i have a '10 SCREW and im looking to upgrade the exhaust. after doing research on the site, it seems like the oem pipes are 2.75inches. most cat-back systems are 3 inches. i was wondering if its worth spending the extra money to replace the oem exhaust with a full system or just replace the muffler and tips with a magnaflow 14 or 18inch? from what i have read, a full cat-back system does not do much for power increase so im trying to see if there are any other benefits going that route over just replacing the muffler. appreciate the help.

 

2.75" is plenty for the 5.4L. Anything more is not required, and may just increase back-pressure. There is no way to guage that a true dual, or cat back, will increase MPGs or torque/HP unless you do a true controlled experiment with this being the only variable. The road surface, load, weight, .. have to be the same before and after, whcih can only be done in a lab. Taking 2 trips and comparing the 2 results is not scientific enough to say that the change helped, or did not. Same with the torque. Take 2 dyno's. Now tell that to a Ricer.

I can tell you that since I installed the Borla cat-back duals, my MPGs have decreased. This is because I seem to tramp it more often then before, just to hear the rumble.

My $0.02.

 

I agree 100% w/ Sean.

Now that being said, I think your definition of "is it worth it" is what will determine whether or not you should do it. If you are looking for a better sound/rumble then I would say it is worth it. But if you are looking for more mpg's or even performance I would say that it is not.

I'm on my third F150 and I have yet to find any mod that can be done to our trucks that will create a significant increase in mpg. And when it comes to performance I've only seen it with a dyno tune and or a supercharger.

In the end, I would have to say that most to all of my mods over the years (with the exclusion of my tune, which did increase performance but thereby making my foot heavier causing a decrease in mpg ) have ended up only improving the looks or sound of my truck. And with as much money as I've put into it, I guess that I am fine with...

There is always going to be a trade-off it seems.

 

Oh yeah, didn't answer your question..

Personally, I would just get the whole kit b/c I like uniformity on my truck, but I am OCD like that.

But when it comes down to it, I doubt you'll notice any significant difference by 'just' getting the muffler and tips on your stock exhaust. Good luck!

 

Anyone changing to a Cat back system for improved performance and fuel economy.... just fell off the short bus....

It's a pure sound and visual enhancement!

I've just ordered the Borla 140291, same as Sean has installed.

Why??... because I really like the way it looks, especially after Sean got out the flat black spray paint...

....and hopefully I'll also like the way it sounds in person, but I've just bet ~$1k that I will!!

 

I should ask Greg for a referral fee...

P.S. I used gloss black just because that's what I had on hand. I'd recommend flat black if you are going to go get something, especially with winter coming.

 

I saw Sean's and it was sweet, but $1K is just a little bit too rich for my blood for an exhaust.

 

Amazon has it for $768

 

so basically, getting a cat-back system is mainly for uniformity? and whether i get a cat-back or muffler, there is no benefit in performance or mpg's going with one or the other?

finally, seems like the muffer is the better choice, my original plan was to get the magnaflow dual cat-back. which muffler would you guys recommed, the magnaflow 14" or 18"? also, should i go with the magnaflow SS tips or with another brand? just want to say thanks to everyone thats helped so far.

 

JEGS was $773.95, but after you add shipping, duty, handling, brokerage, taxes and then the exchange rate to bring it into Canuckian funds..... it's ~$1K