'03 v10 y-pipe, good or bad???
 

I've got an '03 excursion with a V10 in it, I am quite happy with performance of the engine but don't know any different. Does the 03 breath better with different Y-pipe install, or is it the better of the factory installed pipes.If I should change it out, any recommendations on which of the aftermarket are better for performance and mileage.Any advice is greatly appreciated. Nunomad

All you have to do is look at it - if each primary pipe is necked-down for about 2 inches just before they join up, that pipe SUCKS.

And, chances are, you DO have the necked down y-pipe.

When I replaced mine with an eBay y-pipe given to me by another member, it greatly improved low-RPM throttle response. It didn't do anything else, but did make the truck more enjoyable to drive around-town.

If you have a 2 valve, you have the restrictive pipe. I replaced mine on the 03 I had, and it was much better on fuel.

Do you need to remove the exhaust manifold to upgrade the y-pipe? I don't want to mess with those studs if I don't have to.

I replaced the necked down Y pipe with the stainless Y from SPD, two years ago and couldn't be happier with the performance, less a tune from 5 Star. There wasn't much noticeable gain in MPG but the performance gain was well worth it. No need to remove the exhaust manifold to install but loosening the stock Y from the left manifold after cutting helps in installation BSEG.

No.

Only downside to replacing the stock y-pipe with an SPD (or similar) is you will get flutter if you have the stock exhaust manifolds.

Thats true! I replaced mine with the spd y-pipe, and now have a LOT of flutter. Oh well. Maybe time for some ebay headers?

Yes old thread, but I'm using the "search" feature, looking at buying a excursion, and first thing is the y pipe, what do u guys mean by flutter??

I put hedman y pipe and headers. See thread for info. Would recommend changing out stock and if you are blowing studs, should pull trigger and do them too if you are keeping truck.

"flutter" The noise comes from the exhaust pipe outlet,this happens mostly while changing gears/shifting under hard accelleration. Sounds like a loose flap of metal vibrating deep inside the pipe.

Check the torque converter inspection cover. They sometimes rattle between 1700 and 2200 RPM. Remove it and go for a ride. If the noise is gone, bend it a bit and reinstall it.

How loud is the Flutter. id hate to spend a hunsky and instalation only to be annoyed by exhaust noise. id rather not hear anything as the v10 doesnt sound too good. with my Flowmaster 70bb it sounds awesome at idle and when my wife drives off in it its not loud outside, but its loud inside the x while driving

The flutter is very loud and annoying that is one reason I have never changed anything from the engine to the cat.

Denny

Well hopefully it's not horrible. I got a eBay y pipe coming n a 4 inch deisel exhaust coming.

yes your correct and that flutter noise will drive you crazy after a while.