Hi, my name is Travis and I have myself a 2005 F150 FX4. I would like to know from what everyone thinks is the best and loudest exhaust system is. I am looking to install one into my truck. If anyone could help me out it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Travis

 

Flowmaster 40 series

 

dual glass packs on a motor with high compression

 

Do you want loud or best ? they ain't always the same. Want loud - run straight pipes, exit behind the cab. Want best - for street or off-road ? Many options available.
Small / original pipe keeps torque - large pipe boosts top end. Baffled mufflers or flow-thru ?

 

A very high quilty exhaust that sounds great, IMO is the Rousch Off-road exhaust. But it is kind pricey, it think is around $450.

 

A loud system that sounds awesome, has a nice bark and won't break the bank is true duals with 14" body magnaflow mufflers and no cats, not so loud that it will attract the cops but loud. 2.25" pipes whould be about right for that truck. If you just want effing loud! old school muscle car sound, then go for a set of these on true duals. I should also add, the shorter the louder with any muffler.

http://www.classicchambered.com/

 

Your options are definately pretty broad, let us know mroe about what you are exactly looking to achieve. We have a useful exhaust research guide that covers many of the bases if you would like to pinpoint what exactly you're looking for with the mod:

Exhaust systems:
http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/exhausts-mufflers/50A6A116A1.aspx?kc=MOTORH

Exhaust Headers
http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/exhausts-mufflers/50A30A171A1.aspx?kc=MOTORH

Exhaust Tips
http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/exhausts-mufflers/50A29A169A1.aspx?kc=MOTORH

 

These:

 

I havent really done a lot of checking, but if I want straight pipes out of the cats with no muffler, will there need to be a lot of bends in the pipes? I was thinking 2.5" pipes with 3" stainless steel tips. I believe any auto exhaust/muffler shop can do this for me, but will they weld the pipes to the cats or do they need to bolt them? I appreciate the help!

Black '05 FX4

 

Any exhaust shop can do that for you, straight with no muffler depending on your location, and weld them for a clean tight fit.

 

FYI: A straight pipe from the cat wont be that loud.

 

so what is everyone suggesting? I want to stay under $500, get good throaty volume.... should I get something with a muffler? flowmaster or magnaflow?

 

Get a shop to bend up custom duals with no cats or High flow ones, then buy the mufflers and add them in yourself. That would be the cheapest way.

 

i just had 2 chamber 40 series flows put on my 4.6 a couple days ago, and i have to say, that sumbitch sounds good. especially after a couple days of break in. i guess they have a little over 300 miles on them now. at 70mph the tone will put you to sleep, nice and mellow, till you get into it then it really opens up.
o and its still using 2.5" tubing with 3 1/2" OD (2 3/4 ID) dual wall angle tips straight out the back.
total came to be $350.73

 

I would not mess with the cats in a 2005 vehicle.It will trgger your CEL and possibly cause driveability concerns