timmyschaf

Plan on doing both over time but what should be done first in your opinion? I think I'm leaning towards exhaust first, but at the same time I just don't know? Any suggestions for me guys?

MGD

Hi.

What truck? As, if it's an 04+ 5.4 ( or 06+ 4.6 - anything that uses a slot-style MAF in fact) you will need to budget for a custom-tuned flash programmer to run a CAI safely. (Exception is a simple Airraid Junior or MIT). Exhaust needs no correction.

Goals? If it's perf, save yer money - neither mod provides any. More noise and improved looks? Sure - go for it, heeding the comment on tuning.

As for which first - entirely up to you - exhaust may be less expensive (depending) as it does not require a programmer.

good luck
MGD

timmyschaf

I have the 09 platinum 5.4. Looking for more sound and looks, I think the dual rear exit would be nice looking. I do plan on getting a tuner as well eventually so that's not an issue but that won't be for awhile. So I guess with what your telling me I'm going exhaust first and waiting for the cai until I can get both the cai and a programmer?

MGD

Hi.

Yessir. You got it.

If an intake is in yer future to improve the engine bay appearance, when you order the custom tuning you specify exact brand and model CAI so the correct MAF transfer function for that intake can be embedded.

Here's a good read, btw ( Bill Cohron is the owner and lead tuner for PHP ):

http://www.f150online.com/forums/200...highlight=2009

This should tell you just how good the factory intake ( and filter) is - and what a tiny minor 'tweak will do for it. AND - why a custom programmer is yer single biggest bang-fer-buck mod on these trucks.

Good luck
MGD

Kamison

Running a CAI without a tune could cause your truck to run lean with the air to gas ratio being messed up and will cause issues down the road. exhausts are always nice. typically an exhaust or muffler shop can custom bend you one specific for your truck (and they are typically a lot cheaper than the bolt on versions available online). you can provide the muffler of your choice if you want one. MGD tends to let people know that Flowmaster (or Fartmaster in his terms) doesnt net you any gains whatsoever, they just tend to have a deep rumble. choice is completly up to you, as it is your truck bro. MGD knows his stuff, i tend to listen to his suggestions with a lot of stuff. he frequents many forums and has a lot of advice to hand out to those willing to listen.

gDMJoe

Since the goal (for now) is sound ...Save your $$$$$ for the tuner and tune(s).
.

MGD

Hi & thank-you sir!

You are indeed correct - these are very personal mods - and everyone has different tastes. I'm just trying to help folks make the best decisions they can when they are thinking of spending significant amounts of money on these things.

Asking questions like the OP is doing, and spending time up-front doing the research is the best thing one can do for himself/herself.

My personal dislike for Flowmaster's products has a bit of history. They do tend to sound good on older Ford's though (non-modular motors). At the end of the day, if you prefer their sound, and recognize their design limitations, that is all that matters.

Regards and Cheers!


MGD

gDMJoe

MisInformation. The intake system and MAF have more than enough adaptability to adjust and compensate.

Some may recommend a tune, HOWEVER, that's just so they can claim a performance gain from the CAI + tune. In actuality, the tune accounts for 99.9% of any performance gain.
.

timmyschaf

Thanks guys I will look into all this advise! Yeah if I don't have to spend an arm and a leg then I don't want to of course! Just trying to make the truck sound mean without going over the top and having it be too loud, and maybe netting an extra mpg or so. I know with the Mpgs it's all how you drive and I'm getting good gas mileage now, so I guess right now it's about making the truck mine and having a very nice rumble to her!

avvblanc01

Id get the exhaust first, since the intake is mostly just sound, unless you have a tune.

I'd recommend the full race exhaust system. They put A TON of research and development into that thing and you get what you pay for. quality and power

that being said, I have a 4in heartthrob cat back and have liked that a lot. sounds great and looks sick especially since I dumped it after the rear axle. However, if the full race had been out when i bought an exhaust, id have that.