Exhaust? Chip? Intake? Help? LS V8

[WootyMcBooty]

I have a 2003 Lincoln LS V8 and for the last year have heavily contemplated putting some money into my car. I could care less about subs, I'd take an exhaust growl over music any-day. Basically I've scouted out my possible options and it seems an intake (I'm going to get a K&N), an exhaust, and a chip are my only real options under 2000 dollars.

After browsing websites and various forums about it I've seen that the only aftermarket magnaflow exhaust system out there is for the 2000-2002 models, and anything for a 2003-2006 is a "custom magnaflow exhaust." What custom work needs to be done how much would a good install shop charge for that customization, and are you still buying the 00-02 exhaust system, and then modifying it? Also when it comes to buying the system I'd prefer to buy it on my own and bring it to the shop instead of going through them because they would obviously charge more.

I also read about a person who bought an exhaust system (albeit a flowmaster system made for Inline 4's and 6's) and he lost some low end torque. Now I know its the wrong system for his car, but for all the people on this site that have modified their exhaust, have you noticed a loss of low end torque?

When it comes to chipping it, I've heard the Xcal2 is a great chip for ford. But what exactly would I be doing to my car? How dangerous is it for the hardware if anything? And where could I find a good deal on one. 400 seems a little expensive. (Can I use used chips or once they are programmed are they locked into that setting? Or do I have no idea what I'm talking about...)

I've also heard I can remove the catalytic converter but I've heard that makes your car smell a little funny on startup. How much horse would that be?

Any help would be greatly appreciated Folks.

 

[2000LSMichael]

Everyone on here says to save your money and don't buy the chips or the air tunnel piece that supposively gives you more HP and better gas mileage. I guess the chip just tricks the computer for a while and then it will throw a code.

 

[NYC LS8]

There's not much custom work that needs to be done. A few bends in the pipes and you've got an exhaust system. You can buy whatever you want and bring the stuff and have them supply the pipe and be done. Pricing depends on where you live. Shouldn't be more than $250 or so (for pipe and labor...mufflers, tips and X or H pipe will add to the cost).

I would suggest going with 2.25" pipe/mufflers. I went 2.5" because that's what my friend had at his shop and you can notice a difference in torque down low/from a dead stop. There's not really much to be gained on a 2003+ LS with a new exhaust, as it's pretty good as is. I did mine solely for sound, as the car stock was dead quiet...to the point I never knew it was on.

The XCALII is what you want. It's not a chip, but a handheld PCM flasher. Once you use it on your car, it becomes VIN locked and can only be used on your car (as far as tunes). If you ever want to sell the XCAL, you would need to return the car back to the stock tune. You can still use it to read trouble codes on other compatible Fords, I believe.

I've got some pics and videos posted in my photo gallery. Just follow the link in my signature.

Welcome aboard and post up some pics of that '03