so i know there has been some discussion on this subject before, but since some of you have had both set ups for a while now id like to get opinions. are the catback systems really worth the extra money or is just buying the muffler and letting the exhaust shop put their own pipes on the way to go? i've heard the most restrictive part of stock exhaust is the y pipe does the catback system eliminate this and if so just how restrictive is the factory y pipe to start with?

 

It's cheaper to just have the muffler replaced. Even the best system out there is only good for a few horses at WOT. Little to no increase in fuel mileage. If you want sound, it's worth it. If you are looking at increased fuel mileage, it's not.

 

If you're going to race your truck then you need to go with a true dual exhaust with an X-pipe. If you just want to spruce up your daily driver, then just replace the stock muffler with an aftermarket piece. You can get a real nice sound and a little better performance out of it. But understand, the performance gains from a new muffler are not enough to feel when you drive, you can only see it on a dyno. But the sound might make you think you can feel it. The other thing to consider is you might mess up your warrenty if you change it all the way to the Y-pipe.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=7238

 

All seem to be good points.

 

what i did was have the local muffler shop make me a true dual. they cut the pipe before it went in to one and ran two pipes back to a mgnaflow X muffler. it has a 2 in 2 out design with an X in the muffler. all of this was done for 200 dollars with my exhaust running out the side in front of the tire like a lightning. there was a considerable difference in power and response. for the price i think this is the best way to go. besides 2 pipes are better than one.

 

That seems really cheap. Did you provide the muffler?

 

I'd get the whole cat back because it's bigger from that point on, little power increase but sound is why you buy, right? I was going through the tunnel to/from Detroit today and snapping it a few times reminded me why I spent that money. If you do buy a cat back go stainless unless your in a good climate than anything goes. My brother had a 40 series flowmaster on and not a cat back, muffler shop bent pipes. It sounded good but not at wot, sounded like a vacuum. Also, consider money I guess.

 

having small exhaust shops do your setup is a complete waste of money if you are doing it for power. most shops use crimp bent pipes, plain and simple. i dont care whatever fancy x pipes, cats, or mufflers you have, crimp is crap pure and simple.

yes a catback will do much better than any shop setup, unless of course the shop is using mandrel bends. mandrel bends cost more money.

thats the answer to your question, period. theres no way to do it for cheaper.