Gibson Cat-Backs
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Gibson Cat-Backs
I have a couple questions on these Cat-Backs:
1. Stainless steel seems to be the way to go, but is there any real advantage to go with Aluminized besides the price?
2. The three models are: Swept side, dual sport, and split rear. Other than personal preference on looks, is there any performance reason to go with one over the other?
3. For those of you who know the Gibson brand, what is your opinon on their Cat-Backs about sound and performance?
2001 Ford Ranger Edge
4x4 4.0L SOHC
Thanks!
1. Stainless steel seems to be the way to go, but is there any real advantage to go with Aluminized besides the price?
2. The three models are: Swept side, dual sport, and split rear. Other than personal preference on looks, is there any performance reason to go with one over the other?
3. For those of you who know the Gibson brand, what is your opinon on their Cat-Backs about sound and performance?
2001 Ford Ranger Edge
4x4 4.0L SOHC
Thanks!
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: MA
Where are you located? SS is definatley preferred in areas where winter driving involves nasty chemicals on the roads. The three models should give you the same basic performance, its just different exhaust routing. I ran a swept side system on a 01 F150 5.4, and I loved it. It was very quiet in the cab, but had a nice low rumble at the tail pipe. I would recommend it.
Rich
Rich
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From: York, NE
I have had one on my 93 4.0 for almost 4 months now. I love it more and more every day. The sound is much deeper and lower pitched than stock but not deafening loud. I researched heavily before getting mine, I kinda wanted to save a bit with the Alumnized but decided that SS is the way to go since I plan to keep it for a long time and the fact of snow and taking it off road I don't have to worry about it rusting out. If you live in a warm dry climate, Alumnized will be more than fine but in an are where there is much snow where they have to salt the roads, SS is what you want. Rust through is warranted by Gibson with the SS and not Alumnized.
As far as performance there is a very noticealbe performance difference. I was on the interstate this weekend getting on from the on ramp, I went to pass the semi in front of me to get up to speed, was doing maybe 35 behind him. I had it in 3rd and by the time I was around him I look down my needle was past 85. Basically you notice much better down low power right off idle and better revving. Basically more torque at all RPM's. By far the best money I have spent on this truck. Hope I have helped, feel free to shoot me any more questions about it.
As far as performance there is a very noticealbe performance difference. I was on the interstate this weekend getting on from the on ramp, I went to pass the semi in front of me to get up to speed, was doing maybe 35 behind him. I had it in 3rd and by the time I was around him I look down my needle was past 85. Basically you notice much better down low power right off idle and better revving. Basically more torque at all RPM's. By far the best money I have spent on this truck. Hope I have helped, feel free to shoot me any more questions about it.
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Colorado; I put a Gibson swept side on my supercrew last year and so far so good. At first it was quieter than stock but after about 500 miles it got a bit louder and now has a nice low tone to it. A buddy of mine has a swept side on his ranger and it is a bit rappier than my crew. If you have a off road package you may only be able to run the swept side unless you want to remove yo spare tire. I wanted a dual but did not want to loose my spare tire. After talking to Gibson I learned that the single systems put out more power and torque than the duals so this was a plus. As far as reputation goes I don't hear much about Gibson systems but what I do hear is always positive.
Chris
Chris
Last edited by chrisyax; Nov 12, 2003 at 06:31 PM.
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I live in Colorado so my only choice is SS. I wanted the Dual Sport because of the look but it's only comes in Aluminized. The only SS choice I have is Swept Side but it sounds like it performs better and that's why I'm buying it in the first place.
Thanks for the replies and the help.
2001 Ford Ranger Edge
4x4 4.0L SOHC
Thanks for the replies and the help.
2001 Ford Ranger Edge
4x4 4.0L SOHC
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AG4.0
I took a look at my exhaust and it seems like a pretty straight forward installation. My only concern was the removal of the current muffler, it looked a bit tricky. Most people have been telling me its a 1-2 hour process.
I've done minor repairs and helped a friend rebuild the engine to a '68 Mustang but my experience and knowledge is pretty limited. Did you install your exhaust yourself or did you pay to have it done? What do you suggest?
Thanks in advance
I took a look at my exhaust and it seems like a pretty straight forward installation. My only concern was the removal of the current muffler, it looked a bit tricky. Most people have been telling me its a 1-2 hour process.
I've done minor repairs and helped a friend rebuild the engine to a '68 Mustang but my experience and knowledge is pretty limited. Did you install your exhaust yourself or did you pay to have it done? What do you suggest?
Thanks in advance
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From: York, NE
It took me a bit over an hour to do the whole thing. Tip, take your spare tire off right away and either jack up the back end a bit or drive it up on ramps. It will make getting it out a ton easier. One you get the old one off, the rest is a piece of cake. Also, a shot of silicone to where the hangers on the factory system set in their bushings will help them come out easier. Good luck.
Last edited by AG4.0; Nov 13, 2003 at 10:48 AM.
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Colorado; There should be instructions wiht the kit. oN teh crew they said cut teh stock system about a foot after where the y Pcs coe together whcihs is righ under the front of the cab. I am assuming you will be cutting in teh same spot.
It took me about 2 hours becasue I had to cut the feeder pipe they gave me a few times to get the exhaust far enough away from the spare tire. Form and fit is perfect. pipes fit nice together snug but very managable,. 10 lbs of torque and perfect so far. I am very happy with the system.
Chris
Chris
It took me about 2 hours becasue I had to cut the feeder pipe they gave me a few times to get the exhaust far enough away from the spare tire. Form and fit is perfect. pipes fit nice together snug but very managable,. 10 lbs of torque and perfect so far. I am very happy with the system.
Chris
Chris
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From: Central KY
I'd like to know how it sounds compared to the factory setup. My stock exhaust has a nice tone at the tailpipe but isn't very "muscular" sounding at higher RPMs. I'd like to know how the Gibson compares to stock as far as how it sounds.
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Ok. I decided that I wanted my cat-back system welded so I paid to have it installed. I was going to take it out this weekend to give the truck some time to adjust and to give it a little "break in" time. But after today, I don't even need the weekend to know that this system is perfect. Right from start up there is a big difference and the low tone is still noticeable at idle. While cruising, the tone seems to disappear but anytime there is any slight acceleration you can hear it. The tone is low and defintely audible but it is not overpowering.
Now I just have the performance gains to look forward to.
Thanks AG4.0 for your help and advice. This was just what I was looking for.
Now I just have the performance gains to look forward to.
Thanks AG4.0 for your help and advice. This was just what I was looking for.
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From: York, NE
Glad to help. It seems to get even better with a few miles on it. Hope you enjoy it like I do mine, the only problem is I find it hard to not give it a little extra throttle to hear it humm, so my mileage isn't what it could be. But it's a small price to pay. I'd like to get headers and the diablo chip as well. I think those three things could really turn this motor loose.
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From: Minneapolis
Colorado4x4 - Are you still happy with the results of your new exhaust? I put a Gibson SS Swept Side on my '91 4.0 Exp. in August 2002; I love mine! How do you like your Diablo Delta chip in yours? Can you feel/see the gains?