Just wondering what you guys would recomend in an exhaust system. I have been considering the Gibson cat-back system used in the project truck. I dont want to be the loudest redneck on the block, but do want something with a nice throaty sound.I am also looking at a FIPK system, whats the difference between AirAID and K&N, what do you recommend. Which would you install first, exhaust or intake system. Any input is appreciated.
By the way, it is a 97' 4.6 automatic.

[This message has been edited by Dave24 (edited 12-20-2000).]

 

I did installed the K&N FIPK first. No particular reason for the order. Then, a week ago I did the Supertruck. It sounds great, nice rumble at low RPM's and growls under acceleration. Not the loudest but I have all the nearby car alarms being activated when passing by.

Lot's of turning heads and compliments since my truck is one of the few lifted trucks in the area and besides the lift, sounds aggressive.

------------------
My Ride: 1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.

Modifications:
K&N FIPK
Gibson Supertruck Exhaust System
Stepshield door sill protectors
Performance Accesories 3" Body Lift
Superlift 3" lift blocks
Performance Lift Lips
Gabriel Gas Ryder LT VST Shocks
Daystar Front Anti-sway Bar Polyurethane Bushings
Heckethorn Steering Stabilizer
35x12.5R16.5LT BFG All Terrain KO's
16.5x9.75 American Eagle 589's.

Photos at: http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck

 

edit


[This message has been edited by max mitchell (edited 12-23-2000).]

 

HI!... DAVE24 : I would suggest to you to go with a true duel exhaust set-up. Some will tell you that you will lose LOW-END torque by doing this, but no one here has proven that yet. I have proven that a true duel set-up will in fact increase LOW-END torque, if done properly. Before I installed my exhaust, my 0-60MPH time was 6.8 seconds. After my install it was 6.3 with tire spin. Also my 60FT times at the dragstrip went from 2.24 (STOCK EXHAUST) to 2.11 with true duels. My set-up consists of cutting the factory "Y" out and installing two 3 chamber "RACE" style FLOWMASTER mufflers. The FLOWMASTERS are 2.5 inch and a straight through design. I went with the 3 chambers because they don't loose any back preasure like the 2 chamber versions do. Also I used all "MANDREL" bends through out the entire exhaust system to help flow. After the mufflers I have "MANDREL" bent 45's stepping up to 3 inch exhaust tubing. The duel tail pipes exit before the passenger's rear wheel like the lightning's set-up. It's got a deep "THROATY" sound to it when your just cruising but gets race car load when you go to full throttle. Everyone that has heard it gives me compliments on it all the time. They say it sounds like a severely modded up MUSTANG. It's also pretty quiet in the cab with no drone on the highway. Hope this helps you out.

------------------
NEAL " THE H.P FREAK"
'99' F-150 XLT SPORT, oxford white, reg cab shortbox stepside,5.4, auto, 4.10L.S, captain's chairs, bedliner, GTS carbon fiber headlight covers, ***** CEPECK clear halogen driving lights, GTS slotted tailight covers (painted oxford white), fiberglass smooth wiper cowl (painted OXFORD WHITE), FORD locking lug nuts, tinted windows,true duel exhaust with 2.5 inch mandrel bent pipes and FLOWMASTER 3 chamber mufflers with 3' tailpipes exiting before the rear wheel like the LIGHTNING, HELLWIG rear stabalizer bar, 3 AUTOMETER guage pods, filled with tranny temp, engine temp, and oil preasure AUTOMETER "PHANTOM" guages,custom fabricated air intake trac and huge K/N filter, TPS mod, BELLTECH 2-inch rear drop, custom programed SUPERCHIP, BAUMANN ENGINEERING shift kit (on stage 5 setting)BYPASS CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE/PREASURE REGULATOR VALVE, ASP POWER PULLEYS, custom tig welded and ported JBA "JET BLACK coated headers, twin DERALE 16 INCH ELECTRIC FANS, PERMA COOL 14"/10" tranny cooler with 10" electric fan, custom ported (STOCK) throttle body, custom digital air intake temp sensor, custom ported TB intake elbow, relocated ATS.


