Installed K&N and Gibson cat-back

I installed the K&N filter and Gibson cat-back exhaust system on my Trib last night. The exhaust system is the one for the Escape, and Gibson couldn't tell me if it was going to work or not, because they hadn't had a Trib in their shop to test it on yet. Well, it fit perfectly. The only modification I had to make was to cut my mudguard a little bit, as the new muffler is bigger than the old one.

Great ajram2002! Please let us know your impressions in the areas of noise levels, sound quality, performance, and mileage ... I'm planning to make the same modifications to my Trib and would love to know how satisfied you are with the changes.<br><br>Thanks!<br><br>Bob :-)

ajram2002: Can you take and post some pictures as well? (As you can tell, I love seeing pictures of these mods!) Is this side-swept exhaust the Escape club members were talking about a month or so ago? If so, how does the rear bumper original exhaust area look now that there's nothing there?<br><br>As rmwilsonus (Bob) mentioned, we'd be interested in your impressions. :)<br><br>Also, from whom (distributor?) did you purchase the cat-back exhaust system and how much did it cost you in the end?<br><br>Lastly, by whom (exhaust shop?) did you have the exhaust changed?

I will try to answer some of the questions regarding the exhaust. <br><br>It is the side-swept system that the Escape owners have been talking about. It doesn't actually come out to the side... it comes out exactly where the original exhaust did. It looks perfect. <br><br>I can't really discern whether or not there is an increase in performance. I think it pulls stronger from 60 mph and up. I'm sure it is stronger across the board, but without driving a modified and unmodified Trib back-to-back, it is hard to tell. I think the exhaust is a little on the loud side... not the "fart-pipe" sound... a low growling sound. I also think the exhaust tip is a little too big (3" slash-cut design). I am going to try to find a tip that is the same diameter as the pipe (2.25"). I think that will improve the look I am going for and hopefully cut down on the noise (I keep thinking "megaphone" in regards to the current tip).<br><br>I will update you on mileage once I know something.<br><br>I bought the system from TruckPerformance.com... about $300 for the aluminized system (I believe they sell the stainless system for about $350). <br><br>I installed it myself... took about 3 1/2 hours. Majority of time was spent removing stock system. The factory really tightened the U-bolt down that holds the old resonator on. I had to bend and pry with screwdrivers and cut with a hacksaw blade for probably an hour to get the resonator to come off. Installation of the new system is a snap.<br><br>Sorry this is long... hopefully I answered some questions.

Thanks for the detailed reply. On my previous vehicle, a 2000 Maxima, I ended up having a straight-through glass pack added downstream from the performance muffler to tone down the noise ... the system still sounded great, but I didn't have to worry about the neighbors or "drone" going up hills.<br><br>Please post back after you've lived with it for awhile to let us know how it works out in day-to-day driving.<br><br>Bob :-)

Glad to know that it fits since I ordered the Stainless Steel version from the same place last week but haven't recieved it yet. Here is the link <a href=http://www.truckperformance.com/products/?cartID=2001&urlsubcategory=Exhaus\ t&productcategory=Cat-Back+Systems&searchtype=56d&sortorder=AA&sf1=FORD&sf2=2001\ &sf3=ESCAPE&sf4=3.0L target=new>http://www.truckperformance.com/products/?cartID=2001&urlsubcategory=\ Exhaust&pro ductcategory=Cat-Back+Systems&searchtype=56d&sortorder=AA&sf1=FORD&sf2=2001&sf3= ESCAPE&sf4=3.0L</a> $294.78 Aluminized Steel, $345.78 Stainless Steel. <br><br>The Stainless version was over $500 at the only other site that I could find it at. Note that both types come with a lifetime warranty, but only the stainless system covers rust through and corrosion. I figured it was worth the extra $51 for the stainless product that I won't have to worry about replacing again. J.C. Whitney and Carparts.com carry Gibson and though the Escape system is not listed on their sites, they will probably carry these.