Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Single or dual?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 26, 2013 | 09:26 PM
  #1  
TractorMaster96's Avatar
TractorMaster96
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Single or dual?

i have a 95 f150 5.0L. I'm thinking about cutting off all cats, and buying a high flow race cat and running just a single pipe, maybe the same but instead of cat a cherry bomb, or maybe no cats and a cherry bomb extreme single in dual out and running duals. probably gonna try to keep 2.25" or maybe go up to 2.5". Definitely have a small budget.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 01:05 PM
  #2  
PapasNBeer31's Avatar
PapasNBeer31
New User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: San Joaquin County, CA
Hey man either way sounds like a good bet. On my 90 F150 I have the 5.0 as well, and what I saw the best gains with was long tube headers into a custom y-pipe that's 2.25 inch. That transfers into a single 3 inch pipe with a high flow cat ending with a Flowmaster 44 and dumped before the axle. The only reason I run a cat is for emissions. This setup is loud and still provides a decent dose of backpressure, and definitely improved power in the entire rpm range. The most expensive part was the custom y-pipe but even then I was able to stay under $300 with headers included.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 01:33 PM
  #3  
TractorMaster96's Avatar
TractorMaster96
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Which would be the least, well, illegal? Cherry bomb or high flow cat? Dont wanna be getting pulled over.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 01:38 PM
  #4  
Diesel_Brad's Avatar
Diesel_Brad
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Honestly, I would do a Single STAINLESS cat back system. It will be a lil bit more money, buy you will not have to do it all over again in 1-2 years
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 01:41 PM
  #5  
TractorMaster96's Avatar
TractorMaster96
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Stainless is a definite with me. I will never put another plain steel system on a vehicle. I plan on building my own.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 02:15 PM
  #6  
Diesel_Brad's Avatar
Diesel_Brad
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Originally Posted by TractorMaster96
Stainless is a definite with me. I will never put another plain steel system on a vehicle. I plan on building my own.
JUst a FYI, stainless pipe is EXPENSIVE. I just spent 100 on a 4' length of 2.25 and a stainless turndown. You can buy complete(hangers, clamps, etc) cat back system for about 350
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 02:38 PM
  #7  
blkF250HD's Avatar
blkF250HD
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 1
From: Hartland, WI
Unless your cat is clogged or the material is broken down, there is no reason to replace the cat. Modern cats do not restrict flow like the early ones in the 70's and 80's did. If your truck is OBD II you may also run into problems with a check engine light by removing the cat. As mentioned, I'd go for a stainless cat back system. The only reason I took mine out was because the case was leaking.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 03:20 PM
  #8  
TractorMaster96's Avatar
TractorMaster96
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
They cause alit of restricting back pressure, and dampen alot if sound. Obd ii started in 96 And there is only one o2 sensor on my truck; before the cats. Plus i want put headers on due to a manifold leak. So i might as well redo the entire system.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 03:54 PM
  #9  
blkF250HD's Avatar
blkF250HD
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 1
From: Hartland, WI
Go for a single high-flow cat then if you're rebuilding the entire system. Depending on what kind of muffler you go with it could mean the difference between sounding good and having a lot of drone (flowmaster).

FWIW, I'd like to see someone compile real data (backpressure readings taken upstream) regarding the "huge backpressure" cats generate. Unless it's a poorly designed one with a bend in the case (like the Explorers) or a 90* outlet (SHO), then there shouldn't be a problem. Not picking on you personally, it's just that I've seen a lot of threads where people insist that they're losing power (according to their butt dyno) due to a convertor.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 10:40 PM
  #10  
PapasNBeer31's Avatar
PapasNBeer31
New User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: San Joaquin County, CA
I'd have to agree on that backpressure theory. Personally when I welded the cat into the exhaust system there was no noticeable power loss or sound loss for that matter once I drove it. In the process of taking the section of pipe out it was just a y-pipe into a foot of a 3 inch diameter section, and I may or may not have ran that a couple miles. Talk about a loss of power!

I looked at my muffler today and it's a flowmaster 44 which personally I'm not a fan of the loud raspy sound they have on other vehicles but on my truck it sounds pretty damn mean with no drone on the highway I'll try and get a video if I can this week
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jegsperformance
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Jul 23, 2010 12:48 PM
hondamx320
Exhaust Systems
3
Mar 8, 2006 10:02 PM
mike2112
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Feb 6, 2006 11:24 PM
wicked5ltr
Exhaust Systems
14
Oct 25, 2003 07:34 AM
200000+F150
Exhaust Systems
3
Sep 6, 2003 11:23 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:05 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE