Upgrades, Mods, and Problems...? Need Feedback

[Paratrooper22]

I don't know exactly which topic to post this under, so Admin please forgive me. I have a long list to discuss...

I'm buying a Raptor in the next few weeks. I plan on making a few upgrades before I even take it off the showroom floor. Please give me as much feedback as possible on each below.


-Headers - I've heard Kooks is the way to go. Yay or nay? I want to get rid of the cats, but i don't wan the EGO sensors to start going crazy. Has this been an issue? Anyone know of a Raptor with headers?

-Exhaust - I want to run true duals with Flowmaster single chambers, but looking underneath the truck, I honestly don't know how you would bend the pipes to make that happen. Looks like SVT was pushing it just to get a single pipe down the inside of the chassis like they did. Could you run both side by side where the original single pipe is located? I would like the tips to be dumped or exit in front of the passenger rear tire. The only problem with that is the leaf springs look like they are in the way. So maybe a dump would be a better option. Is there any significant performance advantage to true duals compared to the factory single pipe? Again, would this cause a check engine light due to the EGO sensors getting different readings?

-Intake - I saw someone's write up about rerouting the air induction tube back to the driver's side vent. I like the idea and will most likely do this myself. Any other intakes out there that would be recommended?

-Performance Tuner - I've been eyeballing the Hennessey custom tuner, but is there any else out there? And can anyone verify that the Hennessey tuner actually gains performance? I know SVT spent a lot of time tuning this thing, but I also want to throw headers, exhaust, and an intake into the mix. And can the newer trucks' computers tell when a performance tune has been installed even when it is programmed back to stock? I'm pretty sure Dodge started making computers that could track that because of the people chipping the Cummins to like 800+ hp, then chippng it back once something broke and bringing into the shop. I don't have to worry about the shop complaining for the moment, but if I move anywhere else, it could be a serious issue.

-Leveling kit vs. Suspension adjustment - I really like the fact that you can adjust the front suspension to level the truck out. I hate how low the front end sits. I don't really plan on hitting up any motocross tracks or dunes anytime soon, but I'm definitely gonna be pretty hard on it. Any advantages to going either way here?

-HID headlights - Any brand better than others? Any good testimonials? I wish Ford would've pulled their heads out of their rears when they built a $50k truck!

-Accent lights - I really like the smaller lights in the grille and below the headlights/taillights. BUT, I would rather change the amber bulbs to blue. Can this be done? Disregarding legality issues. Just want to know if the bulb size is something popular enough to buy retail?


Bottom line, I'm worried about performance more than appearance at the moment. I want the most performance for the most reasonable amount of money. I don't want to do anything that's going to void the power train warranty though. And no, the local dealership will not void anything because of the intake, exhaust, or tuner. Just take my word on this one. Any input is greatly appreciated if you have personal experience with any of these topics. THANKS!!

 

[BIRDMAN]

I don't know exactly which topic to post this under, so Admin please forgive me. I have a long list to discuss...

I'm buying a Raptor in the next few weeks. I plan on making a few upgrades before I even take it off the showroom floor. Please give me as much feedback as possible on each below.


-Headers - I've heard Kooks is the way to go. Yay or nay? I want to get rid of the cats, but i don't wan the EGO sensors to start going crazy. Has this been an issue? Anyone know of a Raptor with headers?

-Exhaust - I want to run true duals with Flowmaster single chambers, but looking underneath the truck, I honestly don't know how you would bend the pipes to make that happen. Looks like SVT was pushing it just to get a single pipe down the inside of the chassis like they did. Could you run both side by side where the original single pipe is located? I would like the tips to be dumped or exit in front of the passenger rear tire. The only problem with that is the leaf springs look like they are in the way. So maybe a dump would be a better option. Is there any significant performance advantage to true duals compared to the factory single pipe? Again, would this cause a check engine light due to the EGO sensors getting different readings?