FUTURE MODS : FORD SVT 24LB INJECTORS, CUSTOM SUPERCHIP FLIP-CHIP, BBK 75MM THROTTLE BODY, 80MM PRO-M MASS AIR METER, AADI F1 RAM AIR HOOD WITH CUSTOM FABRICATED RAM AIR SET-UP, CAL-TRAC TRACTION BARS, EXTRUDE HONED INTAKE MANIFOLD, SHM CUSTOM FUEL RAILS, SHM "RACE WATER PUMP, 90/10 FRONT CE SHOCKS, 70/30 REAR CE SHOCKS, BELL TECH 2/4 DROP, EXPEDITION CENTER CONSOLE, HARLEY DAVISON F-150, LOWER FRONT VALANCE (painted oxford white) and a KENNE BELL BLOWZILLA SUPERCHARGER.

ESTIMATED H.P TO DATE : 330H.P / 425ft/lbs of torque.

CURRENT PERFORMANCE : 1/4 MILE - 14.53E.T * MPH - 93.00 * 0-60MPH - 5.8 * 1/8 MILE - 9.2 * 60 FT - 2.0

OTHER TOYS : "83" PRO STREET FORD RANGER : 351-w stroked to 408c.i 625H.P (natural), 875H.P with 250H.P "BIG SHOT" N.O.S kit, tubbed (crome moly tubing), 12 point chrome moly roll cage, 4-link with coil overs, MUSTANG II front suspension, c-4 tranny (race prepped), 4000rpm stall converter(8 INCH), 3" chrome moly driveshaft,AUTOMETER guages, 15.50 MICKEY THOMPSON rear tires, 4" M/T front tires, CENTERLINE CON-VO PRO rims, fiberglass hood - bumper - prostock hood scoop, wishbone trac-link, two chrome moly driveshaft loops, 16 gallon RCI fuel cell,etc




[This message has been edited by Neal (edited 12-20-2000).]

 

0-60 in 5.8 seconds? Do you have a supercharger on this truck now? If not something just doesn't sound right, was that a typo? I had a T-Bird supercoupe that was supercharged and it did 0-60 in just under 7 seconds, I can't imagine a F150 beating me.

------------------
Dennis

 

I tend to agree. It is possible but HIGHLY unlikely. He hasn't really done much other than an exhaust, pulleys, and a chip. No way that takes that truck into the 5 second range! Even with the best traction and shifts he'd be LUCKY to see a high 6 second!

VERY QUESTIONABLE but possible... He could have one of those RARE engines that was built completely balanced....

 

Thanks for the help guys. I am probably leaning toward the Gibson S/T exhaust and a AirAID FIPK. Possibly a chip later on.

 

HI!... DENAVEECHI : No I don't have a supercharger on my truck, YET!lol! The 5.8 second 0-60MPH time was done at the dragstrip with really exceptional traction. On the street I usually get around 6.0 - 6.3, but that is with about 15FT of tire spin coming out of the hole. If you read "VICTORIES FOR NEAL" thread under the computer chips section, I have beaten some THUNDERBIRD SC's in street racing. Most of those races were won by the time I got out of 1ST gear. By the way remember that I have a ton more torque than a THUNDERBIRD SC does and that I have 4.10 gears. Those two things combined help this truck get up and go. DENAVEECHI, I see that you live in GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN. I live in WINDSOR, CANADA. If you want, come across the border and I would be very happy to show you my truck. I live about 20 minutes from the tunnel or bridge. You should also consider coming to one of our F-150 MEETS at MILAN DRAGWAY this SPRING. Then you can see my truck in action. It's been the fastest N/A F-150 there for two years running.

