I just had a custom flowmaster exhaust system installed (single in/dual out with 3.25"x22" chrome tips) on my 98 5.4L, and it sounds awesome. I notice an improvement in throttle response too However, I would like it to be a little louder...especially at idle and above 3000rpm. I've heard some 5.4L that are much louder at idle and when they get on it. It may just be me though since I am on the inside of my truck, and it doesn't seem as loud inside. Anyone know what I can do to get louder without that annoying raspy sound? BTW, the 3.25x22 tips made a BIG difference in the tone of the sound (it's much deeper and rumbly) but the volume of sound is the same. Anyone have any ideas outside of having the cats removed. I considered that, but the guys at the muffler shop said it could cause computer problems, and I really don't want that. Thanks in advance!

Jason

 

DewserB,

You're in TN and you haven't seen, or heard, straight pipes? j/k

This is what everyone I know of runs. The 2 cats don't let that much sound get out. I listened to several different systems before going with straights. I thought these pipes sounded as good as any I heard, and saved the price of a muffler. If you're ever in Middle TN let me know ahead of time. We'll get together and compare sounds. Good luck, Rich.

 

Thanks Rich...I'll definately let you know the next time I'm passing through Lebanon. My email is Dewser9@cs.com, so if you email me your contact info, I'll contact you.

Actually, my father-in-law has a 98 w/ a 4.6L with no muffler. Not sure if you can classify his system as "straight pipes" as he still has the cats, but he has dual outs. His sounds great too, but is slightly higher pitched in tone than mine. However, he swears mine is louder than his. When you say straight pipes do you mean without the cats? If so, does removing the cats actually mess up anything? Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE the sound of the Flowmaster 40 2 chamber that I have now, but I would like it to be slightly louder.

You should come to some of the Pigeon Forge rod runs and car shows. Tons of nice F-150s along with other nice cars. If you'd like to come to one, let me know and I'll get you dates, directions, etc.

Thanks again!

Jason

 

I am also curious as to whether or not you should take the cats off to get the true straight pipes. I am planning on cutting my mufflers off and running two straight pipes out the back, just not sure if I should leave the cats or not due to them possibly messing things up if they werent on there. Also, do any O2 sensors get messed up if there are any by making true duals?

_________________________________________________-
1999 F150 XLT super cab OFFROAD package 4x4
5.4 L Triton V8, automatic

Mods:
AutoPage RS-750lcd alarm/remote start
Dual stage proximity sensor
Ford Racing Euro tails
Xenon headlights
Spray on underbody coat
20% window tint on front 2 windows
Audio:
Eclipse 6 ½ point source coaxials SP8962
Eclipse CD8052 head unit
Eclipse 2-channel amp 3122
Eclipse 4-channel amp 36401
MTX Thunderform sub box
Image Dynamics IDQ8’s

Future modifications:
Xenarc HID light kit

 

Jason,

I still have all 4 cats on my truck. I wouldn't advise taking them off. What I meant was, the 2 cats on each pipe off the manifold don't let you have an obnoxious sound. I know you've heard some cars and trucks that have a really irritating sound. Not really any louder than mine, just a completely different tone.

I have the same set-up as your father-in-law. The 4.6 with a y-pipe welded in and straight pipes coming after that. The diameter and size of the tips tend to regulate the actual sound of the truck. I have a buddy with the same truck as mine. He has straight pipes (2") with no tips, straight out the back. Sounds like a V-6 with a glasspack. You know the sound I mean. I have 2 1/4" pipes with 3 1/2" X 24" megaphone tips (like an echo pipe). Mine is much deeper and less raspy than his.

I've been to the Rod Runs before. They used to run down the middle of the Gatlinburg strip years ago. Closed the street and "run what you brung". LOL! I wouldn't mind coming to another. The area is beautiful and I like hiking in the Smokies. Might have to make a fall road trip. Later, Rich.

My e-mail is : hikerdadrich@charter.net

 

Thanks for the info Rich. Do you know if a K&N (or similar) filter makes any difference in sound? Let me know if you decide to come through the Smokies this Fall. I'm sure your set up sounds very similar to my father-in-laws, so I'm sure it really rumbles! I actually considered having the no muffler set up done before I had the flowmaster installed, but with my engine being bigger than my father-in-laws, I was afraid the tone would be totally different. Besides, I've had flows on other vehicles, and I've been very pleased. I'll try this set up for a while, and if I still want something louder, I may just have the muffler yanked off and try to sell it. Overall though, I'm very pleased with my sound....if it was only louder

Later,

Jason

 

Jason,

I have a K&N drop-in in my truck now. I have run these for quite a few years on several different vehicles.

I've never noticed any sound increase with the filter. I have heard the FIPK before on trucks I've ridden in, and they have a sound like a 4-barrel kicking in. When I was a kid we used to flip the breather cover over to get this sound. Gives a nice "moan" when you get on it.

I'll keep you posted on the Fall trip.

I did the opposite of what you're planning. I went with straight pipes and left room for a muffler if I didn't like the sound. I thought if it sounded good without a muffler I've saved myself a few dollars, if not, adding a muffler is easy enough.

Later, Rich.