Dual exaust vs. factory?
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New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18
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From: Shelby, N.C.
Dual exaust vs. factory?
I have a 97 F150 4.6l, I have been thinking about putting dual exaust on. How much will it help the performance and will it hurt my gas milage? Will it sound much different? And the main thing, will it cost me an arm and a leg? Thanks for your help!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 166
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From: San Benito, Tx
Dual exaust vs. factory?
I would recommend something like a flowmaster muffler with two outlets. I used to have one on my F150 and it sounded considerably louder than the stock muffler, although it certainly flows better than the restrictive stock unit. You can expect about an extra five to ten horses. There are many choices out there, flowmaster is just one of many that could help put some extra pep in your truck. Leave your cats alone, I don't recommend any radical alterations to your system. Headers are a good idea, but they are expensive . You didn't specify how much you have available to spend. You could start first with the catback exhaust first, and then save up for some headers. Good luck and keep on truckin! ps: When you get a chance, pickup a copy of Truckin magazine, its packed with good performance ideas and aftermarket sites.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Dual exaust vs. factory?
I just put Flowmasters on my 2000 F-150 5.4L yesterday, replacing the stock exhaust. Installed the 2.25" aluminized steel with 20" long 4.5" chrome tips. Here are my observations:
The installation was done professionally and only took about an hour.
They are a little louder than I had expected, but not too obnoxious.
They look awesome.
The tech said they would "mellow" and become more "throaty" as they carbon-up.
My configuration cut the old pipes off after the dual catalytic converters. Supposedly if you don't do any exhaust work ahead of the cats the factory warranty remains valid.
The cost was $360 + tax.
If I had it to do again, I'd do the same........so far.
The installation was done professionally and only took about an hour.
They are a little louder than I had expected, but not too obnoxious.
They look awesome.
The tech said they would "mellow" and become more "throaty" as they carbon-up.
My configuration cut the old pipes off after the dual catalytic converters. Supposedly if you don't do any exhaust work ahead of the cats the factory warranty remains valid.
The cost was $360 + tax.
If I had it to do again, I'd do the same........so far.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 122
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From: Colorado
Dual exaust vs. factory?
In mid December I did my cat back exhaust. I decided to go without mufflers all together. In some places that is illegal. It is not that loud, and looks good. I had it done professionally and it cost around $320 and took most of the day. He cut the pipe just behind the rear cat and put in a big 4" (maybe 3.5") and took it back. He then split it and ran both of the chrome tips strait out the back. The hp gains and mpg gains were not that noticeable, but it helped slightly. So far I love the way it sounds. It is not very noticable in the cab at hwy speeds, but deep and throughty (sp?) on idle and when I get on the peddle. I have pics on my gallery of all the angles. Good luck with your project. I am going with headers next, probably next winter. Levi
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Dual exaust vs. factory?
I have a 2002 F-250 Crew Cab with a 5.4 L. I bought it last July and have done many slight modifications, including the exhaust. I replaced the muffler with a two chamber flow master muffler with dual tail pipes out the back. It was mellow at first then after a few miles and pulling my 34 ft camper it is just perfect. Make sure to have a pro do it it work the money
