Budget Muffler Mod

[Robert Peters]

When I went looking for exhaust options for my 2019 Silverado Custom Trail Boss I found plenty of catback exhaust options available, ranging from around $600 to well over $1200, and of course the straight pipe option for around $110. I didn't want a loud exhaust, just something to make it sound better and get rid of the flapper that was killing power. 

 

After some searching and some dyno feedback from Engine Masters I ended up purchasing a 3" offset stainless Cherry Bomb Salute Muffler and 2 stainless clamps for a total of $80 from Summit Racing. 

 

The removal was straight forward, cut the existing muffler out while leaving as much of the factory pipe as possible. The downfall of the stock exhaust is the 2.75" diameter pipe that needs to be stretched to 3" to slip fit the muffler. I bought the Astro Tools pipe stretcher to stretch the pipes and it worked flawlessly, another tool I should have bought years ago. You could take it to a muffler shop to have them do the same thing if you didn't want to buy the tool. 

 

Install is simple, slide the clamps on loose, fit the muffler to the factory pipes, and tighten the clamps. You can save yourself a little money by welding the muffler if you have the capability to weld stainless, again a muffler shop can do this for you. 

 

Overall, sounds near stock at idle and moderate throttle application. At WOT it is noticeable but not wake the neighbors loud. There is no drone but it did increase the cabin noise at highway speeds. The best part is I noticed a huge improvement in throttle response, especially in city driving, and my fuel mileage increased by a solid 1-2mpg. My only regret is not doing this when I bought the truck. 

 

 

[Robert Peters]

[Robert Peters]

[Bikerjon]

Thank you for your post. Great mod on the exhaust. I had mine done at my go to muffler shop in Minneapolis. "The Wonderful Muffler Man" cut out the flapper valve and welded in a new muffler for $156.00 leaving me a lot of money for a full center console, wheels and tires, step boards etc. I love the sound. This is the first mod I make when I get a new truck!

[CamGTP]

Don't let the people that spent $1,000 on a cat-back exhaust see this thread, they will get mad that you didn't spend more money to gain absolutely nothing.

[AJMBLAZER]

...but...but...but...

 

If you don't replace all that welded, stainless steel, mandrel bent factory pipe with new, mandrel bent, 1/4" wider welded pipe then you're just a hack and a fraud and wasting everyone's time!

 

 

Nice work!

 

I attempted to do about the same thing but got trigger happy with the Sawzall and cut the factory pipe off too long.  Whoops.  Still, less than $200 including the trip to the muffler shop to fix my goof and the truck sounds great without any noticeable drone.

 

Notice he used a longer muffler everyone?

[Rob Mugs]

I'd need to hear it to believe it.  I have yet to chop my exhaust but if there is a muffler-only mod that won't drone, I'm 100% willing to give it a go