Performance Exhaust Info

ExhaustTech · November 24, 2003

I have been running an exhaust shop for 4 years now. Our majority of the high performance business is trucks. 80% GM, 10% Ford, 8%Dodge and 2% other. I would just like to share my thoughts on performance exhaust for trucks.

1. Mandrel bent systems look nice but are too expensive for what you get.

2. Pre bent tailpipes are junk! Get a shop to custom bend a system for your truck. Prebent pipes are generally thinner and will not last as long.

3. Bigger pipe is NOT better. On most GM trucks there is a 2.75" or a 3" pipe coming out of the cat (except 96+). Dual 2.25 is all you need. You can go to 2.5" but you will be spending money on something that will NOT make any difference. You are driving a truck and you want low end torque. larger pipes reduce that.

4. H-Pipes or X-pipes. Yes you need one if you have factory true dual setup.

5. Removing or gutting converters. Don't do it! If your truck is tuned properly your converter should last the life of the vehicle. Replacent converters are cheap. If it goes bad have the truck checked out then replace it. Also, a functioning converter is required on ALL OBD-2 Vehicles.

6. True duals. If your truck does not have it stock, dont change it. First it's illegal for a shop to install (back to converters) and there is no power gain on a stock vehicle. I have experemented with this on my 94 K-1500 350. Plus it would cost big bucks compared to a split system.

7. Headers. If you want them spend a little more on good quality parts. If you dont you will be chasing down leaks forever.

8. Mufflers. Don't jump on the Flowmaster bandwagon! I am a Flowmaster dealer and I hate them and will only sell them if the customer insists. Usually this is becaust they don't know of any other muffler manufacturer. Personally, I would stay with Magnaflow. Some shops even have their own performance lines which are much better than Flowblaster. Dont be afraid to check out these non name brand mufflers. Most of them are the same design as a Flowmaster at 1/2 the cost.

9. Single Exhaust. If you are looking for a torque setup with better flow, this is the way to go. Face it we all put on duals for the looks right? Some trucks today will not accept dual and this is the only option. They sound great too.

10. Cost. I have heard horrer stories about this one. Here is the MOST I think someone should pay for a custom built performance exhaust. All prices should include labor, parts, and 3 1/2" x 18" tips.

$169.95 Simple straight pipe-- Loud and illegal in most areas

$189.95 Glasspack System-- ( By far the most popular ) Add $40 for H pipe if needed and additional pack.

$239.95 Duals with Performance muffler

$199.95 Single performance system with cleaner looking mandrel bent tailpipe.

I sure hoped I could help out someone with these details. I see alot of post on this site and many more on this subject. Just thought maybe someone who does this every day can help out.

$300.00 old school pre-cat true dual. Should include new donuts and studs.

Wingnut · November 24, 2003

Wow! Great info, thanks! Will definately answer a few questions that get asked around here.

Aaaaaand welcome to the site

Lou'sZ · November 24, 2003

Hey Exhaust Tech. thanks for the info., I know you don't like Flowmasters but I hope you respond(I don't think the shop that I will use has any other brand of performance muffler). I have a stock 98 Chevy Z71 with the 350 V-8. I want to replace my stock muffler, which is dual in and single out with a like Flowmaster and keep my stock pipes(single tail pipe exiting at side). I'm considering the Big Block 70 series or SUV Performance 50 series. I may also have the shop run a new 3" tail pipe, I've noticed that my stock tail pipe has a dent in it. I want to keep the single tail pipe for maintaining bottom end power and stock appearance. I want some mild/moderate increase in tone, but not to the point of being annoying inside the vehicle. Which muffler is the better choice for what I've described. Thankyou-Lou, Florida.

Shotgun · November 24, 2003

Good info...I don't agree with all of it but good info...thanks

ExhaustTech · November 25, 2003

Hey Lou, i would run the SUV 50 and a new tailpipe. In a situation like this a new tail would fit much better since the stock muffler has an offset and the Flowmaster may not match up. Also the muffler lengths may be a little different requiring a splice behind the muffler. I would do a SUV 50 mandrel 3" (looks cleaner) and about a 12" stainless tip. That would look and sound nice. Also, Flow master is not a bad muffler compared to some out there but I have had a few come back with rattles. I like magnaflow because I have never had one come back under warranty. Magnaflow is alot quieter though than most others. That system installed with a tip should only cost you $250.00 at the most.

02denali · November 25, 2003

i have a true dual set up on my truck. it works great. dynomax cats,dynomax super turbos,walker x-pipe. i do have a lot of mods and a custom tune. it does work for me. if you are going to leave it stock eith minor bolt ons then i would go single.

Lou'sZ · November 25, 2003

Thankyou Tech!, My wife is going to get me this exhaust system for a christmas present. I'll let everyone know how it turns out. She likes to hear the 5.7 Vortec rev. LOL.

Black03SS_NJ · November 25, 2003

Great info!

trckn4life · November 25, 2003

I just got a quote for bout 110 / 170 for a Magnaflow muffler installed on my 98 z71 5.7 (btw, I don't know what size (2 2.5 inlets one outlet)? that I need).

are these prices "fair" it is for 110 - aluminized and 170 - Stainless Steel (with single outs)

Btw, this is good info. oh and about $40 of the price is labor.

Lou'sZ · November 25, 2003

I was quoted $155.00(parts and labor) to install the 70 series or 50 series SUV on my 98 Z71. This does not include the new 3" single tail pipe, if I decide to go that way. This is one muffler with 2 inlets and one outlet.