------------------
NEAL " THE H.P FREAK"
'99' F-150 XLT SPORT, oxford white, reg cab shortbox stepside,5.4, auto, 4.10L.S, captain's chairs, bedliner, GTS carbon fiber headlight covers, ***** CEPECK clear halogen driving lights, GTS slotted tailight covers (painted oxford white), fiberglass smooth wiper cowl (painted OXFORD WHITE), FORD locking lug nuts, tinted windows,true duel exhaust with 2.5 inch mandrel bent pipes and FLOWMASTER 3 chamber mufflers with 3' tailpipes exiting before the rear wheel like the LIGHTNING, HELLWIG rear stabalizer bar, 3 AUTOMETER guage pods, filled with tranny temp, engine temp, and oil preasure AUTOMETER "PHANTOM" guages,custom fabricated air intake trac and huge K/N filter, TPS mod, BELLTECH 2-inch rear drop, custom programed SUPERCHIP, BAUMANN ENGINEERING shift kit (on stage 5 setting)BYPASS CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE/PREASURE REGULATOR VALVE, ASP POWER PULLEYS, custom tig welded and ported JBA "JET BLACK coated headers, twin DERALE 16 INCH ELECTRIC FANS, PERMA COOL 14"/10" tranny cooler with 10" electric fan, custom ported (STOCK) throttle body, custom digital air intake temp sensor, custom ported TB intake elbow, relocated ATS.


FUTURE MODS : FORD SVT 24LB INJECTORS, CUSTOM SUPERCHIP FLIP-CHIP, BBK 75MM THROTTLE BODY, 80MM PRO-M MASS AIR METER, AADI F1 RAM AIR HOOD WITH CUSTOM FABRICATED RAM AIR SET-UP, CAL-TRAC TRACTION BARS, EXTRUDE HONED INTAKE MANIFOLD, SHM CUSTOM FUEL RAILS, SHM "RACE WATER PUMP, 90/10 FRONT CE SHOCKS, 70/30 REAR CE SHOCKS, BELL TECH 2/4 DROP, EXPEDITION CENTER CONSOLE, HARLEY DAVISON F-150, LOWER FRONT VALANCE (painted oxford white) and a KENNE BELL BLOWZILLA SUPERCHARGER.

ESTIMATED H.P TO DATE : 330H.P / 425ft/lbs of torque.

CURRENT PERFORMANCE : 1/4 MILE - 14.53E.T * MPH - 93.00 * 0-60MPH - 5.8 * 1/8 MILE - 9.2 * 60 FT - 2.0

OTHER TOYS : "83" PRO STREET FORD RANGER : 351-w stroked to 408c.i 625H.P (natural), 875H.P with 250H.P "BIG SHOT" N.O.S kit, tubbed (crome moly tubing), 12 point chrome moly roll cage, 4-link with coil overs, MUSTANG II front suspension, c-4 tranny (race prepped), 4000rpm stall converter(8 INCH), 3" chrome moly driveshaft,AUTOMETER guages, 15.50 MICKEY THOMPSON rear tires, 4" M/T front tires, CENTERLINE CON-VO PRO rims, fiberglass hood - bumper - prostock hood scoop, wishbone trac-link, two chrome moly driveshaft loops, 16 gallon RCI fuel cell,etc




[This message has been edited by Neal (edited 12-21-2000).]

 

HI!... RAND : I think you should READ my SIG a little more closely. I have a lot more done to my truck than EXHAUST, PULLEYS and a CHIP! By the way, I was running 0-60MPH in 7.1 seconds when my truck was totally STOCK! So I guess there goes another one of your theory's!LOL!

