I searched the forum for an answer to my muffler question, only coming up with a bunch of threads about the I6

I have a 1996 4X4 F150 with the 302 hooked to a 5spd manual. Short box standard cab

I need a new exaust system (everything but headers), and I was going to piece one together. What mufflers have you guys run on the 302? Of course there's Flowmaster, but I don't only want to scare women and children... i want to make grown men jump when I drive by.

If needed (see below), what high flow cats have you guys used... and liked?

I got my truck about a month ago, and when I got it inspected they didn't run emissions. I'm from mass and I thought 1984 and newer vehicles had to be tested every other year for smog, including the first test after purchasing a used vehicle.

Am I missing something? I'd like to pull the cat and just run dual mufflers with an H pipe.

To anyone that can shed some light here, thank you.

 

I'm running 2 Magnaflow hi-flow cats and and a straight pipe back from there, exiting in front of the rear tires. The thing sounds MEAN. Granted, I'm running 5.8L, but yours shouldn't sound TOO different. I love the setup I have, wouldn't change it if I could

 

+1 for the Magnaflow cat, I'm running a 3" single version with a Flowmaster 50 series on my 5.8 and it sounds awesome.

 

Then just use a cat, as far as I know a muffler is not actually required unless you are breaking a sound ordnance. One of my buddies is driving a 92 F150 running the exhaust just through a cat and then dual straight pips, it is loud but it really sounds good.

 

Technically the muffler laws vary from place to place for instance here in Snohomish County WA they ARE required, however my truck doesnt have a muffler, just dumping after the gutted cats.

 

Skipping the muffler would make things easier and cheaper. How's a straight, mandel bent pipe from the headers, into 2 single, high flow cats, into a Y pipe, then dumping in front of the tire sound?

I listened to some clips of magnaflow mufflers on the 5.0, and i wasn't impressed. I'm going to have to take your several, positive comments on the cats to heart and trust you guys on those. Sounds good.

Also, I know meineki does welded, custom exhausts, but they charge a butt-load. I'm going to swing by and ask them when i have time (here comes the weekend! yipee), but could I clamp my custon exhaust and just have them toss welds on the junctions?

Does anyone know where i can pick-up some stainless, mandrel bent 2.5 or 3" pipe?

You guys are always helpful and specific, great posts

 

Check these guys out for stainless mandrel bends:

http://www.stainlessworks.net/cart/index.php?cPath=95&osCsid=b497ad05f5477b2c42da67d1 5ee3c72b

Also, you can always clamp the system together instead of welding it. You can do it yourself and the exhaust can be easily taken apart if need be...Stainless Works has those to. They can also make a stainless y-pipe, supply straight stainless pipe and stainless hangers. I clamped together my entire exhaust system with their product (muffles, bends, pipe, clamps) and I can vouch for the quality of what they make and their service. BTW, they use all 304 stainless which is hands down the best kind.

If you are thinking of dual 2 1/2 -3 inch pipe, think again. Do either a SINGLE 2 1/2 or dual 2 or 2 1/4 at the most. You shoud y-pipe the headers into a single 2 1/2 for maximum results. Or if you really want duals, pick out the smallest pipe you can without inducing back pressure at the RPM that the motor makes top power at so that you getgood scavenging. With a 302, I would guess that 2 or 2 1/4 would be best....probably the 2.

 

Ebay also have tons of ss bends. Ive used these cats before on some mustangs. I plan using them in the future for my mustang. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-5-S...em280192595296
This is how I did mine. As my exhaust is setup different because of a 5.8L


The flange is where it bolts up 2 the stock y pipe. The F350 had a true dual y pipe. The stock pipe was replaced with 2.5 pipes. I made the flange my self. Truck scares grown men. I have no cats so it will be a bit louder then yours.

 

In Mass a muffler is required. Most of the trucks that run flow masters or Maggie's don't seem to have trouble getting a sticker. Most stations are looking for leaks and will pass an "altered" system if its reasonably quiet.
Rumor has it that pre 96 models might not be put on the tail pipe emissions dyno after Jan 1. You're the second one I know of that didn't have to pass the initial test so far this year so it might be true. 96 and newer models get plugged in by the OBDII link to the states computer.
One of the inspectors told me that a few cars have become runaways off the dyno, including one in his shop, so the state is thinking of going back to the static test that is used for full time 4wd or skipping the test altogether and just give a visual component check for pre 96 vehicles. I hope so. I did check the states website and no mention was made of any changes.
regards neighbor
rikard

 

I'm planning on making a video which will showcase my exhaust tomorrow when the sun comes up. Again, thats a 2-in/1-out Magnaflow cat (serves as my y-pipe), to a 1-in/1-out Magnaflow cat after that, then 3" pipe back to a custom y-pipe which splits it to dual 2.25s and exits in front of the rear wheels. Sounds AWESOME. I'll post tomorrow after I make it.

 

Hey, I chcked out this stainless site and it's exactly what I was looking for... THANKS! I was just shopping around and i don't see lengths anywhere. Is there an understood length of straight pipe, or am i missing something?

http://www.stainlessworks.net/cart/s...da67d15ee3c72b