Exhuast Kit or Custom Shop Install

[Kody]

Curious to know opinions on whether I should buy a bolt on exhaust kit and then take it to a shop to weld the connections, or just have an exhaust shop custom make the entire setup.

 

It would be dual exhaust, rear exit on an '02 Z71 Ext Cab.

 

Also, is it possible to keep the stock exhaust intact in case I ever wanted to change back?

[mudbug660]

I don't think a bolt on kit would increase performance that much more than a custom bent exhaust. If you wanted stainless steel than I would go with a bolt on kit.

[Indy]

A bolt on kit would be a lot cheaper. Much less labour involved and the fit will be excellent.

[Wingnut]

Not in my cases.

 

Every single bolt-on kit I looked at was at least $300.

 

I got Flowmaster on the '92 for $170 (custom bent pipes, dumped over the rear axle).

 

I also got a Magnaflow installed on the '02 for $130 or so.

 

 

In every case I checked, it costs half as much to go down to a muffler shop, and let them weld it in, than it costs to bolt it in yourself.

[99-2door]

Yeah, bolt on kits are usually a lot higher. Also most of them offer only the original configuration. If you want duals you might have to go with custom anyway.

[Guest chevydeerhunter]

Curious to know opinions on whether I should buy a bolt on exhaust kit and then take it to a shop to weld the connections, or just have an exhaust shop custom make the entire setup.

 

It would be dual exhaust, rear exit on an '02 Z71 Ext Cab.

 

Also, is it possible to keep the stock exhaust intact in case I ever wanted to change back?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

If you're wanting to keep the stock configuration in case you want to go back, then a bolt-on cat back system would be the way to go. They use clamps and all the stock hangers. I thought of going that direction with my new truck. My muffler shop did it for next to nothing so it was more cost effective to have them do it and let the system go with the truck when I happen to trade it in. Plus, there's fewer chances of having a leak with them welding it all up.

[snoman]

Curious to know opinions on whether I should buy a bolt on exhaust kit and then take it to a shop to weld the connections, or just have an exhaust shop custom make the entire setup.

 

It would be dual exhaust, rear exit on an '02 Z71 Ext Cab.

 

Also, is it possible to keep the stock exhaust intact in case I ever wanted to change back?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

If you're wanting to keep the stock configuration in case you want to go back, then a bolt-on cat back system would be the way to go. They use clamps and all the stock hangers. I thought of going that direction with my new truck. My muffler shop did it for next to nothing so it was more cost effective to have them do it and let the system go with the truck when I happen to trade it in. Plus, there's fewer chances of having a leak with them welding it all up.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

 

For some trucks though there are no CAT back bolt ons as they require welding.