Changing Exhaust

69BOWTIE · January 9, 2008

I am going to change my exhaust on my Tahoe from a single 3" to a single /dual out what is better to run the dual a 2 1/2" or 2 1/4".It would be easier to route the 2 1/4" than the other would that be the only differance.

BSsil · January 9, 2008

well typically a bigger exhast (diameter) means more top end, there for smaller is more bottom...but going from 2-1/4 to 2.5 isnt a huge diff... esp with duals, and that big a pipe already...

personally i hate dual, for one i think there pointless, just makes more twists and turns for the exhast to get out.... and think of it this way... a single 3 inch... would technically mean (if there was 2, they could be 1.5 inches a piece.. and have the same air volume as the 3 inch single system) so by having duals, that are 2-1/4, or 2.5 each... total up to 5 inch (when combined) would mean, in theory.. alot mroe top end... and you would loose on the bottom...and 2nd i think there ugly, esp when they are duals strait out the back.... just my 2 cents...

so i would think that you should save that money, and buy something else for you truck... now i havent seen a dyno compairison of the 2 systems... but just thinking out my ass... thats what i figure the result would be... but thats coming from a guy that doesnt like duals..just not my cup of tea.

i race motocross also, and honda tried the dual exhast approach on there bikes (still comes stock on 250fs)... but its proven on dyno that its worse... the single system alows the bikes to rev alot higher, and smoother... and it adds more power. even though on a bike, the system is much more compact....but i would still think that some of this could possibly cross over to a truck system.

and wait... doesnt it split after the muffler to? to me thats pointless to... i could see if it split, then had 2 seperate mufflers (keeping noise down, if you care) then staying split from there... i dunno... im just rambling at this point... hahah i guess ill stop... pointless post, sorry! haah

Darkanion · January 9, 2008

I am going to change my exhaust on my Tahoe from a single 3" to a single /dual out what is better to run the dual a 2 1/2" or 2 1/4".It would be easier to route the 2 1/4" than the other would that be the only differance.

I'm not sure what would be best (or easiest) with the Tahoe. Are you thinking about any other upgrades, too? For example, a tune or a cold air intake? From what I have read on here and from what I have experienced, the best results seem to come when you do the exhaust, in combination with the CAI and a tune.

I did a true-dual setup on my truck. One pipe off of each cat, through a dual-in/dual-out muffler, over the axle, and out the back. I've also added a CAI and I've done a tune (Predator, so far; maybe a custom tune later). I didn't notice a hit at all on the low end. But, the 6.2's are so torquey, to begin with, I'm not sure if "a little" in the low end would be noticeable. To me, the whole range feels stronger. It's not "oh, my God!!" stronger, but it's noticeable ... and the sound is great!

For most people here, the sound and the look is more of what they're after that "true" performance. Yeah, you're going to get some modest gains. But, they're not going to be earth-shaking, ground-quaking gains. So, just go into it with those expectations and make it look and sound the way you want it and I'm sure you'll be more than pleased with it.

My last bit of advice would be to find some local muffler guys to talk to. I'd probably steer clear of the chains and of places with "performance" in their names. The chains are mainly there to serve soccer moms and the more sedate crowd. The performance places are probably going to talk you into other big changes you may not want (or be ready for). Try to find a "Joe's Muffler Shop" or some place like that, that has been around for years. Talk to a few of those places, tell them what you want, and see what they suggest. You may get a range of answers, but you're probably more likely to get real-world answers than "you HAVE to get headers" (from the performance places) or "all mufflers are the same" (from the chains).

That's my 2 cents on it... Good luck and let us know what you come up with.

ws6_guy · January 9, 2008

I would say 2.5" true duals would be good, will sound good and still maintain your low end, make sure it is H piped or X piped, H will flow more freely and give a deeper sound, as X will be louder but better for torque due to how it combines the sound & presure in a 4" center section.

As for dual systems compared to singles, well my HD had factory dual pipes under it, its supposed to be more free flowing and it certainly is. I replaced the DI/Do muffler and put two SI/SO Flowmasters in. I'm not after performance and losing low end isn't a biggie with me, I just want the nice aggressive sound and to have a real muscle car style exhaust. I also love the dual exit look on my truck, with stainless bumpers & nerf bars the tips match it very well, and look great with the specific tips I chose. My 6.0L is strong enough for me, I dont tow or work it real hard, its just my part time worker, daily driver, & fun time off roader. And Duals sound way better than any single will. Deeper toned, clearer since its more free flowing and doesn't make a small single muffler take all that exhaust force.

For example...

not trying to start anything haha just stating that duals aren't worthless. Single might be good for some power and for most peoples preferences, but theres a major sound difference between the two set ups, its all about personal preference

69BOWTIE · January 10, 2008

OK I replaced my stock dual in single out muffler about 3 yrs. ago with a 3"x28"glasspack now it is starting to burn out and get annoying (loud).I want that nice rumble and be able to hear and talk while in the cab,I help a buddy now and then on his ranch and he bought an exhaust bender from a retired shop owner.We have done several exhaust but allways replace what was there.So since I have helped him he will supply all the stuff and we r gonna redo my Tahoe in exchange for my help.I was just wondering if there was any advatages to the bigger tails .