Tips/help looking for stainless exhaust

Wisco150 · 10-01-2021, 11:12 AM

Last night someone stole the catalytic converters off my van and cut out a portion of the exhaust. I found magnaflow has stainless catalytic converters but a stainless cat back portion is not available from them. I’m trying to turn a not so great situation into an opportunity to upgrade my exhaust. I would like stock size just stainless since our van sits for most of the winter (in doors) it would be great to buy one last exhaust assuming we don’t get hit again and the cats get stolen again.

Is anyone aware of a stock or almost stock sized stainless exhaust for a 2007 e-150 regular body 5.4L?

simplesez · 10-01-2021, 11:40 AM

Any good muffler shop just makes one from scratch they don't use off the shelf kits. It isn't a complicated system with tight bends and lack of space. Sorry your cat got stolen.

Wisco150 · 10-01-2021, 12:20 PM

Thank you. The wires going to the cats were also cut. Does anyone know if that’s part of the entire wire harness requiring new wires to be spliced or if it’s a separate smaller segment allowing just that small segment be replaced without the need for splicing?

I attached a picture to try and show one of the wires. This may not be helpful but just tying to figure out more information.

REDOVAL · 10-01-2021, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wisco150

Thank you. The wires going to the cats were also cut. Does anyone know if that’s part of the entire wire harness requiring new wires to be spliced or if it’s a separate smaller segment allowing just that small segment be replaced without the need for splicing?

I attached a picture to try and show one of the wires. This may not be helpful but just tying to figure out more information.

I think they cut the wires for the sensor only as the blue plug visible through the hole should be the harness connector.

The catalytic converter you need for that van would be a Magnaflow 4451300 to be legal in CA (really the only one that works in general). Also note, this is the only converter that will allow you to pass the BAR in CA if that's something you need to suffer through.

Ive been through this whole process more than once and it's no fun.

Scott

boywonder · 10-01-2021, 01:51 PM

It appears that they left your upstream O2 sensor unscathed but yanked the downstream sensor. They just plug in and are cheap. Order a replacement downstream from rockauto.com.

I just ordered one upstream and one downstream sensor to carry as spares in the van a few days ago.

...and here's what I did........$60 in wire rope and muffler clamps.....

Wisco150 · 10-08-2021, 08:38 AM

I’m wondering if anyone has experience with the magnaflow stainless catalytic converter system for the e series compared to factory Ford?

Redoval, thank you for the reply. Do you have experience with the magnaflow converters? If so, were you happy with them?

Boywonder, once I get the catalytic converters fixed I plan to do exactly what you did so thank you for the photos!

Oogs · 10-08-2021, 09:16 AM

Any noticeable noise from the cables vibrating against the exhaust?

boywonder · 10-08-2021, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oogs

Any noticeable noise from the cables vibrating against the exhaust?

No.....and no noticeable fretting wear of anything from cable rub.....I climb under and check every so often.

REDOVAL · 10-08-2021, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wisco150

I’m wondering if anyone has experience with the magnaflow stainless catalytic converter system for the e series compared to factory Ford?

Redoval, thank you for the reply. Do you have experience with the magnaflow converters? If so, were you happy with them?

Boywonder, once I get the catalytic converters fixed I plan to do exactly what you did so thank you for the photos!

I have had several of the Magnaflow converters over the years and they work fine. In my case here in California there is no other option for a smog legal replacement if you are relegated to the BAR for smog. I am not currently running the good magnaflow converter on my van as I don't want it to get stolen as well. Instead I have some random 3" hollowed out version seutp with v-bands and an aggressive note written on it for a would-be thief.

I will say that I very much dislike Magnaflow mufflers for the v10 engine setup as they drone horribly (ive had several). I am running a Flowmaster 70 series big block muffler with a single inlet and outlet and a dump (no tailpipe) and it's many times quieter and nicer to drive. The next time around I will likely run a Spintech muffler to change it up a bit. It's also worth noting that the V10 engine is very sensitive to backpressures created by the cat/muffler setup. I had an issue offroad and ended up removing the cat and muffler assembly completely for a 600 mile trip. The resulting fuel economy was wildly better (this is one reason for no tailpipe currently). I am considering an electric cutout to duplicate these numbers as the increase and engine response was worth the offset in audible disruption.

Scott

shenrie · 10-08-2021, 05:13 PM

^^^ do you have an electric cut out you recommend? Sounds like all the ones we’ve experimented with have failed miserably.

Are the pos thieves using sawzalls or pipe cutters when they steal converters in residential areas? I know when the dealers get hit here they use power tools but it seems that would attract attention in a hood.