What to Do???
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4
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From: Wichita, KS
What to Do???
I've read many post about increased performance with 3" pipe and flowmaster (or similar muffler). For every good post I read, I also read a negative. 
I have a 2002 Screw w/4.6. I have a drop-in K&N. I'm looking to improve towing performance, mpg (if possible) and get a little sound (not much, it's the family wagon). Most neg. replies are dropped low-end torque. Is the trade-off for highway performance worth it? I can get a 3" system with a flowmaster, single out for $200 installed. I've also read many keeping their stock pipe and swapping mufflers. Give it to me guys, what's you opinion on this.
I have a 2002 Screw w/4.6. I have a drop-in K&N. I'm looking to improve towing performance, mpg (if possible) and get a little sound (not much, it's the family wagon). Most neg. replies are dropped low-end torque. Is the trade-off for highway performance worth it? I can get a 3" system with a flowmaster, single out for $200 installed. I've also read many keeping their stock pipe and swapping mufflers. Give it to me guys, what's you opinion on this.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 0
TJ-
The key is a "properly" sized and designed exhaust. Most of the cat-backs utilize 3" pipe. What they neglect to advertise is that they install just behind the Y at the first slip joint. The result is a 2.5" pipe feeding this. Now you have a nice restriction forward (where the exhaust is coming from) of all this big pipe and free breathing muffler. The factory pipe is fine for low end torque and performance until you start to push 300HP. The problem with the OEM muffler is that it flows approx. 200cfms. Most HP mufflers flow at least 2 times that. If you don't want to redesign your exhaust system with duals or a 3" exit Y-pipe, then just get a nice stainless steel performance muffler with the sound of choice. If you want optimal WOT performance or a certain look (tips, fake duals, different exits, etc.), change the whole thing. This is just an opinion, so skip the flames guys.
Last edited by max mitchell; Feb 2, 2002 at 08:03 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 307
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From: Cypress (Houston), Texas
Terry,
Just put the Flowmaster 50 Delta Flow (SI/SO) on my 2001 SCrew with the 5.4 using the stock pipes. Also have the drop in KN filter. Noticed a little loss in the low end, but it seems to be getting better themore miles I put on it. Haven't pulled my trailer yet to see if I've really "lost" the low end.
However, I will say that the engine seems to run smoother, rev "freeer". Need to check mileage.
Sounds great in the cab. Barely hear at idle, a rumble when accellerating, and no noise at 65-80 on the hwy. I almost got the 70 Series Flowmaster, suppose to be better for keeping low end and less noise. Keeping the stock pipe should keep more backpressure on the system and help with the torque (so I've heard) which is why I didn't go the 3" route (just used the stock 2.5")
Just put the Flowmaster 50 Delta Flow (SI/SO) on my 2001 SCrew with the 5.4 using the stock pipes. Also have the drop in KN filter. Noticed a little loss in the low end, but it seems to be getting better themore miles I put on it. Haven't pulled my trailer yet to see if I've really "lost" the low end.
However, I will say that the engine seems to run smoother, rev "freeer". Need to check mileage.
Sounds great in the cab. Barely hear at idle, a rumble when accellerating, and no noise at 65-80 on the hwy. I almost got the 70 Series Flowmaster, suppose to be better for keeping low end and less noise. Keeping the stock pipe should keep more backpressure on the system and help with the torque (so I've heard) which is why I didn't go the 3" route (just used the stock 2.5")