Hey All,

I have a 2000 model Sport, extended cab 4 door with a 5.4 engine, limited slip 3.55, and tow.

I am considering an after market muffler like a Gibson 3" single swept side cat back system and want to hear any +/- of this mod.

Also considering K&N Airaid and a new Chip. I asked Ford service advisor this a.m. about an after market chip. The reply was that most people who install one have problems like tha service engine light coming on. Also, it would void my factory Ford warranty.

I'm not worried about the Gibson muffler because
it is like oem installation, no welding. What kind of power increase or throaty sound can I expect?

Thanks Ya'll!

DR

 

I have Gibson headers, but recommend a Borla Cat-Back exhaust. In car and truck magazine tests, Borla almost always gives the most horsepower.

 

If I were you, I'd wait until the warranty is over to put in the chip and airaid so you dont have to worry about the void stuff. After all, it might be worth the wait...

 

I hope all is well with your truck. Since your last post, I imagine you might have modified your truck already. As far as the chip goes, the dealer might gripe if it is just a chip. If you get a hypertech power programmer, you can return all the settings back to factory in about 5 minutes before you take it in for anything. I would have to check availability, because they just now came out with the programmer for my truck (99 5.4 4x4). It will run about $350 to $390 depending on where you get it.

If anyone out there wants a Borla exhaust at the best price, check Summit Racing. I have done major searching for the best price, and this is it. If you do the programmer, do the thermostat.

QUESTION: Does anyone else with the 5.4 have trouble with a single coil burning out? The number 4 coil on my truck burns out about every 10,000 miles. It just started happening at about 60,000. The mechanic gets it warrantied for me, so it doesn't cost anything, I'm just wondering if it is a "common" problem.

Thanks

 

Here's my option
Skip the chip
You would have to run premium gas
It does very little if any thing for HP
I've yet to see ANY hard proof of a gain
And your warranty can be voided
All they really do is advance the timing

 

In response to zuniga88's question, your coil pakcs are failing b/c coolant is dripping on them from the heater core connections. Replace th o-rings.

 

I have the K&N FIPK, Superchip, and Gibson sweptside cat back. The superchip made the biggest difference. It is an amazing product, most bang for the buck. After installing it, I noticed a smoother running, quieter engine. It revs like butter and is more responsive. The higher octane is sooooo worth the benifits. It also got rid of the rev limiter. I can wind that V8 up to 5500 rpms, no problem. Not that I do all the time, but it can go there.
The K&N is OK. It does more in cold weather. I only know it's there because of an occasional whistle.
The Gibson was the biggest disappointment. For 520 bucks, I feel I could have done something better. At first, I noticed a little loss of low end but gained high end. It also revved easier into the higher rpms where the power went to. The sound was more noticeable when new but has now mellowed down to nothing at idle. I know there is a difference because when I come out of dunkin donuts every morning, I listen for that exhaust as the truck is idling.
In fact, the exhaust is the only thing I still want to change.
Hope this helps, good luck.

 

About the # 4 coil burning out on the 5.4, There is a coolant leak from the radiator hose clamp on the 5.4. This causes corrosion, and eventually leads to coil failure. I have not had this problem, but a friend of mine has. Was the truck purchased new by yourself? or did you purchase it used? Is it still under warranty? If so Ford knows about the problem and might warranty it anyway. They should replace the coil and the clamp.

 

Umm... no. The radiator hose clamp is 3 feet from #4. The heater hose connections are leaking. I work in the service dept of a Ford dealer and have seen it a lot.

 

Unless the Gibson exhaust is larger than your stock exhaust, don't waste your money. No matter who makes the system, the overall diameter of the exhaust tubing is what matters the most. Only go with an aftermarket exhaust if you are going to increase the size.

Personally, I would not run a K&N filter in anything I own. There have been too many reports of contamination because of poor filtering. If you decide to use a K&N, get an oil analysis done to make sure there are no contaminants making it into your engine.

 

my coil goes out all the time.. as well ..

1) 18K
2) 25K
3) 40K
4) 58K

and so on .. a total of 5 .. they have been making my pay for all the ones past the warrenty period. can they do this if there is a known problem?




brant b.