I am very glad someone else is having this flutter thing. At least it sounds like what I 1st thought was a tire balance problem. Was about to go to the tire shop when I read this yesterday. It happens at 40-50 mph as U guys said, but I was doubtful about tires as couldnt feel it in wheel or seat. Is the "flutter" that eveyone is having, maybe what I'm mis-diagnosing, maybe? Whaddu think? Also, on my '02-F350, the shield by the torque converter & transmission looks to be of a graphite/composite material rather than metal. Doesnt seem to be enought give to "telegraph" noise to the cab.
Also, many thanks about the "klunk", that's been driving me nutzo!

 

Most flutter problems happen around 1800 to 2000 rpm.On my truck it would only do it at slower speeds at that rpm.My truck is 2001 and the plate on the tranny is aluminum.Maybe ford new the fix and went to carbon fiber and just werent telling pepole with the problem.Go figure!

 

Frog -

What RPM do you have your sound at?

-Jim

 

My flutter is RPM related NOT speed related. 2100-2400 rpm seems to do it for this rig. Thankfully it is mild. Now for those Banks headers....

 

Am in agreement with everone else on the rpm's.....between 1800 & 2100 but only at slower speed, around 40 mph...does your "flutter" sound a little like wheels out of balance?

 

What I meant, does the flutter "feel" like wheels out of balance, a little?

 

Mine has no wheel "out of balance" feel to it at all. It's more like a coffee can full of nails being shaken in the exhaust system with noisy exhaust manifold gasket sound. This is in any gear at the above stated rpm range. There is no vibration or "feeling"...only sound :-X23

 

>What I meant, does the flutter "feel" like wheels out of
>balance, a little?

I had flutter until I put on Banks Headers! You did not "feel" anything, it just made a sound at 2-3k RPM. The sound (to me) was like something between a valve tap & an exhaust leak!

If you go with headers, be prepares to spend $$$$$ - and it will run & sound different.


Mike,

2000 Excursion XLT 4x4 V10 SuperLift True-Speed, K&N, Banks Headers, Magnaflow

 

How much $$$$ ARE the Banks Torque Tubes (headers to us guys) ? I've heard they were $1500 ? Are they worth all the extra $$$ and why ? Ken, 98 E-350 V-10

 

Ken04:

>How much $$$$ ARE the Banks Torque Tubes (headers to us
>guys) ? I've heard they were $1500 ? Are they worth all the
>extra $$$ and why ? Ken, 98 E-350 V-10

Hello again!

The total cost on my Banks Torque Tubes (headers and y-pipe) with tax and installation was $1565! About $500 of that was installation, which you could save by putting em on yourself.

After seeing NoMo's detailed account of his Banks install (thanks NoMo), I opted to pay for installation! It looked like alotta work!

Are they worth it? To me it was worth just about anything to eliminate the "flutter", which bothered me big time. (I can't stand any strange noises on my trucks)

IMHO Banks makes the highest quality full length headers, with Borla being a good second place. Banks are 304 Stainless with 5/8" thick flanges! They are also tuned length, and include the all important replacement y-pipe. Borla is the only other brand (I believe) that includes a y-pipe.

Other brands like Gibson, Thorley , JBA are "shorty" headers which merely replace the exhaust manifolds (not the y-pipe). They do not have the performance of the full length Banks or Borla setups.

Lastly, If you plan to chip your rig, you better get headers first. Full length headers (Banks or Borla) require custom programming on any chip. I do plan to chip & supercharge my rig soon!

I think that Mrrottndog has Borla headers & plans to s/c also!

Mike

 

Cool, thanks for the info. After talking to the guys @Kenne Bell, they say a new chip program isn't necessary for headers, of course they are anti (most) headers. I agree with you that the Banks are the finest, and would be my #1 choice if I were to go with headers. The guys at Banks said the torque tubes would fit, but barely, and some 'modification' (with a Ford wrench???) MAY be necessary. I look inside my hood and shake my head. Oh if I EVER have to work on that motor,,,,,,please just shoot me. I believe I will add a muffler, a chip, keep looking around, or make my own, for an air intake upgrade and live with it as is. Ken, 98 E-350 V-10.

 

Flutter, in it's original definition, was an exhaust noise that you heard, but could not feel. If you are feeling something, then it isn't "flutter" and you should get your truck checked out.

Also, people have recently found a tolerance problem with a dust shield on the tranny bellhousing. This isn't "flutter" either, but I can see how the noise could be mistaken for it.

The Banks headers are pricey. I thought about just getting them, but for another $500 (or less), you can get their cat-back exhaust too. Installation isn't "easy", but if a fat guy with a bad back (ME) can do it, then just about anyone can. You'll definitely need a helper though.