Last Sunday I was surfing the web, reading reviews and looking at different manufacturer's catback exhaust systems for my 08 5.4L Screw w/flareside bed. I was really disappointed that Magnaflow did not offer a system for my specific wheelbase (CC w/78" Bed length). I ran across the Banks Monster Exhaust system on sale at Jegs for $373 + handling - less than $400 delivered to my door within 2 working days and placed my order.

Upon receiving my order, I promptly unpackaged the parts and I was impressed with the lengths that Banks went to prevent any shipping damages. Even though the box had the normal Fed Ex handling treatment, the exhaust parts were in perfect condition. Instructions were well written and very thorough.

This morning I put the truck up on drive on ramps - rear axle only and removed the factory exhaust. I only needed a 3/8" drive ratchet, 10mm and 15mm deep sockets and 12" extension. Removal took less than 20 minutes by myself with only hand tools - no air tools. Be careful not to hit the aluminum driveshaft during the removal process.



I then laid out all the new parts supplied by Banks.



Additional tooling required - 14mm deep socket. I proceeded to install the new exhaust and the fitment/alignment was absolutely perfect. Took 30 minutes by myself with only hand tools - no air tools. Be careful not to hit the aluminum driveshaft during the installation process.







The installation time, including putting the vehicle on/off drive on ramps was 1 hour.

While I'm not absolutely crazy about the size & shape of the exhaust tip, I'm sure I will get used to it in time. So far I have noticed the exhaust noise at idle or part throttle only to be slightly louder, but medium and WOT sound is very "throaty" without any drone.

While I'm sure there are many other systems (MBRP, Roush, Magnaflow, etc.) with equal quality, price, fitment and appearance, this kit should definitely be considered when purchasing your new exhaust system.

Next mod: Banks CAI

 

I know your truck isn't very old but that is still very clean underneath. Exhaust looks nice too. You should make a video so we can hear how it sounds.

 

I didn't post a clip because in the past I have found clips to be deceiving - not a real representation of the true tone.

 

i got the banks love it sounds great no drone and has a man size tip not that fence post ford sticks on it

 

I'm sure the "man-size" tip will grow on me. Much to my delight I haven't noticed any drone as previously mentioned

 

Any Drone inside your cab ??

I just Purchased a banks ottomind programer for $159.(brand new)
and I have a S&B, CAI on my 05 F150. 5.4,.
I have Heard the sound clip of the Banks Exhaust On their Site....very Nice.
no popping or Crackling, it has the Right amount of Growl..Good Choice.

Regards
Fr8daddy

Ps: check out S&B CAI's I think they make them for Banks.
Got Mine for $269.

 

No drone at all

I have looked at the S&B CAI and it looks like a quality piece but would like to go with the Banks CAI. My tuner (Justin @ VMP Tuning) is going to dyno the vehicle with the stock air intake and OEM PCM calibration. We will then install the Banks CAI and redyno to see exactly how the Banks CAI improved performance and how the AFR was affected. Then Justin will custom tune the vehicle using an SCT3 for optimum performance and driveability.

 

very nice! thanks for the writeup. I hope mine gets here soon enough. I am hoping my install is just as easy, I have to shorten it up for my wheelbase though.

It looks good!

 

Nice install, i like mine as well, although i wish it was a little louder

 

Hey tmcolegr, I have a Banks Exhaust on my truck also and I have been having trouble with getting a tune to work with it and was wondering if you have got the tunes from VMP for it yet and how they work? I had an edge and the truck would cut out and miss at the 25-40 mph range on level 2, so I sent it in to upgrade to a gryphon and the truck had the same problem with the gryphon with a custom 89 performance tune made for my exhaust because the only other mod is a drop-in AEM dryflow filter so I was going to see how your truck runs with the Banks exhaust because I am having a little trouble getting it tuned? Also I am thinking about getting the Banks CAI also and just want some feedback on how the two perform together? Just let me know...

 

Hey Mercury what else do you have on yours besides the dual monster exhaust? CAI,Ottomind,Headers?

 

I have run the new Banks exhaust with both the OEM calibration and VMP Tuning's Performance Tune with none of the issues you described.

Once I install the Banks CAI, Justin will retune the vehicle again for optimum performance and driveability with that combination.

 

When are you planning on installing the CAI? I think I might give VMP a call and ask them about the situation.

 

That is up to Justin's schedule - give him a call

 

sweet exhaust!