'06 F150, how to hop up?

[Stites]

Hey all. I just buy-here-pay-here-ed an '06 F150... ironically, the title says that, too. It's a 2wd, 5.4, automatic, no-frills extended cab, just the way I'd want it. I've heard good things about the 5.4's longevity, and that insane stroke lends to awesome towing capabilities. I'd like to free up the airflow on both ends, and as far as exhaust goes, I'm ultimately convinced by the scavenging effects of long-tube headers. Only thing is, who makes them for '06 models? Would prefer ceramic coated inside/out for better heat management under the hood. After that, a good catback will handle sound improvement.

On the intake side, I'm clueless... being an LS1 guy, I can't even begin to know how this truck inhales. Are there any manifold options out there that offer better breathing characteristics than OEM? Any air intake systems that stand out over the others?

Also, are there any other trinkets to free up power? I'm not looking to break land speed records... actually wanting to get the most power I can without going into the engine, theoretically achieving optimum gas mileage over the road. Thanks for y'all's help!

[carguyzack34]

pacesetter makes a good full length header for your truck and there ceramic coated outside but inside idk.

[Stites]

Hmmm. The black ones are the cheapest I've found so far. I could always get them and have them dipped in Jet-Hot.

Does anyone make an underdrive crank pulley for 5.4s? How hard is it to swap thermostats(possibly drop to a 180*)? Other than those, intake/exhaust, an electric fan, and a good tune, I'm at a loss as to anything else that would uncork this thing.