DIY network’s Weekend Mechanic had an episode where a 2004 F150 got a rework on its intake and exhaust. Claim to increase fuel economy by 10 mpg. JBA Cat4ward headers were installed. A throttle body spacer, Air Raid cool air intake and cat back dual exhaust (don’t know what mfg.) Also flashed the chip. I know what that means, but I don’t know why or what it improves. DIY rated this job a skill level of 2 out of a possible 5. I think that qualifies me. I am very interested in an extra 10 mpg out of my 2004 Screw. It’s 2 wheel drive (trade off for the leather interior.) So I am looking on the boards here for insight. I see the Corsa looks like a good choice except that they are very proud of their product (price wise.) Was looking to go true duals all the way. Then I see somebody mentioned the “X” and even, the “H” configuration. Do these configurations offer any advantage over cat4ward, catback? Seems as though it’s the same result. The guy at the muffler place tells me the F150 has 2 cats any way? I’m in Missouri and it’s too cold to crawl under the truck to see right now. I would like to do this for fuel economy. If the exhaust sounds cool that’s OK too. I’m not into loud LOUD. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

2004 Screw Lariat
5.4L
2 wheeler
5.5' bed

 

you would definatley get better fuel mileage but will also be spending some money. i highly dought there will be a 10 mpg increase but then again with all the technology today you never know. but it will be a hell lot more fun to drive.

 

If you think your gonna get 10 more MPG...Your out of your mind!

You'll spend alllll that money and get maybe 2 ,,, 2 & 1/2 if your lucky.....lol
Don't believe everything you see on TV!!!

Phil

 

i saw that episode, they claim a bed cover improves mileage but on mythbusters they said it actually does the opposite, but i dont believe that show too often because they also installed a throttle body spacer on the same truck claiming it would greatly increase power and mileage

 

if you do true duals-use a straight through muffler,x pipe as close to original y location as possible, 2 1/4 " mandrell bent tubing, keep your rpms ~2000 and you'll see about ~1.5 mpg improvement

 

That's really where you'll pick up the extra MPG...

There is absolutely no way you can increase your trucks fuel economy by 60%-90%, it's just not going to happen. If all it took was a different intake, exhaust and a computer tune to get these trucks up to ~25+ MPG, do you seriously think that Ford wouldn't already make them that way? Especially when everyone is concerned with gas prices nowadays, if you had a truck that got the same mileage as the average car, you'd make a killing!

Common sense is something that needs to be exercised daily lest you lose it!

- NCSU

 

[QUOTE=but it will be a hell lot more fun to drive.[/QUOTE]

I like that answer.

 

Ease up on the caffeine man LOL! If I was really out of my mind I wouldn't have asked in the first place. Gently please! I'm a newbie...

 

I would guess more like a 2 to 3mpg increase, no way 10mpg. The best way to improve gas mileage is to drive slower, and best of all it's free!

 

I have been discussing that point with friends. Most people think the oil & auto companies are in bed together. And they are making a killing...

Thanks.

 

at least in my case- one of the reasons i mentioned 2000~ rpms was with my exhaust setup- the tq increase -i was over 300 ft lbs at this low rpm-also using and watching my scangauge- this verified the above comment-phil

 

One question about pipe size...Is there going to be a difference if I put 3" pipe on my 2007 F150 SuperCrew 5.4L?? Is it worth my time and $$ to upsize or stay stock size?? Fuel economy is important. Also will it make difference if I'm towing trailer weighing about 4000Lbs loaded?

 

if you are going true duals dont go any bigger than 2.5"

 

No way you will gain 10 MPG........that is major. Most of the peeps here have all those mods and they didnt net anywhere near 10 MPG.

 

Probably meant 10 HP.