Stock 03...Should I mod exhaust?

[B@ssin4life]

Stock 03 Explorer XLT NBX 4.6L.

Awful Rattling noise sounded like a loose rod. Turns out just need a converter replaced. Local muffler shop gonna do it for $285.50.

Since he's in there...should I just throw on a new exhaust?

Quoted me 40 Series Flow installed for extra $257.50 over converter replacement.
Quoted me Magnaflow installed for extra $469.50 over converter replacement.

I know I lose some power by not buying a kit from factory but I would like to save some money.

Is it economical to put the new muffler on? Which is a better buy?
Please nullify thoughts of longevity. I have 158k on the truck and turn over 30k+ each year. I bought the vehicle with 87k 28 months ago. It's a sales daily driver plus tows a "small" 18' fiberglass bass boat 2-3 times a week March-October.

My rookie opinion thinks the exhaust would help lighten the strain on the engine while towing and offer longer life for the engine itself. I am told it should increase fuel economy 1.5-2mpg which would mean I earn my $258 back between another 35k-45k miles. I figure I can easily take the muffler with me at the end of the road for this explorer to my next ford though.

Thanks!

 

[bdraughon]

make sure you check the heat shields on that both cat's before you let that mechanic in there and charge you a ton of money. the heat sheilds are only tacked on and when they break loose you get that awful rattle. so it might not even be the cat.

as far as the 40 series? why not? if you have the money it wont work miracles like making the engine last longer, if you ask me. but if it makes the truck a little more enjoyable for you and you save a little gas in the meantime than great. and yea, you can just cut that bad boy off and take it with you when it dies.

 

[B@ssin4life]

Sounds great! I'll definitely ask about the shields.

Thanks.

 

[bdraughon]

YOU might want to take a look yourself. Mechs can be shady, unless you know this guy or go to him regularly

 

[CALDWELL]

the exhaust will yield you IMO 3 positives, and only 1 negative...

the only negative that i can think of is that you will lose a little bit of low end torque, but isnt really lost... more or less it just moves to the topend of the RPM's

positives are... A. better MPG's - B. + 5 to 15 HP/TQ ( pending vehicle ) - C. better towing ability...

A and C are worth the purchase along consider your needs


I would say if you have the money available, then put out the money now, and it will pay itself off over a short amount of time. plus it will be more fun to drive i promise you lol. i had an exhaust on my red 03 v6 XLS, after i installed my exhaust, not only did i notice the performance gains, but i also noticed that i was averaging a gain of 35 to 40 more miles for every tank of gas. If your putting 30K or better a year on your truck then it would IMO a great purchase for you...

im actually doing the exhaust on my new 05 XLT very shortly, i just recieved my magnaflow muffler in the mail today...

the simple ideal set up for you would be to...

1. remove the resonator.
2. run 2.5'' pipe from the end of the Y-pipe to the muffler.
3. install whatever muffler you want ( Flowmaster / Magnaflow ) etc.
4. run 2.5'' pipe from the muffler to the exhaust tip of your choice.

thats the simple set up...

then you could go dual exhaust, but thats more $$$

hope this helps

 

[Limited02]

the exhaust will yield you IMO 3 positives, and only 1 negative...

the only negative that i can think of is that you will lose a little bit of low end torque, but isnt really lost... more or less it just moves to the topend of the RPM's

positives are... A. better MPG's - B. + 5 to 15 HP/TQ ( pending vehicle ) - C. better towing ability...

A and C are worth the purchase along consider your needs


I would say if you have the money available, then put out the money now, and it will pay itself off over a short amount of time. plus it will be more fun to drive i promise you lol. i had an exhaust on my red 03 v6 XLS, after i installed my exhaust, not only did i notice the performance gains, but i also noticed that i was averaging a gain of 35 to 40 more miles for every tank of gas. If your putting 30K or better a year on your truck then it would IMO a great purchase for you...

im actually doing the exhaust on my new 05 XLT very shortly, i just recieved my magnaflow muffler in the mail today...

the simple ideal set up for you would be to...

1. remove the resonator.
2. run 2.5'' pipe from the end of the Y-pipe to the muffler.
3. install whatever muffler you want ( Flowmaster / Magnaflow ) etc.
4. run 2.5'' pipe from the muffler to the exhaust tip of your choice.

thats the simple set up...

then you could go dual exhaust, but thats more $$$

hope this helps

That's pretty much what I did and used a 70 series Flowmaster. I love and recommend it!!! As Caldwell said, it's the simple way and it works!

 

[CALDWELL]

Thanks for agree'ing lol