I have a 02 SuperCab 4.6 and would like to possibly gain, but certainly not loose any low end torque. I want a better sound, but not a much louder sound than stock. (quality vs quanity)
I am heavily leaning toward the Magnaflow (local dealer) or possibly Gibson.

What if any is the difference in the performance of the short, medium or long mufflers. I understand the longer the quieter, but how does that relate to torque?? Which model Magnaflow do you recomend?

I will be keeping my stock pipes and just putting on a muffler and a stainless tip. I think a 3 or 3.5 inch tip. I think this will keep my torque??

What is the difference in the sound of a shorter vs longer tip of the same diameter? The longer the tip, the more it will resonate at a lower frequency???

I am still trying to learn about mods so thanks for your help.

I would like to start doing mods, but I need more info before I start.

 

If you have 4 catalytic converters like my 98 then slap on a 3" catback system, do the y-pipe mod if you can afford it. See my system installation post from yesterday for more info.

The Magnaflow, Dynomax Ultra-flo, etc are all straight through glasspack designs using a larger muffler case. Either way, the larger the case the lower the resonant frequency most of the time. Tip size and length doesn't affect it too much unless you get a "megs" style tip that increases diameter down it's length (like a trumpet) which will sound louder.

With the 4 cat converters on these trucks all of the straight through mufflers aren't very loud. My ultra-flo is dead quiet at cruising speed on the hwy.

With the 3 inch system and flowmaster y-pipe I can honestly say the truck is quicker and theres definitely no loss of torque. I'm not sure who started that "old wives tale".

Just replacing your muffler is an economical way to get more flow and better sound though.

 

Thank you for the repley. Is a 3" catback system that much superior to the stock pipes? I have heard that Ford did a pretty good job on the pipes, but just has a restrictive muffler.

 

It's probably only a couple of horsepower advantage over stock pipes. It's up to you and how much you want to spend. My budget wasn't large but I wanted to do it right and replace the restrictive t-pipe. The later models, probably yours, have a better t-connection that more or less resembles a y connection. It's more of a 45 than a 90 like the older trucks.

A less restrictive system overall probably reduces the engine and exhaust temperatures adding to longevity.

But somewhere someone said a 2.5 inch pipe is good for over 300 hp... what do I know.

At least if you put in a 3 inch system and y-pipe then you're ready for a supercharger or other serious HP mods and won't have to redo the exhaust later.

 

Dispenser, I installed a Gibson 3" catback in April '98 and the muffler went out this winter. I cut it open and a couple of the internal tubes were cracked. The Gibson muffler is little more than a glorified "turbo type" and not worth the cost, IMHO. I now have a Flowmaster 50 Series Delta Flow in its place and am much happier with the tone. If I were to do it over again, I would have simply put a good quality performance muffler on the stock pipes with a nice stainless tip and forget about the full cat-back. The money you save could be put toward the very worthwhile y-pipe mod.