I'd like some recommendations on whether or not spending the extra money on a cat-back exhaust versus just a high flow muffler is worth it. I'm not looking to get any huge gains from either. I plan on getting a cold-air intake and would like to open the exhaust a bit as well to get a little more power and sound, especially for when I tow my Jeep. Someday I hope to buy a tuner, but that may be a while. I'm thinking of just getting a high flow muffler and putting a turn down immediatly after the muffler. Any thoughts?

 

Start off by just removing the muffler...replace it with a length of straight pipe. Sounds great and reduces EGT. Opens up the exhaust

 

Would I see any decrease in MPG?

 

Mileage is directly affected by your right foot. Letting the engine breathe easier will generally be good for mileage.

 

A cat-back system, if piping is the same diameter as the factory pieces, are not much different that just dding a muffler, plus some new piping.

IMHO a muffler and an aftermarket y-pipe/collector (about $30) will provide the best value.

 

That makes sense.

 

I am in the same situation as the OP. How loud is the straight pipe with leaving the cat on?

I want to open the exhaust up some but I don't want to wake the neighborhood when I leave for work in the morning.

 

What kinda truck do you have?

 

Stottle here.... I recently purchased a cat back system from flowmaster, and was not impressed with the results. I bought the super 40, and it didn't give me enough sound (hardly noticeable). After much agony, I managed to remove that muffler and replace it with a regular 40 series which was supposedly more "aggressive" sounding. The system actually got quieter! (needless to say, I am now upset). I called Flowmaster to find out what the hay. The gentleman told me that it's difficult to get any sound out of a Ford! He actually told me "You could remove the muffler, and you wouldn't offend anyone". This from Flowmaster! anyhow, it's not his fault I went through all of this trouble. I still don't have the sound that I want, so I'm actually thinking of taking his suggestion. The problem is, I would like to keep the cat-back dual - but I need a 2 1/2" in/out Y- pipe to do it. Anyone know where I can find one? Anyone want to buy TWO previously installed 40 series mufflers?!?!?! (when will I learn....)

On the plus side, I am noticing less backpressure and a slight increase in gas mileage..... just wish I could get that sound!

 

Not too loud while at low RPM's. After warm up and you kick it to get onto the highway, it sounds pretty good but not overwelming. I don't know about a drop in MPG, as I can't keep my foot out of it.. Ummm, maybe sounds TOO good!

OH..I have the 6.0 diesel...don't know what the gas engine would sound like.

 

What are you asking for them?

 

Its a 95 F150 302. Anyone have pics of the Y pipe set-up?