With all of the recent discussion of exhaust (specifically Y-pipes), I thought I'd put up some pics and give some info. Keep in mind that this is specific for the truck & SUV (sorry E-series guys). Also feel free to correct any mistakes I've made.

1999-2000 models came with the "rams horn" Y-pipe. It's oddly shaped and can exhibit a symptom known as "flutter". Flutter is just a noise caused by exhaust pulses traveling through the pipe. Still, the sound is kind of annoying.

For 2001-2004, Ford used a different Y-pipe that elminated (mostly) the flutter. However, this new design is extremely restrictive to flow. Personally, I'd rather have "flutter", but you can decide for yourself.

Here's a pic of the two Ford-designed Y-pipes:
http://makinhay.net/exhaust/ypipes.JPG

Not sure it shows how bad it is, but here's a close-up of the necked-down portion of the '01+ 2V 6.8L Y-pipe:
http://makinhay.net/exhaust/YNECK.JPG

Here's a pic of the Banks Powerpack "Y" compared to the 2001 Ford pipe:
http://makinhay.net/exhaust/ypipes2.JPG

Here are some pics of the '05 3-valve 6.8L Ford design. I guess the Excursion & Vans still have the 2V engine, so they may be different. Again, I'm no photographer, so I apologize for the poor pics ahead of time.

http://www.makinhay.net/exhaust/05ypipe2.JPG
http://www.makinhay.net/exhaust/05ypipe.JPG

Can't really tell because of all the heat shielding, but there aren't any severely "necked-down" areas of the piping.

 

I was just re-reading this and realized that I need to give some credit to Stan (Eurekaboy). I used his photo of the '99-'00 "rams horn" Y-pipe. Hope you don't mind Stan.

 

Excellent post, NoMo. This should help folks see the difference side by side.

 

Exlnt. I'm thinking through my options on my 2002 X right now. Probably going with the Banks. I bought my X used, already equipped with brake contrller and air bags, so I got to wondering if by chance that y pipe had been swapped out. No such luck. It is amazing how restrictive it is. Your pix are a great idea, but don't do the factory pipe the injustice it deserves. The restriction is not really visible. Any chance of a closeup of that section? If not, cool. I'm a professional photographer and when mine comes out, I'll shoot some pix. Thanks again for the side by side.

 

Sorry NoMo, I hadn't looked at the other images. It does show the restriction. Thanks.

 

Do they use the same restrictive y-pipe on 5.4's? 2000 f150 more specifically.

Maybe i'll have to convice my dad to upgrade the y pipe on the 01 v10 he just bough.

 

Best and most informative post I have seen in a while GREAT JOB Man I want to do it can you fill the differance???

 

Cant wait for the 05 pics. Great post!!

 

Great pics boy how things have changed from the earlier years

 

Im guessing the Ford Racing headers mate right up with the downpipes that go to that Y or will I have to get new pieces? Does anyone know? Im talking about the 05

 

Now THAT'S a Y-pipe!

 

Thread title updated to help others find it later...

 

Good idea on changing the title! As you can tell, I didn't put much thought into it.

Ken, can you also merge my posts so that the links are all in one location? Feel free to edit however you deem necessary.

 

Nice pics! Are those stock Y-Pipes? I have a 2006, do you know if they are the same?

 

That is the factory Y-pipe for '05. I suspect the '06 models to be the same, but you'll have to look under your truck to be sure. IF your Y-pipe is different, please post a pic so we'll have that version too.