I have an exhaust leak to the driver side manifold on my 96 F150 (5.0) and want to upgrade the y pipe when I fix the leak. I would love to get a better flowing y pipe for it since I know that that is a choke point for these trucks. My question is does anyone make a good y pipe for these trucks? What have you guys done on your trucks? I need to have cats for emissions testing (truck is obd2 so they have to be there but if they don't function I could do some o2 sensor mods...). Let me know what you have found that works or does not work. I don't want to break the bank on this project so no $400 custom y pipes or anything.

 

It is Not a restriction .

If it really bothers you, have one made but be prepared to pay for it

 

As Diesel_Brad mentioned, the y-pipe isn't the restriction. It's the stock manifolds. Even a set of shorties will give an improvement.
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There is (was) a better flowing y pipe made back in the day. To my knowledge it is no longer made, however, I have a spare (used) with hi flow cat beside the garage. Come get it for serious cheap.

There is (was) motorsports (aka JBA) shorties that were considered a drop in. I think you still can get those from somebody, but the good 304 stainless no longer exist, 409 stainless is hard and the ceramics are around $500 so good luck.

do not believe any magic bunnies about 351 headers fitting the y pipe or a 351 y fitting (they dont) and explorer/stang headers all point the wrong way

 

The stock cats on these trucks were a bit restrictive but only for an engine with significant upgrades. If you search for "catalytic converters" on Summit you will find Y pipes with and without converters and any aftermarket converter will outflow the stock units.. you don't need to buy a high flow version.