The stock pipe on my 2001 F250 4x4 with 5.4 is 3" at the end. Since all the cat-back exhausts come with a 3" pipe, why shouldn't I just get the muffler of choice and save a few bucks? Is the stock pipe between the cat and muffler 3" or is that only at the tail pipe? Also, I want to keep the noise down but want to add as much performance as possible after the cat. So what muffler would do this job the best? - Magnaflow? Borla? Gibson? If I do the entire cat-back, I've decided that Gibson is my best choice for sound and low end power. I would also opt for the SS since I live in CT. But the only advantage that I see so far for replacing the pipes is to get the SS. Can someone steer me in the right direction?

P.S. I have the K&N FIPK and plan on putting in a Superchip to round off the mods for a while. Thank you very much

 

I had a 5.4 Expy 4wd and did the K&N, tornado, and the Gibson.

When I did the Gibson, I lost a lot of low end and the top end was improved. Can't drive top end all the time. I bought a butterfly tip from J.C Whitney which opened and closed accrding to exhaust flow, brought back some low end but not satisfying.

Maybe after you do these minor mods, tell the chip guy what you have and maybe that will fix it.

BTW, the Gibson was very quiet, just a Db or 2 over stock, not to my liking. I think a Borla, Magnaflow, or Bassani muffler will give you the right sound without the high cat-back costs.

Just an opinion, not an expert.

 

Going with a cat back seems easier if you want to do it yourself. But I've seen posts where people cant seem to take off the stock pipe without cutting it in two pieces. I put a 2.5 inch SI/SO Flowmaster 50 Deltaflow on my 4.2 V6 and modified the Y pipe. Lost some low end but gained it mid to high. Sounds a bit loud to my liking too. There is a small contraption on your exhaust called the vibration damper. Its like a small canister hanging on the side close to the y pipe. Keep that at all cost or you will feel some vibration at idle and certain rpm. BTW, kept my stock pipe and replaced just the muffler and y pipe. Cheaper that way.

 

I asked myself the same question.
Just put a Flowmaster 50 Delta Flow on my stock pipes instead of the "cat back" systems. Been on for less than a week. I like the sound. A little louder than I expected. Not bad at highway speeds - can't hear it at all. I haven't noticed a loss in the low end. Engine seems to run "easier". Less than $150 installed (professionally) and about an hour of my time. If I change my mind, the old muffler goes back on. And I'm not out the #300+ for the cat backs... So far I'm happy.

 

StrongWind, I'm considering doing the same thing with my 1998 xlt long bed truck with 4.6L engine. I want more sound from my stock system than I have now. The 40 series is way too loud for my taste. The cats and the Air intake with a k/n filter make plenty of noise but wish to hear a little exhaust tone. Hope your setup serves you well. Did you add a tip to your pipe? Later, DiXie....

 

DiXie truck,
I agree, the 40's are too loud. Neighbor has on his F150. dualed out, so it's probably a little louder because of that.

The shop I went to pushed the 50 Delta Flow. A little less "noisy" than the 50 (and much quieter than the 40's). Little rumble at idle, nice sound during acceleration (can still hear the radio and talk in the cab), can't hear it on the highway. Figured for less than $150 it was worth a try. Can cut it off and try something else..No, I didn't install a tip at this time.

Also considered the Flowmaster 70. Suppose to be quieter. The shop said I would be happier with the 50 Delta Flow. So fa, so good. Pics of the installation.

 

Thanks for all the information and the great pictures. Looks like a good installation job on the exhaust. I will have to check with several shops around here and see what kind of bucks they will request for the job. Thanks again, DiXie Truck.

 

in my opinion, I would go with just the muffler. I had an Iron Tuff muffler installed on my 01 Screw 5.4 and I love it. Nice and quiet, but still louder than stock. The engine just seems to run easier, gets RPM's quicker and I can feel a difference in power. My wife drove it and she could even feel the difference. Cost me $101 out the door, kept the stock pipe.