Exhaust systems

s3gulit · April 30, 2004

I swear my truck is starting to give me more problems than its worth. I'm looking for a new exhaust system because my current exhaust on it (that the previous owner put on) started to "cackle" a couple weeks ago and we've determined its too small of an exhaust pipe.

I'm now in the hunt for a Dual, or Single outlet 3" exhaust (or as close to 3" as possible) from the headers back. I'm pretty sure im hoing to go with some gibson headers. I'm lookin for a nice flowing exhaust, thats relatively quiet and has a deep sound at WOT.

EDIT: whoops might need some specs of the truck lol.....its a 96 Silverado Reg. Cab Stepside, 5.7L. Thanks for helpin a young guy out.

A Young Enthusiast,

Dave E.

GMCSierra04 · May 1, 2004

Deffinetly check into Magnaflow's Cat-back systems. I just put one on my 04 Sierra with the 5.3 and i am really glad I bought it. Install was easy, about a 1-1/2 to get old system out and new one in and adjusted. The sound is deep but mellow at idle and good sound when you get on it. There is very little drone around 2k but nothing you cant get use to, not bad at all. I got some pics of it on my truck site on my signature.

s3gulit · May 1, 2004

Hey thanks for the suggestion, but im not finding a cat back exhaust system on magnaflows website for a Regular Cab Stepside. Ive found ext. cab shortbeds but not a regular cab system.

Any other ideas?

Southerntoys · May 1, 2004

I'm lookin for a nice flowing exhaust, thats relatively quiet and has a deep sound at WOT.]
The same with the Gibson 3" single out system that [GMCSierra04] reported except the drone comes in at about 2.5k and since crusing speeds are lower its very quiet in the cab. But when you load it or accelerate then you get the big block sound! I bought the stainless steel one and it is still in the same condition it was when it was removed from the box {just dirtier}.

http://www.gibsonperformance.com/applicguide/chevy.asp

LikeaRock14 · May 1, 2004

Well, IMO the best sounding mufflers for a 5.7 ltr are chambered style. The straight through mufflers don't seem to produce the same sound, usually quieter and not as aggresive sounding. However, I imagine that they still can sound good, it just depends on how its set up. Keep in mind, you don't want to go TOO big of a pipe, or else say "buh bye" to the low end. I'm guessing you bought the truck with the exhaust (if it has one???), so you might not know the differnece, but still. Dual out, don;t go any bigger than 2.25". Single, 3". The headers WILL give you a slight power increase, but shorties are mainly for sound. If you're willing to spend the money, I'd say go with a dual system, down the drivers side, do a cat delete if you can, otherwidse hi flo cats, x pipe, dual flows or Spin Tech mufflers, and your choice exit location. It WILL be pricey, but the sound quality will be awesome

tps0424 · May 1, 2004

A catback system is nice but, if you can't find one for your truck don't be afraid to have one custom made.

When I got my truck, I couldn't find anything for a crew cab long bed. I went to a local shop and they made one for me for $300.

Now I've got flowmaster 40s with true duals that exit behind each rear tire. Exactly what I wanted and not much money.

Tommy'Z 6speed · May 10, 2004

This may be a little late but ...

I just ordered a Gibson single 3" system from PerformanceCenter.com. They had them on sale for $229 for the aluminized system. They had the Dual Sport system (dual pipes out the rear side) for $276. I was afraid it would be too loud but it does look better that the single system.

I just checked their website and they are no longer on sale but they may be in the future. I just ordered mine last night.

I had one on my previous truck (94 F-150 SCSB) and really liked it. It was on there for 6 years and looked practically new. It was quiet in the cab and added a bit to my fuel economy.

I wanted a Magnaflow for my GMC but couldn't pass up the Gibson for the price. Plus, it was a known quanity, having owned one before.

I also got Bilstein HD shocks for $46 each (on sale) from this site. Plus, it was only a $2 extra shipping charge for 2 day delivery.

I had never heard of them before but I took a chance.