Got the truck back from the shop this evening for the header and Y-pipe install. Cost for install was 567.00 with taxes. Owner of the shop said next person with a Newer Ford F-150 will be closer to 800.00. He stated that the passenger side of the headers is a bear to get installed. Well all I can say is I was shocked no check engine light on start up until I got 3 miles down the road and then it appeared. But the main thing is WOW this thing is loud if you rev it up beyond 3k. Didn't rev it any further until I get my 5-Start Tune adjustments from Mike sent to me for the P-Mass intake and headers. So i definitely know that i want a quieter muffler than the Magnaflow. What would be the best deep sounding tone muffler that would tame it down some and would be quieter than the Magnaflow that comes standard with the SS side exit exhaust system? Any first hand experience and recommendations?

 

 

 

If you want something that you can control, quiet or loud, you should look at a Hooker Blackheart muffler. It works like the original Corvette NPP muffler, via a vacuum-actuated valve. There would be a fair amount of fabrication involved, but they are a very reliable system in comparison to e-cutouts, which are somewhat problematic. I have the NPP mufflers on my 2012 Centennial Grand Sport and love them.

 

Varex muffler has actuated valve. Watch some clips on youtube. You can go from loud to quieter than stock.

 

I would suggest going with the Corsa Performance sport level exhaust if you are looking for a good quality sound without having a lot of drone. Corsa usually sells the entire cat back systems that would connect from the mid pipe to the rear and does also offer them normally in side exit configurations. We use most all of the top name brands including American Racing Headers, Borla, Corsa, and Stainless works here in the shop depnding on what type of build. But Corsa is well known for providing a great performance tone without being too loud or raspy sounding. Then you can also upgrade the midpipe to eliminate the resonator if you decide you want to make it a bit louder which takes it from their Sport level sound to their Extreme sound level. Usually on trucks with long tube headers we stick with the Sport sound level and leave the resonator in place to maintain a better sound level since the headers already add quite a bit more on their own. Feel free to shoot us a PM, call,, or email if you'd be interested in getting a quote and we would be happy to help out.

 

That's what I'm going with.

Mike

 

 

What brand header did you decide upon? Did the installer comment on fit and any interference points? Is an online video available to show complications? The bench mark for difficult header installs has been the FE Mustangs. How night yours compare? Meaning, is it necessary to remove both motor mounts, starter, rocker covers, and every engine bracket?