I have a question about exhaust....If there is already a thread talking about this, I apologize. My question is this: I have a 2002 F250 7.3 and I have an Edge CTS Evolution programmer. What are the pros and Cons to leaving my exhaust the same standard piping that came stock? I have a cold air intake as well....Am I better off increasing my exhaust size to let the truck breath better or does this programmer remap everything to where I don't need to?
Willing to hear both sides to what y'all may think.

 

Your truck came stock with a cold air intake.
I have no idea how the Edge works but I don't think it remaps anything....it probably just changes the look up values for the various sensors. Unless of course you got yours from PHP with custom calibrations.....if so then yes, it will be quite different than your stock programming.


Either way, your stock exhaust will easily handle power increase up to 80-100 hp in most cases so there really isn't any reason to change. Your stock system is also stainless steel. Many aftermarket systems are aluminized steel and will rust eventually. If you are bored and want to stop by Mesa and see the Banks system on my F450, you will be aghast to see how rusty it is already... It's already starting to give me problems too...
I'll probably have to find a good system to replace the rusty stuff pretty soon....

 

So the cone air intake is stock? Not an air intake box like most vehicles?

 

No. The air intake box is a cold air intake. It has a snorkel that picks up air in front of the battery (just behind the grill).

A cone filter is a warm air intake because it takes it's air from the engine bay, which is MUCH warmer than ambient air temp. Some aftermarket intakes have a baffle that seals up on the hood and that helps some but the air is still pretty warm.

I've done data logging side by side with two of my trucks. Both 2000 models, one with an Airaid and the other with the OE box. The intake air temp was about 25 degrees warmer with the Airaid compared to the stock set up.

Donaldson makes a really nice system called AIS. They designed it for Ford to be used in extreme duty. This is high flow and true cold air. You also can get a foam sleeve to allow more air from the fender as well.
Riffraff Diesel: Ford AIS Extended Life Filter Kit

 

Ok Then I misspoke. I have a warm air intake and it is definitely not the stock box intake. I'm good no I'm good not too increase my exhaust size?

 

Sorry my keyboard tricked me.....I meant to ask if I was still good not to increase the exhaust size with the aftermarket intake have?

 

It all depends on what you are looking for. If you want a different sound then an aftermarket exhaust might be worthwhile. You won't see any MPG gain by changing the intake or exhaust so ignore any such claims by the various manufacturers. You can remove your muffler and run a straight pipe if you like....my wife's truck is like that and it sounds pretty good at idle. However, high idle is very annoying and towing on the freeway is just horrible as far as sound goes. No performance or mpg gain what-so-ever though...

My '99 daily driver has the stock exhaust and is nice and quiet compared to the noise coming from under the hood. However, I like to listen to the 7.3 engine sound....I sometimes turn off the radio and let the engine 'sing' to me all the way to work and back.

My 450 has the Banks Monster Exhaust and Airaid intake. The turbo is noisier with that intake but it's not bothersome unless I am towing heavy (which I do from time to time...). So, I will probably go with that AIS link that I posted earlier. The exhaust sounds good and has a descent note but it's starting to leak here and there so I'll probably have to change it soon. When the time comes I'll get a stainless steel system from Riffraff diesel....they have good quality stuff at reasonable prices.

 

Awesome brother thank you. My 7.3 hums nicely. With the Edge programmer I get great MPG!!! Im not worried about exhaust to help that out. I was worried about choking out the motor by not leaving a big enough escape for the exhaust. If I do go larger, do you think it create too little pressure or just change the pitch? Or both?

 

Your OEM 3 1/2" dia exhaust will be just fine with stock injectors and mild tunes. Keep in mind that your up pipes are only 2" dia so you will always have a fair amount of back pressure on the pre-turbo side. Another term for pre-turbo back pressure is 'drive pressure' and that is what works the turbine wheel. The exhaust side of the turbo will always be a low pressure area by comparison. A certain amount of scavenging effect is desired but it occurs in narrow rpm ranges and influenced by a variety of conditions.

No harm in going with a larger exhaust but it's not necessary for your situation. If you are happy with how your truck is running then I'd leave it alone for now.

 

Great info !! Thanks again!