-Intake - I saw someone's write up about rerouting the air induction tube back to the driver's side vent. I like the idea and will most likely do this myself. Any other intakes out there that would be recommended?

-Performance Tuner - I've been eyeballing the Hennessey custom tuner, but is there any else out there? And can anyone verify that the Hennessey tuner actually gains performance? I know SVT spent a lot of time tuning this thing, but I also want to throw headers, exhaust, and an intake into the mix. And can the newer trucks' computers tell when a performance tune has been installed even when it is programmed back to stock? I'm pretty sure Dodge started making computers that could track that because of the people chipping the Cummins to like 800+ hp, then chippng it back once something broke and bringing into the shop. I don't have to worry about the shop complaining for the moment, but if I move anywhere else, it could be a serious issue.

-Leveling kit vs. Suspension adjustment - I really like the fact that you can adjust the front suspension to level the truck out. I hate how low the front end sits. I don't really plan on hitting up any motocross tracks or dunes anytime soon, but I'm definitely gonna be pretty hard on it. Any advantages to going either way here?

-HID headlights - Any brand better than others? Any good testimonials? I wish Ford would've pulled their heads out of their rears when they built a $50k truck!

-Accent lights - I really like the smaller lights in the grille and below the headlights/taillights. BUT, I would rather change the amber bulbs to blue. Can this be done? Disregarding legality issues. Just want to know if the bulb size is something popular enough to buy retail?


Bottom line, I'm worried about performance more than appearance at the moment. I want the most performance for the most reasonable amount of money. I don't want to do anything that's going to void the power train warranty though. And no, the local dealership will not void anything because of the intake, exhaust, or tuner. Just take my word on this one. Any input is greatly appreciated if you have personal experience with any of these topics. THANKS!!

1. There's several guys with headers who should be here soon to chime in. Our site vendors Livernois or JDM can probably answer your questions regarding that- PM them! Same goes for the true duals.

2. Hockster is the guy who did the intake tube routing, PM him too, he won't bite!

3. Definitely go with the middle or top perch front Shox mod. Easy, simple and will not cause problems down the line or a harsher ride as many have stated. Bojangles is one guy who can attest to the top perch mod.

4. The accent lights are LED's so it's not just a simple bulb swap.

5. You could use Hennessey for your tune needs but our vendors 5 Star Tuning and JDM Engineering both do a lot in the handheld tuning world and they can provide you customer service through our forum and a great product. Depending on your intake/header/exhaust setup they can custom tune your truck based on the specs. Hennessey is not a vendor here so no comment.

 

[KaiserM715]

-Headers - I've heard Kooks is the way to go. Yay or nay? I want to get rid of the cats, but i don't wan the EGO sensors to start going crazy. Has this been an issue? Anyone know of a Raptor with headers?

Kooks and Stainless Works are both high quality and you couldn't go wrong with either one of them. Almost all longtube headers require a tune to take full advantage as well as work around the O2 sensors (you will likely get a check engine light). If you ditch the cats, you will not pass any sort of emissions test (esp the OBDII plug-in test or a sniffer) and some states may fail you based on a visual inspection.

-Performance Tuner - I've been eyeballing the Hennessey custom tuner, but is there any else out there? And can anyone verify that the Hennessey tuner actually gains performance? I know SVT spent a lot of time tuning this thing, but I also want to throw headers, exhaust, and an intake into the mix. And can the newer trucks' computers tell when a performance tune has been installed even when it is programmed back to stock? I'm pretty sure Dodge started making computers that could track that because of the people chipping the Cummins to like 800+ hp, then chippng it back once something broke and bringing into the shop. I don't have to worry about the shop complaining for the moment, but if I move anywhere else, it could be a serious issue.

5 Star, JDM and Livernois all offer tunes (not sure if Livernois has their mail order tunes ready yet, Rick or Andy could answer that, they are on this board). For Fords, the tune will likely come on an SCT handheld, so you can go back to stock. Not sure on the detectability of the tune, one of the Ford Techs will have to answer that. I know GM can detect some of them.

