I've got a couple of leaks in my 2000 f150 Flareside 4.2L. I wanna get a completely new exhaust, what's a good one to go with? How much will it run me? Apparently I need new cats. I wanna go from the manifolds to the exhaust tip all new, any suggestion? Will I get a power gain? I feel like it's lagging now... That would be because of the leaks right?

 

Get a magnaflow y-pipe and converter from performancepeddler.com, then if you can install it all yourself go to truckexhaustkits.com and buy a catback exhaust system with tips.
I just did this to my 89 f-150 with a 351. I paid 200 for the y-pipe and converter and 220 for the catback system with stainless tips. I used a flowsound muffler, same as flowmaster but 1/3 of the cost. I installed it all myself, so saved on all the labor cost.

And yes putting new exhaust on a high mileage truck will make it run better due to no leaks and new cats that will flow.

 

So all I need is the y pipe, converter, and catback system? Will I get a deep sound at all? I know it's hard to get with a v6, so I'm nit expecting much. Just hate this raspy sound...

 

Hi-flow cats (or no cats) and a Flowmaster 40. It'll sound ok at idle, but like a typical V6 up in the RPM's.

 

Okay, I'm gonna put on a new manifold on the driver side, put it on the hoist at school and the passenger side is new but the driver side is rusted pretty bad.

Then I'll by-pass the cats, so straight pipe, and like you said flowmaster 40. Any suggestions for muffler replacement? Got 3 or 4 pin holes in mine and within due time she'll be completely gone.

 

If you are going to change a manifold & gasket, you may as well try to get a set of shorty headers to put in.

 

^ On a 6 banger I would roll with what ever is cheapest.

 

I'll probably do that, look for whatever is cheapest. I did some welding around the cats, and strange enough I got some power back, today I floored it and right from 1st she broke free, usually there's hardly any power at low rpm.... Don't know what happened but since the welding she runs a lot smoother now!!

 

^ That is strange. A small leak is not going to effect performance.