Cat-back A Waste Of Money?

[Mac2500HD]

I asked a long time friend of mine who owns a performance and muffler shop how much it would cost to have a cat-back exhaust installed on my 2010 2500HD 6.0. His response really surprised me.

 

He indicated that he wouldn't recommend putting a whole new exhaust on the newer 6.0L trucks (even though, as I said, he owns a performance/muffler shop). His reason was that the truck already has a 3.5" stainless steel, mandrel bent exhaust on it so putting a "performance" tube on it wouldn't be an upgrade.

 

He did suggest a new muffler for less restricted flow (and better sound if I wanted), and a chrome tip for vanity "if I didn't already have one they could just leave on".

 

Mind you, I never said I was on a budget, or looking to save money.

[MikeNH]

He's right. Modern systems are very efficient and the only reason to do a cat back is sound. People will often swear up and down they gained power, but the chances of this being true are slim.

[Mac2500HD]

He's right. Modern systems are very efficient and the only reason to do a cat back is sound. People will often swear up and down they gained power, but the chances of this being true are slim.

 

Same goes for the cold air intake myth. Most OEM breather boxes draw "cold" air (really cool air) from the fender well and not the engine compartment anyway. The ribbing in the air tube on an OEM is designed to lessen the noise of the airflow through the tube, and has been accounted for in design. Ditto for the filter element medium as well. Add to that the MAF which ultimately controls air flow, and you could put a ram induction cowl on the hood and still not get any more air than the stock system.

[dewfpo]

I would say the guy is being honest with you. That's a good friend.

 

DEWFPO

[Black02Silverado]

That is a true friend. He is right, no need just a new muffler for a little better breathing and sound.