I'm trying to build an exhaust system for my 2000 f-150 5.4 supercab. I have a Magnaflow system on order but muffler forward I'm not sure where to start. I want to get some long tube headers but the options are starting to baffle me. I don't care about looks, I'm just looking for power improvements. I've seen good deals at summit with hedman long tube headers. My problem is they have multiple versions with 2.5" and 3" collectors.

My questions are:
1. Is Hedman a decent brand if finish isnt important?
2. What size of collector do I want?
3. Do I pick a highflow cat based on the collector size?
4. the muffler will be a dual 2.5 out. What input size is optimal?

I've searched these forums for days and can't seem to find any solid answers.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Hedman is pretty decent stuff. I would go with the 2.5" collectors. If you can justify $1200 you can get Dynatech Longtubes with Hi-Flow cats attached, then run a single 3" exhaust, your performance would be great.

 

I love my truck but its a 2000 and I'm already dumping too much money into it. :-) If the hedman's achieve similar results then I think I'll stick with them.

To complete the project then I'll go with the Hedman headers with 2.5" collectors followed by magnaflow 2.5" cats (94006), then 2.5 inch piping leading into a Y pipe.

My question here is the muffler will be dual 2.5 out but what should the input be?

Will the Y pipe be dual 2.5 in (for the cats) then 2.5 out into the muffler or should this part be 3" out before the muffler? The 2.5" in dual 2.5" out magnaflow muffler is much cheaper than the 3" in 2.5" dual out magnaflow muffler. How much difference would this make?

 

With the Y pipe, use a Magnaflow Y pipe connector ( http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku ) Dont go with a shop made one that will be like the factory restrictive ones. Keep it 3" to a 3" inlet muffler with dual 2.5" tailpipes, you will be satisfied with the performance.