I have a '97 F150 with the 5.4L. Over the years I've tried Flowmaster's 50series SI/DO. Then changed the muffler to a 40series SI/DO. I've had Flowmaster's on other vehicles and they were awesome-but these suck. I like how deep the 50 is but it's way too quiet. The 40 is higher pitched and still not loud enough. Plus the 40 has the awful resonance around 1800-2000 rpm. I want it deep AND loud! Locally, the only advice I have gotten is to replace my 4 converters with 2 high flow units(kind of like the Bassani Lightning setup). I was told straight pipes would be higher pitched than the 40 series and that Magnaflow was quieter. Any ideas? I'm sick of my rusting aluminized pipes and am ready for some good stainless-so I want to do it right this time and be happy finally. Any suggestions?

 

If I were you, I would look at the Ravin's available at Midas. They usually want a little more than the things are worth, but that's a corporation for you!
I have had the Ravin Z-33 for about a year now, and I still love it. It has a really deep tone, and it does get loud! I had a little bit of drone at highway speeds in the beginning, but after adding the Edelbrock headers, it is completely gone. I think it is really worth checking into!

 

Could you give me some feedback on those Edelbrock headers???
Fit/Finish/Installation???

 

straight pipes are deeper than the FM 40. Rich

 

Max--

They aren't completely "equal" length headers, but they are really close. They look great and are worth the money in my opinion. All in all it took me about 14 hours to get them in. The new pipe from the headers up to the top of the engine doesn't work (atleast not for me). I used the stock one and had to heat it up to be able to bend it around the steering column. As for the overall fit, I would say it is good. A buddy of mine was starting the screws for me on one side while I was tightenening the other, and I didn't realize that one of the bolts wasn't straight and it ended up getting stripped out. It's an easy fix, I just haven't had the time to do it yet. I has caused a small exhaust leak, but no problems yet.
All I can say is be prepared to bust a few knuckles and say a few choice words. Trust me there are easier things to do.
Hopefully I answered what you needed, but feel free to email me if you want adamski96@yahoo.com

 

Thanks

 

Thanks for the input guys. I guess I'll start by removing my current muffler and seeing how it sounds. I can always add another one later.

 

I thought I might put my 2 cents in. I too recently wanted to make some exhaust changes. I was debatingbetween the Ravin and the Vortex. I took a gamble and went for the Z33 Ravin. $152 (cdn) for the muffler. I had a SI/DO set up with 4' tips. The sounds was awesome. I really turned some heads and on the highway you couldn't even tell you had modified they system in the cab. Unfortunatly there was not very much back pressure and my fuel mileage dropped from what I had previously obtained with a stock set up. I just changed the Z33 to a Z55. I model quieter. I was worried about the sound loss, but to my surprise there was not to much difference and I got my bottem end back. I am not sure of the fuel milage yet, but I am sure it will go back to normal if not better. I hope this helps.
Goodluck
OPIPE