New Exhaust System

[sledgehammer1990]

I am looking to get a new exhaust system in the near future. Something that is quiet at idle and when you hit the gas, you wouldn't expect it at all from that type of vehical

94' XLT 4X4 4 Door. I was looking at a kit and I see that is comes with a muffler. Is the Cat completley removed? If so, will it pass inspection without it? I would like to get a kit under $300. Also, what is a Cat-Back system and are they usually cheaper?

 

[Mickelsons]

Cat-back if mufflers and pipes that go from the cat back..LOL your original cat stays in place and everything from there out is replaced.
I know in oregon if the Cat is missing it will not pass smog..

 

[sledgehammer1990]

OK, so if I buy this would I have to remove the Cat?

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

No, "cat back" systems refer to piping that starts immediately after the catalytic converters. Most times they'll bolt up to the catalytic converter, that's that little adapter you see with the two bolts on it in the kit.

Also, don't waste your time buying a catback kit for a 15 year old vehicle. You can go to a muffler shop, and have them do the EXACT SAME THING for much less money. I had my exhaust replaced from the "cat-back" with 2" piping (wished it was 2.25") with a flowmaster muffler for around 140-160. And it was custom done, so I know it's welded tight and done right.

Go around to a few exhaust shops first, tell them what you want, and see what they say. But a good starting point is you want 2.5" piping, with a single in single out flowmaster 40 series muffler. That'd give you enough sound when revving but it'll be quiet at idle and steady driving. My sound is just about perfect, I wished it was just a bit throatier, but I love it none the less.

 

[sledgehammer1990]

Thanks so much, Just one more quick question, how would a new air intake serve me? Would it help the performance? What are you using?

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

I'm using the stock intake tube, with a Ford 5.0L w/ stock explorer electronics, with a cone filter adapted to that. Didn't change much, just gives it a throatier feel. You can buy the adapter and put a cone filter on if you want to, but all I noticed was a SLIGHT performance gain (like quicker acceleration) and a much throatier engine sound when full throttle.

I'm working on moving the air intake and MAF to the other side of the explorer where I have more room, and can put it where more cool air is present instead of hot air. Give me about 2 months and it'll be complete (depending on how expensive it is, I might make more to sell).