i have a 2001 ford ranger with magnaflow mufler and i have a few questions........does it matter how close the muffler is to the cats? does it effect the sound if its closer or further away?also i have 2 3/4 inch tubing does the size of the tube effect anything ? also is it better to have the tip as a turn down...rear exit or side exit? i just want the deepest sound and loudest

I have a 2000 2.5L with a magnaflow that splits into dual at the muffler with 2-1/2" pipes, and it sounds DAMN good. You don't want to go too big of a diameter on the pipes as you won't get enough back pressure, which can lead to worse fuel mileage and problems in the sensors. 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 is good. If you want a deeper and louder sound, then switch to a Flowmaster, have the exhaust dump as soon as it exits the muffler or have it exit to the side BEFORE the rear tire. The muffler in relation to the Cats has no effect.

The shorter you make the tailpipe the louder it will be, that is why all the rice-rockets have their mufflers sticking out of the back of the car.

BTW, I have had no problem with aftermarket exhausts. As long as it is done right, you will have no problems.

youre better off leaving it as close to stock configuration as possible.too little back pressure will knock the rings out of the engine and make it use oil.i know what youre thinking.....my cousin didnt believe me either........LOL just a little note....itll never sound good loud.ever.

I agree with Danie, 4 and 6 cyl. engines do not sound good at all with custom exhaust, at least on the trucks I've seen.

most sound, no tailpipe aturndown will direct some sound down, and maybe not annoy the neighbours, tailpie will mellow it a tad, muffler position not relevant, whats on after is

I have a 07 4L 4x4 Sport Ranger and i'm looking for suggestions on what exhaust system is best for this type of truck?

I have a 97 with a 4.0. A few days ago i had an exhaust shop cut the exhaust after the cat and used 2 1/2 in. pipe to a Y-pipe coming out behind the tires with 3 1/2 in. tips. I couldn't believe how great it sounded. At high rpms though it kinda sounds like a ricer but 1000-3500 rpms it sounds amazing!

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97 Ranger XLT ex. cab 2wd 4.0L
K&N Drop-in Air Filter, Dual exhaust, Y-pipe after cats with 3 1/2 in. tips, black painted grille, black Ford emblems instead of blue, and drop vinyl.