Exhaust Only! Is There A Downside?

scottmoyer · May 23, 2009

I know, the exhaust topic has been brought up so often that many are sick of it, but I haven't found the answer I need yet.

I think I want the Magnaflow muffler, but I also like the sound of a Gibson Sport. I'm not looking for extra horsepower, loss of torque or anything other than sound. I've decided to stick with the single side out exhaust. I also don't want any drone. The reason for my wants, $$$. I'm interested in the sound mostly without causing interior annoyances.

I've read here that some people have done the same, just to do a full cat back later. Why? Is there a downside to just replacing the muffler? Are there any benefits?

Is there another stock pipe of a larger diameter that I can just bolt up, like say from a VortecMax or a 2500 series if I am told that I should increase the pipe size? I'm sure I'll find more questions, but bear with me as I learn this exhaust thing. Thanks everyone.

omegafiler · May 23, 2009

The advantage to a full cat-back is that you normally get larger mandrel bent pipe in addition to a free flowing muffler (normally). If you have that pipe bent at your typical exhaust shop, the bends can cause some restriction. Although in most cases the largest pipe would help offset that part of it.

Nothing wrong with just a muffler-only replacement. But most GM truck mufflers are already pretty free flowing as it is. Even if you do improve exhaust flow, any HP gains will be minimal unless you have some supporting mods that are going to really give you more HP/TQ. The main reason folks replace the muffler/exhaust is because want it louder or like the way that particular aftermarket exhaust system sounds. Or they've done some engine mods that actually NEED more exhaust flow.

Which brings us to drone. If you put a Magnaflow or just about any aftermarket muffler (other than Corsa), you WILL have drone. Period. The question is how much (depending on the muffler/engine) and how sensitive you are to drone. Larger the engine, the more drone you will have. The smaller/shorter the muffler, the louder it will be, and the more drone you will have. Once again, Corsa and Stock exhaust systems being the exception here.

Some folks simply don't notice or care about drone. But the fact that you brought it up suggest this could be a factor. Personally, I hate drone. No... I really hate drone.

So basically what I'm trying to say here is, either stay stock or go with Corsa. Good luck!

fcknmaw · May 28, 2009

I put on 2 Thrush welded mufflers a few weeks ago. There is next to no drone, and they sound terrific. My little girl sleeps right through it. I loved the Magnaflow on my other 06' but the drone was awful. Seriously, it was the best $60 I ever spent.

BuckFeverZ · May 28, 2009

I think Wayne has gotcha covered pretty well.

2007VictoryRed · June 3, 2009

If you want to just change the muffler go with corsa they now just sell the mufflers.

hivoltg · June 3, 2009

I just had my Magnaflow weld in muffler installed yesterday morning and I love it. You can hear it in 1st and 2nd gear but once you are in drive or at cruising speed, there is no noise inside the cab. This thing is awesome

I have an ext. cab Z 71 with the 5.3 if that makes a difference

YMMV

Volt

Mark_in_Tulsa · June 3, 2009

I just had my Magnaflow weld in muffler installed yesterday morning and I love it. You can hear it in 1st and 2nd gear but once you are in drive or at cruising speed, there is no noise inside the cab. This thing is awesome
I have an ext. cab Z 71 with the 5.3 if that makes a difference

YMMV

Volt

Do you know which one you got? Part number?

jvmorgan · June 4, 2009

Good to hear you found a muffler that you like...that takes a while to find the right price and sound and durability for what you are looking for..post some videos so we can hear it.

Justin

hivoltg · June 4, 2009

I don't have a way to post video yet, but I hope to soon.

I'm unsure of the part number, but I'll find out for you. My buddy owns the exhaust shop so i can ask him tomorrow. That was a big plus, I got to hear a lot of differetn weld-ins before I chose mine.

hivoltg · June 5, 2009

I just had my Magnaflow weld in muffler installed yesterday morning and I love it. You can hear it in 1st and 2nd gear but once you are in drive or at cruising speed, there is no noise inside the cab. This thing is awesome
I have an ext. cab Z 71 with the 5.3 if that makes a difference

YMMV

Volt

Do you know which one you got? Part number?

It is a Magnaflow 12259 offset 3"

Hope this helps

jaslo · June 5, 2009

I just had my Magnaflow weld in muffler installed yesterday morning and I love it. You can hear it in 1st and 2nd gear but once you are in drive or at cruising speed, there is no noise inside the cab. This thing is awesome
I have an ext. cab Z 71 with the 5.3 if that makes a difference

YMMV

Volt

Do you know which one you got? Part number?

It is a Magnaflow 12259 offset 3"

Hope this helps

So, you don't get a annoying drone with this muffler?

hivoltg · June 6, 2009

I just had my Magnaflow weld in muffler installed yesterday morning and I love it. You can hear it in 1st and 2nd gear but once you are in drive or at cruising speed, there is no noise inside the cab. This thing is awesome
I have an ext. cab Z 71 with the 5.3 if that makes a difference

YMMV

Volt

Do you know which one you got? Part number?

It is a Magnaflow 12259 offset 3"

Hope this helps

So, you don't get a annoying drone with this muffler?

A little bit in 1st and 2nd, but you're not in 1st and 2nd long. After the tranny hits Drive, it sounds like a stock truck on the inside of the cab. It still has a nice deep rumble in Drive and OD but you can't hear it inside the cab

Hope this helps

VOLT