Muffler Options - time sensative

[carringb]

Originally Posted by WanderingBob

TheLetterJ,

<<I know my 5.4 came with 3" from the factory, >>

Interesting, I guess I have no way of really finding out how my exhaust was originally configured.
.

It looks like the 2.5" muffler was used through 2003, then they made the 3" standard in 2004. It's probably easier to find aftermarket mufflers that are 3" in and out, as the reducer pipe coming into the muffler is certainly unique to the 5.4L of that era.

Regardless, the flange behind the cat is 3" on all 5.4L's. There really isn't any benefit to downsizing even if the stock muffler was a 2.5". The muffler will ultimately determine noise levels.

BTW - the Walker QuietFlow muffler is all Stainless, but I've never heard that model, so I don't know if it's stock-muffler quiet.

[unreng]

https://www.summitracing.com/nv/sear...rder=Ascending

When I was searching for mufflers for my off-road truck, I found Walker QuietFlow SS...the website above provides all 3" diameter inlet/outlet.
I currently have the Walker QuietFlow SS 22679 on the off-road truck, and it is quieter than Borla XR-1, and much quieter than nothing at all.

Another option is Napa - https://www.napaonline.com/en/search...ue&indices=PIA

These are the 5 heavy duty truck mufflers with 3" diameter inlet/outlet.
I've used the Napa 21470, and when it was on the off-road truck, it really did quiet exhaust noise, but it's a 3.5" diameter.

Chris

[WanderingBob]

Thanks so much for the education, Gents! Had no clue there was that much to mufflers.

As I had the DynaMax already put on, I really was kinda committed to what they had to offer. Meaning, many of you have mentioned some great choices is I had time to investigate, but I pretty much had 2 choices, Keep the DynaMax or go to a stock equivalent ... which I did.

The sound is much quieter, BUT I am amazed that new one really does have an impact on power. Very noticeable, and kinda makes sense... can breath!

If I were to do a build from scratch, I'd certainly have sound deadener for many reasons, then go with that midrange muffler - something quieter and still has great flow.

I will check this one off the list! Again, THANKS!

[Stillvanin]

Get a 5 Star tuner to make up the difference in power you lost going back to stock. I have a 5.4 with stock exhaust and the tuner REALLY wakes up the power.

[WanderingBob]

Originally Posted by Stillvanin

Get a 5 Star tuner to make up the difference in power you lost going back to stock. I have a 5.4 with stock exhaust and the tuner REALLY wakes up the power.

Well then ... that will be my next fix on the latest money pit!

My van has a 5.4, Spark knocks like a MOTHER under load! The P.O. put in a tuner, and would not point why. He used ONLY high test gas.

With broken Flow Master, it spark nocked, got better with the "midRange" muffler, now just as bad with the "stock-like" muffler.

So, I'm not sure where to go to next. Remove, "said" tuner? How? Start over?

This is my first Ford, and I have told by many the 5.4 just spark knocks!

I'm not sure where a tuner wi help with power and maybe reduce spark knock. Perhaps another discussion.

[carringb]

Originally Posted by WanderingBob

This is my first Ford, and I have told by many the 5.4 just spark knocks!

I'm not sure where a tuner wi help with power and maybe reduce spark knock. Perhaps another discussion.

A tuner will make spark knock worse. Stock tune i pretty conservative so it won't do it unless something is broken or you have a ton of carbon on the valves.

#1 cause of spark knock is a dirty MAF. Try cleaning that first before doing anything else. If it's still present after cleaning the MAF, you might want to resore the stock tune.

[TheLetterJ]

I wouldn't expect any significant gains in hp from a tuner, but where the tuner will help the most is altering the transmission's shift schedule and firmness. A tuner can take your shifts from 5 seconds of mushiness, to a near instantaneous bang (or anywhere in between) if that's what you desire. That alone will make it feel like you've gained a substantial amount of power by making the power you already have get to the wheels, instead of being wasted by sloshing around/making heat in your transmission. It can also control the torque converter lockup, which can reduce heat when towing/driving up long grades by locking in and keeping it locked up. An "87 performance/tow" tune from 5 Star will get the performance gain of the transmission changes, without the need for premium fuel. If you can actually notice detonation occuring currently, I'd de-program your van immediately, and just revert back to stock for now. No sense in causing mechanical damage by continuing to let it knock.