This may be a continuation of my legality CAT post and Jconna's post but here's my QUESTIONS:

Bare with me as it may get lengthy.

I understand that TRUE DUAL (TDs) will be louder than Single In Dual Out (SIDO). Which is better for performance? Which is better for gas mileage? Is there even a difference OR is it so close that even if you drove each conserveratively that you wouldn't even know the difference??

I've got to figure out the CAT question for where I live. They hook a machine up to you OBDII port for emissions. I'm thinking 2 cats would pass, as vehicles in the past passed with only 2 cats. I want to remove my pre-cats and get 2 hi flow cats (Magnaflows of course).

But I want to do this right. I have an exhaust manifold leak on my passenger side. So I need headers. I was thinking JBA CATfowards but am still undecided.

Would it be in my best interest to do ALL at once?? Headers, hi-flow cats, and exhaust.

Which brings me to my next question. Which is better, H-pipe or Xpipe on TDs?? It seems like its a Ford/Chevy debate on the answers as they are so mixed I can't draw any conclusions. Also throw out some magnaflow part numbers I can look up as I don't know what muffler I want.

I do REALLY like Zeruins setup. I think he has "true-dual on my 5.4L with 2.5" piping throughout.. x-pipe, 2 14" round bodies, and 2 18" 3.5 tips, all magnaflow" That thing sings!!!!

BUT I DO NOT WANT DRONE OR EXTREME "LOUDNESS" AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS!!!

So can ya'll make some suggestions on mufflers. I just want to be happy with whatever I do the FIRST time around----DirtySCREW

 

true duals perform better at high end, more flow the better. Down in low rpm smaller piping like 2.25" will be better to have more torque, or a SI/DO 3" in 2.5" out to have more energy than 2.5" duals.

If you can afford to, I would do an exhaust overhaul like you are explaining.

For trucks, X pipe crossover would be better for low end torque to move the 5500lbs of weight you have to move.

Two 14" Magnaflow oval bodies would probably suit you for true duals. If you dont mind hearing it at every acceleration. If you go longtubes I would go to the 18" mufflers to keep the volume down and interior peaceful.

 

I wouldn't buy the JBA's if I were you, they cost like $600 for a set of ceramic coated shorties. You can Spend $400 on a set of Pacesetter LT's and gain so much more power than the shorties.

 

I wasn't gonna buy ceramic.

http://www.americantrucks.com/jba-sh...s-54liter.html

http://www.americantrucks.com/bbk-sh...ders-1999.html

Here is just an example of what popped up when I searched for F150 5.4L headers. I DO NOT know about the different brands as far as whats good and not. Someone that HAS then would have to chime in. Obviously I would PREFER American made!

I don't know the difference between long tubes and shorties as far as whats better.
This is all just too confusing----DirtySCREW