Exhaust Options

mdrew · July 3, 2005

Greetings

I just bought an 05 Sierra Denali, black with grey interior, sunroof and 20’s. I haven’t actually seen it yet, as I bought it sigh unseen. It’s apparently still on the boat to Alaska. I’ve been wanting one of these trucks for a while now, basically for the engine and full back seat – but the 48K sticker on them has held my impulsive nature at bay. I could pass up the sale going on, so it’s bought and on its way to my doorstep.

I currently have an 03 Dodge Q-cab 4X4 with the 5.7. This was my first Dodge, ever, as I’ve always been a GM guy. The power and handling of the Dodge convinced me to buy it, but now I’m back in the GM fold. I like the Dodge just fine, but I’m just a die hard GM guy. I couldn’t ever get used to the Dodge. Well, enough of that.

I just can’t have a truck with stock exhaust. I don’t want it loud, I just want it to sound like a truck should, with a little rumble but quiet enough in the cab to not require 90 db’s of music to not hear it. I put Gibson extreme duals on the Dodge, but it was too loud for me. I’m looking for a cat back that will run out the back, behind the tires at an angle. I also want to keep the spare where it belongs. I want stainless due to the amount of salt that they throw on the roads around here. So what’s out there? I haven’t’ a clue who’s making a nice sounding system for GM now days. For reference, I do like the way Borla systems sound. I’m well aware that a cat back will yield minimal gains in performance; I just want the Denali to sound like it should.

Thanks……mike

Black-Z71 · July 3, 2005

First off...welcome There a TONS of options for exhausts...I have a Flowmaster catback, some may think its too loud...but I love it. Guys here seem too like Magnaflow...maybe someone can elaborate on that. Also GM dealers use Corsa as a dealer installed option...which is stainless I believe. So hang out a bit, and you'll here alot of feedback about different exhausts...and congrats on the new truck.

MrQuadrasteer · July 3, 2005

Personally, I'd get headers (with cats) before a cat back. You'll get better return for power, and it'll change the tone of the truck. Add a cai and I bet it'd sound killer

With a tune and intake on mine, I think it sounds GREAT !!! I'll get headers first and may actually stop there... The factory exhaust flow pretty d**n good...

mdrew · July 3, 2005

I’m not a big fan of headers for stock vehicles. Race and strip, sure, but not for a daily driver that sees 300 plus mile road trips. I’d prefer to just buy a system so that I can install it in my garage. The dealer is 300 miles away, and logistics is a big pain in the ass for leaving my vehicle at a shop to have any work done.

I didn’t realize that GM sold a system. I’ve heard of Corsa, and from what I’ve heard, they make a quality product. Does anyone have a Corsa that they can comment on?

Flow master has a unique sound, that’s for sure. I prefer that sound on my quarter mile’rs though. Flowmaster has the sound that goes along with race engines that have that good old chop of an aggressive cam. I love the flowmaster sound, but it just seams out of place to me on a stock engine.

And what are your refering to when you say "tune"?

Black-Z71 · July 3, 2005

And what are your refering to when you say "tune"?

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"Tune" refers to using a hand-held programmer (like Hypertech) to "tune" your truck's stock PCM for performance, bigger tires, shift points/firmness, etc. or getting a custom tuned PCM from a company like PCMForLess to replace your truck's factory PCM (computer). I use a Hypertech III, but for best results, a custom tune is the way to go.

mdrew · July 3, 2005

Thanks!

I did a little surfing around here and read up a bit more on the tuning. I like the custom tune idea, but that sounds like a real pain in the rear if I had to take the truck in for warrantee work. I suspect they’d re-flash and wipe out the programming. So it would appear that I’d have to swap out chips. A hand held seams much more “owner friendly”. I might go that route.

I have also been surfing around looking at different cat back kits. I didn’t find anything for an 05 Denali. The dealer uses Corsa, but d**n….those tips are hideous looking. Short stubby fat things. I like at least 12” of tip so the rest of the pipe isn’t visible. And 4” tip……too much for me. Looks like those ugly fart cans that I see on the kids cars around here. – No offence to those reading who prefer this look. This is just my personal preference, and am not trying to be a judgmental jerk.

I downloaded the Cadi 6.0 file from Magnaflow. I like that sound – just right. But unfortunately, they do not list a system for the Denali.

.........mike

Elwood 2000 · July 5, 2005

Search exhaust shops online. Magnaflow is what it sounds like you want. I have Magnaflow on my 2000 Silverado and it sounds like a Corvette, not a truck with loud pipes. I don't hear anything in the cab unless I get "happy" with the right foot, and then it is minimal.

Regarding a tune, go with Westers. Hands down will make a huge improvement and with Westers, if the dealer does happen to re-flash your computer, he will replace it for free. All you pay is the shipping! The difference over a hand held like Hypertech is night and day.

If you strike out online, look for a Magnaflow shop somewhat close to you. It sounds like you are in the middle of nowhere, so maybe you could make arangements for when you pick up your new rig. If nothing else, if you find a place online, and they don't have your application listed, call them. I have found that many companies don't update their website very often and they actually do have the parts you need.

Good Luck and keep us posted on what you decide!

BTW, welcome back to the General!