cat back exhaust recommendation?

peterc38 · January 12, 2007

Hi,

I have a question about installing an aftermarket cat back dual exhaust system. The truck is 2003 GMC 5.3 Z71, extended cab. A local Meineke will install a Flowmaster system for $450. This price is without the tips, but I have a set I got from a friend that I have polished back to original finish ( I have access to polishing lathe) so I don’t need to buy them. Most things I have heard and read regarding Flowmaster sound and performance is positive.

The only thing I am concerned about is I think I might be better suited with a stainless steel system. I live in Maine and we typically have long winters and do not spare the road salt so corrosion is a concern. In fact, during winter I hit the spray wash once a week and spend more time washing under the truck than anywhere else. I believe my stock muffler & tailpipe are stainless.

So the options are:

1.) Go for the $450 Flowmaster system and sacrifice the better corrosion resistance of the stock system

2.) Don’t do anything and leave well enough alone and keep the money towards the compact tractor I am saving for

3.) Spring for the extra $$$ for a stainless aftermarket system. I see a Gibson and a Magnaflow system for around $525. Anyone have any opinions on these in regards to sound/performance? This is the option I am leaning towards. I can’t afford $850-900 for Corsa or Borla.

I’m open to suggestions, thanks.

TNDave · January 13, 2007

I have the Flowmaster set up on my 03 ext cab 4x4 and i love it. It has a alum coating on it, but may not hold up well where you are. So, I would go for one of the other systems that you mentioned...unless of course you need that tractor to clear your driveway this winter

Clavin78 · January 13, 2007

I'd say go with #2...if not find a local dealer that does custom jobs

dewfpo · January 13, 2007

What are you hoping for with the addtition of this system. If it's for sound and looks, go for it. If its for performance or mpg gains, buy the tractor.

DEWFPO

Buggle_96 · January 13, 2007

What are you hoping for with the addtition of this system. If it's for sound and looks, go for it. If its for performance or mpg gains, buy the tractor.

DEWFPO

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Which exhaust setup have you had that you lost power with? Just curious.

With my Flowmaster 17362 kits I added little low end. Kit comes with a 50 series suv muffler and a resonator. Really a good sounding system. I think it was around 350 shipped from summit...

ZZebes · January 13, 2007

I love my magnaflow, it sounds really mean when you romp on it. trust me i heard it on the dyno. but it is really well mannered and sings to you during regular driving

dewfpo · January 14, 2007

Virtually all of the cat-back systems I have seen dyno'd produce more power in 3000+ rpm range. That's typically not where most drivers run their engines, except for WOT runs. Some folks say they gain 1-2 mpg, most say they don't gain anything. All I'm saying is, it's not money well spent for the mpg gain, or the HP gain unless you run high rpm often. If your doing it for the sound and the looks, well, it's hard to put a number on that.

DEWFPO

whmayhew · January 14, 2007

You can get a stainless Magnaflow from Performance Peddler (an ebay store) for $400 shipped to your door. I bought two last year and was very pleased with them. It takes about two hours to take the old one off in one piece and install the new one. I also live in Maine.

Tyler_LS1 · January 14, 2007

I got a custom True Dual set up with Twin Magnaflows for $400 installed.

its all stainless steel but the mufflers are not polished.

I am very pleased with it.

Magnaflows also Flow VERY well compared to most systems because of the Strait Through design.

BurbanZ71 · January 15, 2007

Got a magnaflow cat back on my Burb - sounds great.

If I were to do it again I would say get only the muffler.

The stock pipes are stainless so no sense pulling out a good quality stainless system if it is in good shape.

del91574 · January 16, 2007

I'm in the same boat, can't decide what to do for my truck. I don't want to sacrifice low end.

I need to have SS everything (NE) and I'm not sure if I like Magnaflow compared to the Corsa's. Can't see myself wanting flows.

Also can't decide for single output, dual behind wheel (Corsa) or duals out back. I think I'm liking how mellow the Corsa's sound without the rasp, but it's tough to tell with clips.

07 CC classic body, 5.3, any suggestions?

WindyCityPilot · January 16, 2007

I just had a new Magnaflow 12589 stainless muffler welded into my stock system. I also had a Magnaflow 4" stainless tip welded on. Sounds great. Nice sound at startup...slightly louder than stock at idle and cruise...no interior resonance....and sounds nice and mean when you step on it. Cost me about $100 for the muffler and tip from Performance Peddler and $60 for the install.

Can't beat it!

99Silver6.0 · January 17, 2007

PeterC38,

Please look at this thread.

http://www.performancetrucks.net/forums/sh...397#post3538397

Here is that link.

http://paceperformance.com/index.asp?PageA...n=Custom&ID=607

tcas1355 · January 17, 2007

I have a Gibson catback system. The truck had it when I bought it. I love the sound, and I live in Western Ny, so salt is also a problem here and the exhaust seems to be holding up very well. Both pipes exit the passenger side.

mkimber · January 18, 2007

I have a Gibson catback system. The truck had it when I bought it. I love the sound, and I live in Western Ny, so salt is also a problem here and the exhaust seems to be holding up very well. Both pipes exit the passenger side.

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I beleive that is the Gibson supertruck exhaust. I've been looking into getting the same one. I was worried that it might be too loud. I don't want it droning in the cab when I'm on a road trip. How loud is yours when cruising or WOT? I'm not doing headers or anything else, just want the sound.

Thanks, Matt