I am new to this message exchange forum and appreciate some advice. Glad to see so many great experiences have been outlined and hopefully someone has tried this system. I have a 1992 F-150 Extended Cab 4x4, automatic, with a 5.8L (351 ci) engine and a 3.55 rear axle ratio. I believe the horsepower is 210 with 325 fp torque. The truck is in great shape and has only 75,000 miles on it. I have recently installed a superchip and a K&N filter which has made a noticeable improvement to the trucks' performance, perhaps adding about 10% in hp and torque. I am now thinking of adding a Series 70 Flowmaster muffler system, which I am told will help my engine perform even better and also help the truck tow my travel trailer.(a 22ft. Arctic Fox trailer weighing 4950lb loaded). We live in the mountainous interior of B.C., Canada and like to travel to and fish in the many lakes in the Pacific Northwest. Climbing through the passes isn't the fastest of experiences, however I want to make it better. If anyone has an opinion on whether a new exhaust system will help, or if there are other improvements I should make as well, I would appreciate your comments. I have also thought of installing a transmission cooler, and set of airlifters to raise the rear-end a bit when I am towing. Friends have also said I should get a Jacobs ignition system, don't know. All of these modifications are expected to improve my ability to tow the trailer, particularly on the hills, because I really don't want to end up having to buy a 3/4 ton. Thanks, any suggestions/comments appreciated.
JP

 

I personally have the 50 series, w/ stock pipes from front to back. Did a simple muffler swap, that's it. I like it, very minimal IF any noise increase going down the highway, slight increase in rumble at start. Not sure about power, but.. i do know that i get on it a little more, and my mileage went from 12-14.5 combined driving w/ a k & n drop in, and muffler change. So.. i'd say 50 series. I've heard that the 40 series you loose bottom end torque, and you don't want that if you're towing. OH almost forgot, mine is the 50 series delta flow, don't know if that means anything to ya, but.. from what i read, it decreased in cab noise. I got mine from jegs for less than 95 bucks shipped. email me if you have any more ??

 

I know you are asking about a muffler system, but have you considered maybe a gear swap? Maybe step up to a set of 3.73's or 4.10's. Anyone else have any ideas?

-Brian

 

A good muffler can free up some power; the stock muffler has a low flow rate. I'd definately get a AT cooler.

 

Thanks Max. I am going to setup apptmt to get work done and will also be installing a transmission cooler unit. Any thoughts on a heavy duty radiator; although not had a heating problem, the guage definitely showing a high temp when climbing some of our hills. Seems the trailer towing package comes with heavy duty items such as a heavy duty rad, transmission cooler, and suspension as standard. My truck did not have these items installed when I got it. ---- JP

 

Towing heavy loads definately requires a good cooling system as well as good general fluid maintenance. On older vehicles, it's important to know how the coolant system has been maintained. The inner radiator passages generally collect some degree of debris and corrosion over time resulting in diminished cooling. Having older radiators "cored" or cleaned out can help. Upgrading radiators to a larger unit with more core thickness can help as well. A properly sized auxiliary AT cooler can also help, as the AT fluid also passes through the radiator. 20,000-25,000 GVW is a good size auxiliary AT cooler for moderate towing. Good Luck !!

 

Thanks Max. I've just had my rad flushed and cleaned, so I think it should be in good shape. Additionally, I plan to have the Flowmaster system installed tomorrow and this should complement the Superchip and K&N filter I had installed previously. Scheduled next week to have a transmission cooler unit (26,000lb) installed as well, so hopefully once this is done I will be ready to take my trailer on a fishing trip the following weekend. The tow should be sweeter than before, leastwise I hoping it will be. The only other thing may be a set of Airlifters for the rear to raise the end a little and stablize the ride when towing. Thanks again
JP

 

You're Welcome !! That combination should yield you a nice improvement. Have a good fishing trip.

 

definatly swap to 4.10. you will gain more than any exhaust or filter mod. Ten Fold