------------------
NEAL " THE H.P FREAK"
'99' F-150 XLT SPORT, oxford white, reg cab shortbox stepside,5.4, auto, 4.10L.S, captain's chairs, bedliner, GTS carbon fiber headlight covers, ***** CEPECK clear halogen driving lights, GTS slotted tailight covers (painted oxford white), fiberglass smooth wiper cowl (painted OXFORD WHITE), FORD locking lug nuts, tinted windows,true duel exhaust with 2.5 inch mandrel bent pipes and FLOWMASTER 3 chamber mufflers with 3' tailpipes exiting before the rear wheel like the LIGHTNING, HELLWIG rear stabalizer bar, 3 AUTOMETER guage pods, filled with tranny temp, engine temp, and oil preasure AUTOMETER "PHANTOM" guages,custom fabricated air intake trac and huge K/N filter, TPS mod, BELLTECH 2-inch rear drop, custom programed SUPERCHIP, BAUMANN ENGINEERING shift kit (on stage 5 setting)BYPASS CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE/PREASURE REGULATOR VALVE, ASP POWER PULLEYS, custom tig welded and ported JBA "JET BLACK coated headers, twin DERALE 16 INCH ELECTRIC FANS, PERMA COOL 14"/10" tranny cooler with 10" electric fan, custom ported (STOCK) throttle body, custom digital air intake temp sensor, custom ported TB intake elbow, relocated ATS.


FUTURE MODS : FORD SVT 24LB INJECTORS, CUSTOM SUPERCHIP FLIP-CHIP, BBK 75MM THROTTLE BODY, 80MM PRO-M MASS AIR METER, AADI F1 RAM AIR HOOD WITH CUSTOM FABRICATED RAM AIR SET-UP, CAL-TRAC TRACTION BARS, EXTRUDE HONED INTAKE MANIFOLD, SHM CUSTOM FUEL RAILS, SHM "RACE WATER PUMP, 90/10 FRONT CE SHOCKS, 70/30 REAR CE SHOCKS, BELL TECH 2/4 DROP, EXPEDITION CENTER CONSOLE, HARLEY DAVISON F-150, LOWER FRONT VALANCE (painted oxford white) and a KENNE BELL BLOWZILLA SUPERCHARGER.

ESTIMATED H.P TO DATE : 330H.P / 425ft/lbs of torque.

CURRENT PERFORMANCE : 1/4 MILE - 14.53E.T * MPH - 93.00 * 0-60MPH - 5.8 * 1/8 MILE - 9.2 * 60 FT - 2.0

OTHER TOYS : "83" PRO STREET FORD RANGER : 351-w stroked to 408c.i 625H.P (natural), 875H.P with 250H.P "BIG SHOT" N.O.S kit, tubbed (crome moly tubing), 12 point chrome moly roll cage, 4-link with coil overs, MUSTANG II front suspension, c-4 tranny (race prepped), 4000rpm stall converter(8 INCH), 3" chrome moly driveshaft,AUTOMETER guages, 15.50 MICKEY THOMPSON rear tires, 4" M/T front tires, CENTERLINE CON-VO PRO rims, fiberglass hood - bumper - prostock hood scoop, wishbone trac-link, two chrome moly driveshaft loops, 16 gallon RCI fuel cell,etc

 

Your right, I missed the headers. What is the weight of your truck? Power to weight ratio?

260 HP stock
maybe 300 if lucky right now
4000 lb truck

Thats about a 1:13 power to weight ratio!

I would think more like 6.8 on occasions.

You have definately opened the engine up and let it breath. But 60 HP? Thats quite a bit of HP for just letting the 5.4 breath! AND your posting numbers that aren't that far off the Lightning! There's a HUGE difference between what you have and a Lightning! Breathing better versus FORCED AIR?? 330 "ESTIMATED" HP vs. 385/390 REAL HP....

BTW MOST of your mods are NOT doing anything as far as increasing your HP/TQ! Most of its just added weight and flashy crap! It appears you've done a lot. Most mods are for looks.

nice try!

"other toy" looks quick!