 

[Lucky14]

On the exhaust question I have spent a bunch of time under the truck and would say that you could run 2 pipes and 2 mufflers w/out much problem. The SW folks have their setup like that and it looks good. There are some folks who have bent things to do a side exit setup. But as you said, the leaf spring is there so you need to decide whether you care about the pipes right under that thing. Last week, I decided to simplify the whole thing and just ran a dump right after the muffler in front of the rear axle and LOVE it. But with the kooks on there I'd bet the sound is gonna go up considerably so you may want to reconsider and just have it exit out the back side as normal. Again, the SW folks have a true dual system that does that...

 

[Paratrooper22]

Kooks and Stainless Works are both high quality and you couldn't go wrong with either one of them. Almost all longtube headers require a tune to take full advantage as well as work around the O2 sensors (you will likely get a check engine light). If you ditch the cats, you will not pass any sort of emissions test (esp the OBDII plug-in test or a sniffer) and some states may fail you based on a visual inspection.

I'm not too worried about inspection. I can work around that. The Kooks full system including Y-pipe w/out cats is catching my eye. Does anyone have a comparison to the American Racing system? AR states they put out an extra 25-30 RWHP BEFORE tune! That's impressive. Anyone know what Kooks advertises? I do plan on tuning the truck after I install intake, headers, and exhaust. The tune is a must. I just don't want that damn check engine light coming on. And is there any preference to the Y-pipe over the X-pipe? I have always liked the sound of H-pipes over the X, and I've never been a fan of single pipe exhaust. So I don't know if I should stick with the single, or go duals. Also, does anyone make ceramic headers instead of stainless?

 

[Hockster]

Kooks and Stainless Works are both high quality and you couldn't go wrong with either one of them. Almost all longtube headers require a tune to take full advantage as well as work around the O2 sensors (you will likely get a check engine light). If you ditch the cats, you will not pass any sort of emissions test (esp the OBDII plug-in test or a sniffer) and some states may fail you based on a visual inspection.



5 Star, JDM and Livernois all offer tunes (not sure if Livernois has their mail order tunes ready yet, Rick or Andy could answer that, they are on this board). For Fords, the tune will likely come on an SCT handheld, so you can go back to stock. Not sure on the detectability of the tune, one of the Ford Techs will have to answer that. I know GM can detect some of them.

No tune, no codes and I have 9k on truck since the change to long tube... headers.. runs great... seeing .8 -1.5 mpg gains... i have a tuner just need to get installed... as soon as the local guy here gets his dyno installed in his new place will have some numbers...

 

[SilverBolt]

Changing the LED clearence lights to blue will likely get you some unwanted attention from the LEO's. Might look cool but personally I don't need another reason to get pulled over.

 

[Paratrooper22]

No tune, no codes and I have 9k on truck since the change to long tube... headers.. runs great... seeing .8 -1.5 mpg gains... i have a tuner just need to get installed... as soon as the local guy here gets his dyno installed in his new place will have some numbers...

What brand headers?

Changing the LED clearence lights to blue will likely get you some unwanted attention from the LEO's. Might look cool but personally I don't need another reason to get pulled over.

Like I said above, I'm not worried about legality issues. Being a Deputy has it's perks now and then

 

[KaiserM715]

No tune, no codes and I have 9k on truck since the change to long tube... headers.. runs great... seeing .8 -1.5 mpg gains... i have a tuner just need to get installed... as soon as the local guy here gets his dyno installed in his new place will have some numbers...

Good to know. I had a code within 5 miles when I installed Kooks longtubes w/ cats on my G8. Had to get a tune to pass inspection. Do all of your OBDII ready tests show complete? (would have to have a scanner to find out).

 

[SilverBolt]

With no cats you will likely have to run O2 sims to prevent throwing codes. With high flow cats the stock O2 sensors are working fine.