Hi Ford guys,

98 F150, 4.6. Time for a new exhaust system, from the headers on back to the tailpipe. I read a ton of helpful hints in here, from rusty manifold bolts, to the best sounding tips. Anybody have the "best" suggestion for what parts or system to buy for the most power increase? I am pulling a 14 foot trailer and my little engine is straining most of the time. I can't afford to buy a new diesel yet so I figured a good exhaust system would help. I know this question is open to a lot of personal preference and I will really appreciate every idea. From header brand, cats, mufflers, sizes, etc.
Thanks for the help, awesome site, glad your here!

JB

 

Magnaflow 15609 catback system, I installed mine Christmas and can tell it has better pick up across the whole rpm scale. That's with owning a V6 F150 and already having considerable mods done. If you have to replace your Cats I would also use Magnaflow replacement cats. You only need two to replace the four on your truck. The Magnaflow imparts a nice deep sound not loud or raspy. It will be alittle louder with high flow cats, not sure how much louder as I still have stock. Just FYI I replaced a Magnaflow stock size XL muffler to install the 15609 and still can tell it picked up a decent amount of power. I think my wife got the 15609 from Performance Peddler's Ebay store ( they also have the high flow cats). You can get a discount from the listed price. I don't have headers as they are rather costly for my engine but from what I have read on three different forums don't expect them to pin you back in the seat, maybe 5 hp. Very low hp to buck ratio. I would only buy them if I had to replace the stock manifolds for some reason or another. Electric cooling fans would give you way more low end power for probably less dollars than headers. Hope that helps you.

 

Thanks for the info, I'll start checking into getting some. One of my exhaust manifolds is cracked almost all the way around so if I have to replace it I might as well put headers. I appreciate the tip about the electric fans too, thanks. Need to milk every pony I can get out of this thing when i am pulling that trailer!
Thanks,
JB