I know that this is a common topic around here, and I have read many of the other posts on exhaust systems for the V6. Not sure that I have come to a conclusion on what is best for my truck though.

I have a '03 F150 Supercab XLT Flareside with the 4.2V6

I want to put a flowmaster 40 series original system on my truck.

Local muffler shop quoted me $290 for a SI/DO system with chrome 3.5" tips with a 40 series original flowmaster and for a SI/SO system with my existing tailpipe (and the above muff) a much cheaper $109.95.

I am willing to fork out the big bucks if the duals are exceptionally louder than the single out.

Any advice would be great. Thanks.

 

If you want your truck to be loud, get a si/do flowmaster 40 exhaust. But it will not sound like a v-8. It will still sound like a v-6. If I had to do it all over again, I just buy a stainless flowmaster 50 si/so muffler and have it welded on to the stock stainless exhaust. That way you still have an all stainless exhaust system, and you won't have that annoying v6 with duals sound. With a 50 series Flow, it will be much quieter, and with the single exhaust, you'll have more lowend torque, and the exhaust will be quieter but still have a little rumble to it. That's just what I'd do. But since I have the dual setup, I'm stuck with it until I can get my hands on some $$$.

 

Went ahead and had the SI/SO 40 original installed this morning. Used factory pipes with the side exit behind rear tire.

Sound isn't very loud. It rumbles when cranked and that's about it. I do notice better acceleration though.

Think I'll add a 3.5" chrome tip coming out the rear for better looks and hopefully better sound.

 

Cool. Sounds good. Yeah a cool chrome tip would look good. But I'd get a stainless tip since they don't rust. Chrome will rust within a years time. Good luck!