 

HI!... RAND : 6.8 seconds! Keep dreamin bud!LOL! By the way my truck weighs 4100LBS with me in it and a 1/8TH of a tank of gas. The is my weight when set up for the dragstrip. AS for 385-390H.P for a stock LIGHTNING, you can keep dreamin just like the LIGHTNING owners are!LOL! I have a buddy that works at the ESSEX ENGINE plant here in WINDSOR where the LIGHTNING 5.4's are built. He works in FORD's dyno room and hot testing facility. He told me several months ago that when they dyno the LIGHTNING 5.4's that only 8% actually make more than 360H.P at the flywheel. The majority of them are between 352-360H.P. That is a 1 hour "HOT TEST". The lightning loses exactly 69H.P through it's drivetrain because of the heavier duty 4R100 tranny compared to 65H.P for the regular F-150's with the 4R70-W tranny. I have sources at SUPERCHIPS + other shops with "EDDY" current style dyno's and they have never seen a BONE STOCK LIGHTNING yet make more than 291H.P at the rear wheels. The reason you see all these WAY over inflated H.P #'s from some of the LIGHTNING owners is because they are DYNOING on cheap "DYNO JET" style dyno's that are set-up for 3400-3600lb cars. You put a 4700lb truck on there and it gives you WAY false H.P #'s. The "DYNO JET" dyno's have no way of compensating for the vehicles weight like the "EDDY" current dyno's do. All the stock LIGHTNING's that I have seen at the dragstrip around here are only running from 13.9 - 14.3. So with my truck weighing 4100lbs in dragstrip trim and a LIGHTNING weighing close to 4700lbs stock. I'm pretty close on my H.P estimations. You add another 30H.P and a bit more torque to my truck and it WILL go low 14's, high 13's. My goal for the end of this coming FALL is to get my truck to run 13.9 NATURALLY ASPERATED. I personally could'nt give a "RATS A$$" if you beleive me or not, that's your opinion. Just don't try to discredit ME or my TRUCK on this site, because you will LOSE. I have proof and all you have is talk with nothing to back it up. By the way my truck would of run a lot faster at the track if I did'nt run out of fuel on the top end. The stock 19lb injectors are only good for about 300H.P and I'm obviously way OVER that. I figure with good fuel supply, it most likely would of gone 14.30's.

BTW You also forgot the headers, twin 16 electric fans, relocated ATS, ported and polished TB elbow, ported and polished TB, BAUMANN ENGINEERING shift kit on stage 5, custom SUPERCHIP and my 4.10 gears all contribute to my excelent 0-60MPH times as well my 1/4 mile times. Remember everything has to WORK together on a vehicle for it to excell in performace and handling.

------------------
NEAL " THE H.P FREAK"
'99' F-150 XLT SPORT, oxford white, reg cab shortbox stepside,5.4, auto, 4.10L.S, captain's chairs, bedliner, GTS carbon fiber headlight covers, ***** CEPECK clear halogen driving lights, GTS slotted tailight covers (painted oxford white), fiberglass smooth wiper cowl (painted OXFORD WHITE), FORD locking lug nuts, tinted windows,true duel exhaust with 2.5 inch mandrel bent pipes and FLOWMASTER 3 chamber mufflers with 3' tailpipes exiting before the rear wheel like the LIGHTNING, HELLWIG rear stabalizer bar, 3 AUTOMETER guage pods, filled with tranny temp, engine temp, and oil preasure AUTOMETER "PHANTOM" guages,custom fabricated air intake trac and huge K/N filter, TPS mod, BELLTECH 2-inch rear drop, custom programed SUPERCHIP, BAUMANN ENGINEERING shift kit (on stage 5 setting)BYPASS CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE/PREASURE REGULATOR VALVE, ASP POWER PULLEYS, custom tig welded and ported JBA "JET BLACK coated headers, twin DERALE 16 INCH ELECTRIC FANS, PERMA COOL 14"/10" tranny cooler with 10" electric fan, custom ported (STOCK) throttle body, custom digital air intake temp sensor, custom ported TB intake elbow, relocated ATS.


