I ahve a 5.4 Expedition and will be installing the Superchip and Airraid intake. After reading the archives, I heard the following things about these 2000 5.4 trucks.

1. The OE exhaust is tuned so well that any deviation from OE will decrease performance. Is this true? I don't want a loud exhaust system because the truck is a family vehicle and my wife hates loud cars. Are there any aftermarket exhaust systems that give performance without the noise? Would it make sense to just swap out the OE muffler (assuming that it's restricting performance) with a Flowmaster 70 series and keep the original pipes?


2. RE: Intake - The silencer was removed for 99 and newer trucks therefore an aftermarket FIPK does not improve performance. Is this true? I am leaning toward the Airraid but not replacing the exhaust therefore does anyone know if by doing only the intake, will I be shorting myself?
If #2 is true, should I just change the filter to a K&N and keep the stock intake housing?


Thanks

Blue2000Expy