ryan96

Hi guys, I have a 91 xlt lariat (5.0) and as of right now it has hooker headers to a flex pipe instead of a cat, then to dual exit but it cuts off right after the two mufflers which I believe are aftermarket. My question is, can I fit a direct fit cat to the hooker headers then eventually get a cat back? Or go with a whole oem exhaust system?

fltdriver

I wouldn't even bother with the cats unless you live in an emissions state. If you do you might as well go true duals since you already have headers. headers to H or X pipe (insert cats here if you want) to muffler. You have most of the work done already for increased performance and better sound, going to an oe style exhaust setup will be a big step backwards. If you get the X or H pipe you can put the pre cat o2 in the crossover, not sure how many the 90 4.9 came with (my 94 5.8 just has 1) but it may take some resistors and capacitors to trick the post cat if equipped.

ryan96

Ok thanks, I do live in a state where I do have to go through emissions. Although my trucks manufacturer date is a 90 but is titled as a 91 and in my state (CT) once you pass 25 years you are emission exempt so im not sure if I to go through it.

fltdriver

It'll go by the year on the title/registration, sounds like you have a couple of years of emissions left. If you bought it in state you may want to figure out where the PO had his testing done and take it there instead of spending money on cats that you will only need for 2 years, or harvest some from a junk yard, the OEM cats are usually better quality than the aftermarket ones.