Intake and exhaust question

[expHendrix47]

WHat is the best intake/muffler combination to go with for a 5.0L Explorer? how much do intakes cost?...do it yourself job?...will both mods increase my gas mileage?

 

[EBInterceptor]

Intakes are a do-it-yourself job, but mufflers aren't. There are a ton of posts on both intakes and exhausts. Like everyone will say, there really isn't a best, you just have to find one to fit your taste. Search for KKM, MAC, and K&N on this sight and you'll be overwhelmed with info. They'll run you from around $100, to mid $100's, and over $200 respectively. Flowmaster has great sounding mufflers, and Gibson's are also popular so do a quick search and you should find all you need to know.

 

[expHendrix47]

Well i've done some research...but i have a question

the intake that is on my 5.0 right now is the one that is shown the be on a 4.0L SOHC according to the haynes manual, and the one they show on the 5.0 has a round end...?? does this make a difference when buying an intake for the truck?

 

[EBInterceptor]

Not sure exactly what you're saying. I'm not too familiar with how the 5.0 intakes bolt up. Which intake were you looking at getting?

 

[expHendrix47]

a K&N or a KKM i see mixed reviews of performance from people from doing a search, when i looked at the K&N it said it will only fit with the cylindrical filter which is what they show in the haynes manual that the 5.0 has, but mine has the one they show for the 4.0...if that makes sense lol

 

[EBInterceptor]

I see what you're saying now. Here is a KKM on a 5.0L. The KKM is definately cheaper and that's the route that I took. It's a great product and it's meant specifically for Fords.

 

[expHendrix47]

Thanks alot man

Do they make an entire intake for the engine? does it have better performance than the K&N?

 

[EBInterceptor]

Their theory is that the intake pipe doesn't have many restriction so it didn't need to be replaced. So they just have it bolt right up to the MAF. Nothing else. If you want to replace your intake pipe too, I would look at MAC intakes. $50 more and can be gotten from ExplorerExpress.

 

[BadBrad]

I recently installed a Gibson exhaust and a KKM intake on my '98 5.0, since my original muffler started leaking. The Gibson exhaust is lighter than the stock one and looks like it would flow a lot better. It has larger mandrel-bent tubes and a straight-through muffler. The sound is louder than stock. It is mainly noticeable when idling or accelerating -- during normal cruising it sounds about as quiet as stock. I do find the louder sound (my wife calls it a "roar") a little annoying on the freeway. Anytime you go up a hill or accelerate you notice it. If you want something as quiet as stock, then stay with the stock muffler or maybe the Dynomax system. If you want a bit louder, get the Gibson. If you want really loud, get the Flowmaster or the Mac.

BTW, I did install the Gibson myself. I needed to cut off the old exhaust bolts and cut the pipe after the muffler, which was a pain. To install the new exhaust pipe I had to remove the swaybar bracket. The fit was excellent for an aftermarket system. No contact with anything, and no bending/tweaking required to make it fit right.

The KKM filter was very easy to install. The increased sound is only noticeable when the throttle is greater than 1/2 open, which is fine with me.

I haven't determined yet if there was any change in fuel economy. I'm hoping for a little more towing power and a little better fuel economy.

Brad B.