I just finished with the dyno today getting ready for the Magnaflow install when I came across some very interesting muffler/exhaust information.

I talked to Jose, owner of ACE Muffler in California. Right now, Jose is testing a number of different exhaust systems and muffler setups on a Lightning for a major truck magazine and the results will be out next month. I apologize, I forgot the name of the magazine--I feel like an idiot. Even though I might be an idiot, Jose isn't and he seems to know his stuff.

He recommends before any changes are made to our exhaust system, to wait until all the testing is through and the magazine is on the street. That way no one is spending a lot of $$$$$ by constantly changing systems to find the perfect set up for our L's.

I have decided to halt the Magnaflow installation for now and see what they come up with.


Jim Shaw
FORDSALES

 

Jim, glad you talked to Jose. He knows his sheet

 

Looking forward to the results!!

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Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--597rwhp/590rwtq
96 Cobra (12.34 @ 115.8)--392rwhp/433rwtq
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.8)--364rwhp/447rwtq
00 Expedition XLT 5.4
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fst/index.html

 

Jim,

I am of the opinion that there will be no significant performance difference between most of the mufflers tested. I changed mine only because I was looking for a little different tone than just the JBAs and stock muffler produced. I am happy with the Magnaflow and would not consider changing to something else even if I picked up 5 horsepower or so (which is not likely).

It will be interesting to see how the different mufflers are compared using the dyno. I think it would also be very interesting if the test compared sound (as subjective is that is).

[This message has been edited by sixpipes (edited 11-10-2000).]

 

Hey sixpipes - If you get a minute could you email me your thoughts on the JBAs? I ordered a set today and hope to have them installed by the end of the month.

Thanks.

------------------
Rick

Email: ******@tampabay.rr.com

My Mods & More

 

BRIMSTONE

Yes, you are correct. He does know. He remembered your name and the system that he set up for you.

If you talk to him again, please ask him what the name of the magazine that he is testing for. I want to make sure to get it.

 

Jim, ya hit that one right on the money. I've had 5 different systems on my L already, I finally went back to the first set I had from SHM, cause of the new headers I just put on. Bolted on 5.4 cobra snakes, just had to some fishing around with the sensors, then put Sean Hyland's exhaust on cause of the nice high flow, and great sound. Advice to the new L owners, hold off on exhaust decisions til everyones stepped up to the plate.

Cheers

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2000 Lightning (Red)
SHM Chip and Mass Air
SHM Blower Pulley
378.2 @ 5100 HP
445.0 @ 3600 ft-lb (before pulley)
Kill Count = 28 suckers picking rubber off their teeth.
SHM powered - www.seanhylandmotorsport.com

'99 Cobra - SHM engine, Vortech supercharger, and to many other mods that my wife don't know about.

 

I will be giving him a call soon and ask him which magazine too.

I don't think the muffler swap alone will show BIG HP gains, but I wouldn't be surprised if the mandrel bent cat back, dual mufflers w/x-pipe combo shows +10-12 rwhp and even more in combination with other mods.

 

Brimstone
Rember poeple who put on the bassani system. With out power increase. I put on Bill Murrys system and liked it. Sound was great, Bill him self said that he can not tell any power increase. I have looked at the manifolds that are on my y2k F150 4x4 with 5.4L. They are alot smaller than was on my 99 Lightning. I have come to belive untill major power increase, they do not need replaced. Unless owner is going for sound.
My .02 cents

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2001 Silver Lightning on order
2000 F150 Extend Cab 4x4 Off Road,5.4L
99.5 Black Lighting
#1277
SOLD
2000 Mustang GT Convertible
SOLD
99 Triumph Speed Triple
955cc,Roulette Green,Corbin Seat,Carbon Fiber Silencer,Fry Screen,Carbin Fiber Tank Pad

 

I believe the exhaust system Babolt is using to be of interest. I had long tube Mac headers on my 1998 Z-28. Long tube headers produce alot of torque in the upper end. You just keep pulling. Also a true dual set up with Borla's is also very interesting. I am sure from what he has stated, a superior set up. John

 

Street Truck just got a L for testing and are going do a lot of Mods. They said that they will do a lot of articles over the next year.

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1999 Red SVT Lightning
#3466 of 4000
NLOC #428
99 Grand Prix GTP Red

 

SuperChicken

Glad to hear from you. Have you been working a lot?

Street truck does sound familiar. It could be the one.