Alright I've read about a thousand posts and about the same number of engine/ exaust combinations and have not come to any real conclusion that meets my need so here it is

TRUCK 1997 SUPERCAB 4X4 w/ 5.4

WHAT I WANT I'm a daily drive who is looking for a little more pep out of the engine and a fuller sound from the truck don't want to loud just strong. I also plan on keeping the truck for a long time so I only want to enhance proformance but not negitivly effect longevity I have put on a K/N FIPK already. I don't want to lose low end torque, looking for a little pep all around IS THIS POSSIBLE?

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Even though stainless would be great I am not prepared to spend that kind of money right now. Want to spend under $300 will go over if it seems necessary

WHAT I AM CONSIDERING
Talked to a local muffler guy that has been recommended by a few diffrent people and he recommended a Magnaflow SI/DO system with 21/4 pipes they are bending 3 1/2" slash cut chrome tips $250 out the door. I mentioned the Y-Pipe change and he recommended staying with the factory. Thought I probably would do the exaust first and then change it later if I wasn't satisfied

Does anyone have this setup and are they happy. Is it enough to make a difference without losing low end

THANKS FOR YOUR IMPUT SORRY SO LONG

ps. yes it seems like a lot of thought for a freaking muffler but this is not my area of expertise

 

It sounds like you want a cat back that will give low end power and a deep ,but mellow sound. I have a flowmaster 50 series cat back on my 4.6L and i recomend it for you.

 

i like the way my flowmaster sounds but have heard they might not last that long. deep at take off, mellow on the freeway

 

I have heard a lot of good things about Gibson. You can pick up an aluminized steel cat back for around 290.00. Most people that use them say they actually improve low end a little, but definitely don't cause a loss. One good thing about cat back "systems" as opposed to having your local shop build one, is that they have actually done testing and flow engineering on the set-up and they know how it will work with your engine. I went with a Borla set-up because I wanted something that would look good, sound good, and last forever. If you don't want to spring for the Stainless, I would look at the aluminized Gibson. Good luck.

 

i have the Gibson Dual Sport, and could not be happier with it.. just enought sound to tell that it is not stock, but still mellow..

 

Thanks all for the imput I'm leaning more toward the Gibson single pipe. Think I will like the closer to stock apperance, and feel it will probably meet my wants the best. Now I just need to find the best place to get it no local dealer I can find. Will be checking the net. Most places are $289 for regular $420 for stainless haven't worked out who is better on shipping yet. If anyone has bought one recently and got a good deal let me know.

Thanks

 

I have a Gibson single pipe side exhaust on order. The $289 price is the same nearly everywhere. I have mine coming from Summit so the only other fee was $7 handling fee (shipping is free otherwise). I couldn't find any muffler shops in my area that wanted my money. Everyone told me it wouldn't do any good, or I'd need Flowmaster 40's, etc. Finally I asked the last shop what they would charge to install a catback that I woud supply. Ten muffler shops, ten opinions. Figured I would be well served by getting the Gibson since it has some engineering behind it (and they won't question me or advise against it!)
Good luck in your search!
Ed

 

Thanks for the info linetest I did go a head and order the Gibson single pipe. I checked summit but the part was on backorder till 8/10 so I went with Truckpreformance.com. It cost me about $22 more than you spent (189.00 for part 29.62 shipping) but I didn't find out the shipping charge until the very end and at that point I just said screw it and went a head (not a bad pitch). Oh well

Look forward to getting it installed. I spend a lot of time deciding before I buy but when the time comes I WANT IT NOW!! Thats probably how most of us are

Will let you Know how it works out you do the same.

 

Hey FloridaBoy, has the Gibson come in yet? Have you got it installed?

Deep6Blue

 

No not yet got a confermation saying that it won't be here till the 8th so I am still waiting. They were shipping from the factory.