Well, I guess this is as good a time as any to make a first post.

I just bought a 2004 F150 Scab (6.5 ft bed) with the 4.6L engine.

I'm looking to add a modification or two over the next two months or so and have narrowed it down to what type of mods I want, but would like some advice and input if I can get it.

Disclaimer: I'm not the most mechanically inclined individual, but I have done a lot of reading, so I'm hoping that I don't get anything wrong in here.

I would like to know what the pros and cons are of the cat-back muffler systems vs. just a performance muffler? I'd like to do the Dual outs, but would single be better and why? I just love the look of the duals. My F150 was built on July 3rd, and I've come across some instances where it seems as if changes were made and it would affect which unit/units that will fit correctly.

I am not looking for anything loud. More towards the performance end, but something with a good sound (not loud, but where you notice the V8 underneath) would be perfect. I've spent hours on websites for magnaflow, flowmaster, borla, etc, but am having a hard time finding what I need.

Also, I'd like to add an air intake as well. Anyone have any success stories with theirs would be appreciated. Models and brands to research would be very appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

RR, All are great and provide you with a little better performance. Flowmaster has various types of mufflers for sound. Gibson? I've seen some posts here where members liked them but not sure of the sound or performance. I have Borla's and I'm very pleased with the sound (Not too loud) and my friend has Flow. Big Difference in sound! I prefer hearing a low tone growl at idle and when I punch it, the sound. some others, like my friend's Flow has a drone in the cab at idle but he opted for that and that's what he got. I leave to work at 5am and don't care to let my neighbors know I'm leaving either. so what it really come's down to is for you to decide what do you want in sound and go with that. I have the Cat-Back, 3" single in, 2 1/2" dual out to the side's. customized hangers with 15" Tips. BTW- the tip's do change the sound! Good Luck!

 

Seriously, you should have purchased a 5.4. The $1000 extra in price was probably the cheapest HP you could have made for the money. That is just my opinion.
If you just want a truck to piddle around town get the 4.6 and stick on a $200 air kit and $400 exhaust to get that extra 10 hp.

 

I recently installed the Magnaflow cat back system and love it. Not too loud, almost quiet at cruise and idle. And a good smooth tone when you hit the throttle.
As for your question on single or dual, Magnaflow recommends single unless you are running highly modified.
http://www.magnaflow.com/07techtips/faq/question14.asp

I'm about to add a Volant intake. I have the 5.4 but this link will work for yours:
http://www.volantperformance.com/pdetail.asp?ID=53

Also, welcome to FTE.

 

m1,


I've also been looking heavily at the Volant intake system. Given the fact that I was able to find one suitable for the 4.6L and it is a fully enclosed system, I think that is the one I will probably opt for. Let me know how yours works out for you. I'm still about a month or better away from purchasing one. Just trying to get all the research out of the way right now.

I'm not looking for huge HP gains, but a little HP, a little more MPG, a little more torque, and a better sound would have me happy as a clam.

I think the sound I'm looking for is similar to what m1 has. I want it fairly quiet at idle and cruise, but want to hear it when I have to get on the gas.

Thanks for the responses so far guys.

 

My magnaflow part #15834 isn't very loud at all. I have the 4.6L.




I'm also probably going to get the volant #19746...

I seriously doubt either return any real return in gas mileage.

 

After 4k miles I still like my Magnaflow. Wife says it's too loud.

You get more bang from a tuner. No question. Easy to use, easy to 'un-use' if you change your mind.

Funny, on the price of the 5.4. It would have cost me 8000-9000 more for the 5.4. The truck I bought was a great deal, but it was on that truck, not any truck on the lot.
People who post saying 'gee you should have spent just a little more and got this or that' are apparently paying retail.
I should be so rich...

Chris Adams

 

I will probably be getting the Volant in the next 2 weeks and will let you know what I think.

 

I should be so lucky. I could have got my truck for $12500, but I missed the $9K off sale they were having the day before.

 

I hate it when that happens. Probably missed out on the free 1 million mile bumper to bumper warranty too.

 

I'll bet chris got that one. He has more brains than money though. Lucky him.