI!!



Good Luck!!