Exhaust tips

Elwood 2000 · December 2, 2003

I am going to install a split rear cat back system on my 2000 Z71. Most trucks I see have larger diameter SS or chrome exhaust tips.

Here is my thought. To be different, I thought about using two small "Y" pipes as soon as the pipes get straight heading towards the back bumper and install 4 smaller diameter pipes, like 2.5 inch instead of two 3.5 inchers like everyone else runs.

I guess my question is this: Will this tip set up effect the sound of the exhaust? I have always been told by some that the larger diameter the pipe, the lower the exhaust tone. True or False?

I just thought the 4 "normal sized" tips peeking from below the bumper would look better than 2 larger ones.

Thoughts or experiences??

Thanks for the replies!

LogixRat · December 3, 2003

It has been my understanding that the 3.5" tips are usually about 18"+ in length as well. The point to the bigger tips is that they act as an "echo chamber" and consequently are called so. So yes, the bigger tips will make a more deep rumble.

I guess it just depends how you want your truck to sound. The fact you would be running a custom exhaust and a V8, I can’t imagine the smaller tips sounding awful…just not the tone I would prefer. But I like a more deep and aggressive sound like you will get with the echo chambers.

As far as looks…I have never been a fan of the four exhaust tips, but many like them. If I wanted something a little different, I might run a dual setup like the Vettes where they use the oversized exhaust and come out the middle so the thing looks huge. Still not my favorite, but at least another choice.

MoJo · December 3, 2003

FWIW, I had a '71 Duster 340 w/factory "resonator" (square chrome like the '68 Charger R/Ts) tips. The rear pipes were rusted so I had them replaced and went with plain straight 2 ¼" chrome tips.

I was like, "Where did the sound go?" It was so quiet it sounded like any other non-performance car. I called the shop and fortunately, they still had the old "resonator" tips.

So, yes, design, size, etc does affect the sound.

Red2500HD · December 4, 2003

Be careful you don't make it sound like a Honda. Decreasing the diameter of the exhaust pipe will definitly raise the tone an octave or two. It will, however, look real COOL! Good luck.

Elwood 2000 · December 4, 2003

No worries, I am not "2 fast or 2 furious"! LOL

I just thought that four 2.5 inch pipes might look different than the larger cans that everyone else is running. I am not sure that I want to sacrifice the deep sound. I really want a big block sound, or as much as I can get.

Thanks for the replies!

LogixRat · December 4, 2003

If you really want the deep sounds, I think you will be better off going with the echo chambers. As already noted, the smaller exhaust will make it a "higher" sound. But it's all about what you want.

Personally I want my truck to sound like Eleanor off Gone in 60 Seconds, but that's just wishful thinking. Still that sounds AWESOME in my opinion!!

99-2door · December 7, 2003

Go with the big tips. Whenever I see a truck with the big tips on it there is at least a possibility that it will sound good, but when you see one with small tips it is a safe bet it sounds pretty shizzy.

BTW- I have never heard a small block sound like a Big Block, even when they have nice exhaust. You want to hear something..you should hear our 3500 with the Vortec 454, headers, and flowmaster 40s My 350 with the same set-up doesn't even compare in sound. sounds good but not that Big block sound.

LogixRat · December 7, 2003

BTW- I have never heard a small block sound like a Big Block, even when they have nice exhaust. You want to hear something..you should hear our 3500 with the Vortec 454, headers, and flowmaster 40s My 350 with the same set-up doesn't even compare in sound. sounds good but not that Big block sound.

Yeah, I hear ya....there is no real substitution, but at least it's a goal to strive towards. Sometime next year I actually plan on buying a 67 or 68 GT Fastback and the kit to make my own "Eleanor". Of course, I'll find a 428 and build it right to put in the engine bay (unlike the 390 the movie car sported). Then I'll get that big block sound for sure.

Here's to dreams and money growing on trees!!