bit of a tech question... I want to put an exhaust system on my truck, I've always just went with a flowmaster with 3" pipe, but never really new what was ideal. I plan on headers, intake and eventually supercharger, but for now, just from the cat-back. My truck is a family vehicle so I don't want it to sound like the space shuttle or anything, just a nice purrr.

I have a 2003 1-50 supercrew. 5.4 liter fx4 I don't really know where to start, so I figure the exhaust is as good as any. Thanks..

 

You might want to run a Gibson if this has to be "family friendly". They make the same power as the Flowmasters, Magnaflows, etc, but they are real quiet in the cab. That can be important. They do have a nice tone at the tailpipe. If you are interested, I just took two sound clips of my Gibson system on my 96 Bronco (one interior, one exterior).


Rich

 

wheelMA1...

Thanks for the info, couldn't find your sound clips though

Yeah, I do want it family friendly, but not quiet (not that gibson is)..I had a magnaflow on my last vehicle and it was a little quiet for me, but that seems to be one of the favorites on here it looks like. Don't know what it would sound like with a V-8

I also want to put on some headers, any ideas on pipe sizes? Thanks..

 

I do not have the link for my exhaust clips posted here on FTE. If you would like them, please shoot me an email. Most headers manufacturers use pretty standard pipes these days. I believe most use 1.875" primary tubes that dump into a 3" collector (shorty style, not sure about long tubes....way too much work in my opinion). There are a few different kinds of shorty headers too. The Bassani's I have on mine are also 'equal length' (better for performance than standard manifold style, where each tube is a different length). If you have any more questions, Ill be lurking.


Rich

 

So, in your opinion, would it be best to go with 3" pipe from the headers back?, or is there some technical reason to having 2.5 or whatever is on there now?

Sorry I can't email yet, newbie and all...

 

Check you email. The only point in which exhaust diameter really matters is in the headers. Note, by running headers like I mentioned, you will lose some low end torque, but you will gain mid and upper range horsepower (makes getting into traffic much easier). Im not talking about a 50 lb/ft drop or anything, just a little bit slower launch (with stock gears). There is a delicate balance that needs to be upheld with exhaust systems. You never want backpressure (ie, the bigger the pipe, the better), but with the bigger pipe, you will lose exhaust velocity (you definatley need this). Get where Im coming from? The most popular catback size is 3" (I myself run 3" from my headers back). It will allow for good velocity, as well as minimal backpressure. For comparison purposes, most 3" systems will flow enough for ~360rwhp (which I doubt youre truck has).


Rich

 

Thanks a lot...my truck is stock 5.4 as of right now...

I think I understand what your saying about losing the low-end torque. I do a lot of 4 wheeling/hunting and go through lots of snow and muck...low-end torque is good for me. Should I probably go with lower gears if I go with the headers and such. I believe my truck has 3:73 not real sure though...I'll have to check.
I also plan on adding the diablo chip so that should make up for some torque loss I would imagine....

Just trying to figure out where to start..

 

You shouldnt have to alter anything with the minute loss of torque. For all I know, you may not even notice it (tire size and gearing play alot into "Feeling the loss"). I run 31" tires, and 3.55s, so it was sluggish to begin with. After the headers, I have noticed a slight decrease in the low end....SLIGHT. What size tires to do you run? 3.73s are pretty much the best all around gearing going. A diablo is a great place to start, just realize that you will have to pay for a custom burn (because of headers, but its worth it. That burn helps unleash the full potential of the headers). Youre already on the right track. The first bolt on for most people is a catback. By the way, I ran a Gibson swept side system on my 01 F150 before I got rid of the truck, and I liked it alot. It wasnt as loud as the clip on my site (I have headers and a high flow Y pipe on that bronco). It was quiet in the cab, but gave a low rumble at the tailpipe.

Rich

 

the FX4 package came with 265/70 17's which measure out to 31" tall. When these tires run down, I'm going to lift it a bit and go with 35's. Right now, I love the power of the ford when it hits 2nd gear at low rpms. I can climb hills in 2nd gear in snow without spinning tires...couldn't do that with my stupid blazer..it was gun-it and maybe you make it, maybe you don't....I love my Ford. It also has limited slip rear-end with the FX4 package...I'll probably change that out to a locker, but for now, it works great.

Anyways, just want something different and want to be able to smoke other trucks...hehe heh. Nothin fancy (yeah-right)..

thanks for all the great info..

 

Sure sounds like you have some great plans for this truck. 35"s are the biggest I would attempt to run with Fords IFS. Also, if you plan on keeping this truck a daily driver, I would definatley stay far away from a locker. Something more reasonable for dual duty use is the Eaton E-locker. It has two modes. When "off", it acts just like the limited slip you have in youre truck. When it is engaged, it is a full locker (it can be changed between those two settings on the fly). It is the best of both worlds, on and off road performance, without all the issues of running a regular locker.


Rich

 

Yeah I had a 94 Wrangler that I built for rock crawling and had a detroit locker in the rear and a truetrac in the front. I considered the ARB in the Ford, but I don't like the lines that move the air inside the 3rd members. They are flimsy and they leak, (so I've heard). The Eaton sounds like a great alternative.

Have you heard of anybody putting Revolver Shackles on the rear leafs? I have some pics in my gallery that show, a little, the articulation of the Ford. It's pretty good. I've read on here that the Fabtech lift is one of the best, on and off-road. Any suggestions?

 

You would probably have to post that question to the 97-03 F series forum. I dont know anyone with the Revolvers. You might want to do a search for suspensions (or post in the suspension forum). From what I remember, Fabtech has some decent stuff, but it is overpriced. For youre particular app, the guys in the 97-03 should be able to answer any questions you have.


Rich

 

What I'm trying to prevent is spending money for the same thing twice. I don't want to put on a cat-back system with a certain size pipe then add headers and have to change the cat-back...does that make sense? I would like to just do it right the first time, know what I mean? Where should I start as far as the exhaust goes? I can't spend a fortune right off the bat and do it all at once. If I get a chip first, would I have to get it re-programed after my intake and cat-back or whatever. You pretty much answered it after the headers.

 

i highly recommend the 3" ss catback 15609 - www.fulllineexhaust.com has the best price going- short style headers do not require a chip reburn on- some occasions long tube style headers may need a reburn as the velocity of air is faster past the first o2 sensors -phil

 

openclasspro

will that system work on a SuperCrew..4 door?

My local guy said that he will put on a magnaflow with 3" pipe from the cat back for 150 bucks..why would that system 15609 cost $344? Other than ss what's the difference do you suppose?