FUTURE MODS : FORD SVT 24LB INJECTORS, CUSTOM SUPERCHIP FLIP-CHIP, BBK 75MM THROTTLE BODY, 80MM PRO-M MASS AIR METER, AADI F1 RAM AIR HOOD WITH CUSTOM FABRICATED RAM AIR SET-UP, CAL-TRAC TRACTION BARS, EXTRUDE HONED INTAKE MANIFOLD, SHM CUSTOM FUEL RAILS, SHM "RACE WATER PUMP, 90/10 FRONT CE SHOCKS, 70/30 REAR CE SHOCKS, BELL TECH 2/4 DROP, EXPEDITION CENTER CONSOLE, HARLEY DAVISON F-150, LOWER FRONT VALANCE (painted oxford white) and a KENNE BELL BLOWZILLA SUPERCHARGER.

ESTIMATED H.P TO DATE : 330H.P / 425ft/lbs of torque.

CURRENT PERFORMANCE : 1/4 MILE - 14.53E.T * MPH - 93.00 * 0-60MPH - 5.8 * 1/8 MILE - 9.2 * 60 FT - 2.0

OTHER TOYS : "83" PRO STREET FORD RANGER : 351-w stroked to 408c.i 625H.P (natural), 875H.P with 250H.P "BIG SHOT" N.O.S kit, tubbed (crome moly tubing), 12 point chrome moly roll cage, 4-link with coil overs, MUSTANG II front suspension, c-4 tranny (race prepped), 4000rpm stall converter(8 INCH), 3" chrome moly driveshaft,AUTOMETER guages, 15.50 MICKEY THOMPSON rear tires, 4" M/T front tires, CENTERLINE CON-VO PRO rims, fiberglass hood - bumper - prostock hood scoop, wishbone trac-link, two chrome moly driveshaft loops, 16 gallon RCI fuel cell,etc


[This message has been edited by Neal (edited 12-22-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Neal (edited 12-22-2000).]

 

Hello,
I thought I might enter my 2 cents on this interesting discussion. My 2000 F150xl/5.4/swb/3.55 posi ran a 2.285/60ft, 10.02@70.02 1/8mi, 15.684@86.37 1/4mi, the conditions listed by Beech Bend,KY were 77temp, 100 humidity, 30.29 barometer, I do not follow their listed conditions like gold but you can picture the night. I did not ice anything and really didnt let the truck cool off near enough but those are the numbers. I am not sure what that lists as a 0-60mph, but I will say that if it take 5.6 secs to gain last 16mph, and that being a higher speed( meaning its harder for a vehicle to go from 80-90 than 20-40.) I think you could roughly split the difference and say it took 2.8 to go 8mph at that speed so it would be a guess to subtract 3secs from the 0-70 time posted ( it took 10secs to go 0-70) and say it went 0-60 in 7secs give or take a tenth. My next concern would be on the exhuast question, my feelings are simple, if you do not take out the the factory y, you will gain only if the stock muffler is restrictive. The only thing you are buying is sound, and if you keep a exhuast system at all after the header/manifold, you will find it very difficult to lose any amount of torque that is noticeable. The yarn of "yeah i put bigger tailpipes on my truck and lost lowend just isnt true by any measure." So I think you should by 2.5 mandrel bends and have a reputible shop make you a catback. This is a no brainer if you think about it, why would you but a 3" pipe behind a 2.5 merge/y? Next thing I would comment on is dont buy that B.S. air tube/box kit from any of those guys, if you dont wanna buy a mass air kit then take you factory air box and cut the silencer off of it and by a K&N filter for $50 bucks. My plans are to buy a Pro-M and filter, thats worth some real power, minus the smokin mirrors. Next thing I would comment on is the chip thing, I really wouldnt expect anything from one except things like controlling rev limiter, shift points, speed limiter, conv l/o, and so forth, you might gain 10 hp with one at some point in the power curve, its not gonna pick you up a half-sec, just aint gonna do it.