Intake and exhaust question.

[pro99line]

Hey guys as stated in one of my other post I am new here and have a 2002 F-350 Lariat Crew Cab 4x4 Short box with 114,000 miles. I was wanting to go ahead and get some guages, an intake system, and exhaust but had some questions about different brands.I will also be getting a chip for it but that will come some months later after much researching of the different brands and what will fit my needs. I will honestly never tow anything over about 8-10,000lbs and that will only be maybe a few times a year. Mainly I am just wanting a little added performance and fuel economy. I am currently getting 13.5 according to the computer ini the truck but as soon as I run this tank down I am going to calculate it myself. I just keep hearing all these people getting 18-20 and was wondering how wen mine is getting so low. Thanks guys.

1.) What is the difference in the K&N FPK Gen II air intake and the AFE air intakes? I noticed people on here seem to llike the AFE and I was wondering if there was a big difference in the two. I have always run K&N in my mustangs I had and loved them. Dos any one provide more power than the other?

2.) What brand exhaust would you guys go with. Magnaflow? Banks? Hooker? Flowmaster? etc, etc, etc. I can not name all the brands but you get the picture. Does any one provide more power than the other?

3.) What brand guages does everyone trust the most to be accurate?

[stomper2]

I've heard quite a few people swear by the Magnaflow exhaust, thats the one I'm looking into. I really like the Autometer Phantom series gauges, based on looks, mounted in the triple pillar pod. As far as I know, they seem to be pretty reliable. Intake, I'm still learning that one myslef.........

[pro99line]

We have always used Autometer guages in our race cars and they are very accurate, I did not know they made them for the diesel. I have used Magnaflow before and liked the sound and performance. I was also looking at Borla but forgot to mention it. Thanks for the response I now know what guages I will use.

[AYP Tires]

I have always used K&N in my vehicles but from what I have heard they are not keeping up with technology. They have a great reputation and that's how they are selling the same old filters. New comers like AFE filter better with the same or better flow. I don't think K&N puts a lot of time into their kits either and they might not even see a dyno through R&D. I would have to agree with the Autometer guages. They have the best selection and quality. As far as exhaust goes it's pretty much what you can afford. They all flow about the same it just depends on how long you want it to last for the most part.

[pro99line]

Well most kits I have seen are around 500-800 which is fine with me. I just want one that is Stainless and will have a good sound and power. So is the AFE intake the one most everbody seems to run for more air flow?

[overl0rd]

I run VDO gauges, a K&N intake, and homemade exhaust.

[99Smokin73Stroker]

Hey Pro99 how's it goin? Well I own a 99 so we have pretty much the same engine. I have a stainless magnaflow turbo back exhaust on mine that I bought for $410 (lowest I could talk them down to) at the Diesel Nationals last june. It fit perfect, installed in about 30-40 minutes and sounds awesome. I went with it because I got a good deal and I knew that magnaflow had a great repuation with exhaust kits and quality of them. There's no doubt in my mind that the next diesel truck I own will get a magnaflow kit behind the turbo.
The K&N intake is better than factory, but not as good as the AFE according to all the research i've done and word of mouth from owners. The AFE filters just as good or better but it flows the best of any of them. Plus AFE seems to be going after the diesel market strong, just look on ebay. 80% of what's up for auction is a kit made for a diesel. From all i've gathered it's my pick for an intake as soon as I get some extra money.
I also like autometer guages, but it's all personal preference....

[pro99line]

Thanks everyone. Lots of help What does everyone think of the bullydog products? I see them in Summit and Jegs.

[99Smokin73Stroker]

I am not too crazy about bully dog, they're ok. But then again I don't know many ford guys around here if any that have a bully dog unit on their truck. I have a friend with the downloader on his cummins and he's seen great results with it though.

[pro99line]

Well I have decided on the magnaflow exhaust and an afe intake but I need to figure out what chip I will want. Any thoughts on what is a good combination with this exhaust and intake? I really appreciate the help guys.