? about catback exhaust

[ace]

I'm really trying to figure out which exhaust to go with so bear with my questions. I have a question though when a company says cat back exhaust is that really from the flange about 12 inches back from the cat back? I'm curious because the pipe from the cat to the muffler looks pretty decent in size and shape. Which leads me to think I could just replace the muffler and back and have a pretty decent exhaust.

[killian96ss]

I have a question though when a company says cat back exhaust is that really from the flange about 12 inches back from the cat back? I'm curious because the pipe from the cat to the muffler looks pretty decent in size and shape. Which leads me to think I could just replace the muffler and back and have a pretty decent exhaust.

A cat back system for our trucks is everything from the 2 bolt flange to the tailpipe. The stock pipe going into the muffler is 2-1/2" so yes it is big enough and you could just replace the muffler and tailpipe. The stock tailpipe is only 2-1/4" so this section is what you want to get rid of since it is a little restrictive. You want a muffler that is 2-1/2" I/O or 3" I/O and a tailpipe that is 2-1/2" if mandrel bent or 3" if it is bent on a standard tubing bender. Most shops have standard tubing benders that crimp the tube in order to bend it. This is why you need a 3" tube in order to end up with an effective diameter of 2-1/2" to 2-3/4". If you bend a 2-1/2" tube you will end up with a 2-1/4" tube which is just as restrictive as the stock tailpipe. I hope all this made a little bit of sense!

Steve

[ace]

I have a question though when a company says cat back exhaust is that really from the flange about 12 inches back from the cat back? I'm curious because the pipe from the cat to the muffler looks pretty decent in size and shape. Which leads me to think I could just replace the muffler and back and have a pretty decent exhaust.

A cat back system for our trucks is everything from the 2 bolt flange to the tailpipe. The stock pipe going into the muffler is 2-1/2" so yes it is big enough and you could just replace the muffler and tailpipe. The stock tailpipe is only 2-1/4" so this section is what you want to get rid of since it is a little restrictive. You want a muffler that is 2-1/2" I/O or 3" I/O and a tailpipe that is 2-1/2" if mandrel bent or 3" if it is bent on a standard tubing bender. Most shops have standard tubing benders that crimp the tube in order to bend it. This is why you need a 3" tube in order to end up with an effective diameter of 2-1/2" to 2-3/4". If you bend a 2-1/2" tube you will end up with a 2-1/4" tube which is just as restrictive as the stock tailpipe. I hope all this made a little bit of sense!

Steve

Actually it all made sense! I was trying to keep as much of the stainless steel piping as possible. I'll just replace the muffler back. I'll go with 3" piping too. Just thought of problem though probably no one makes a 2-1/2 in and 3" out so that's probably why you have to replace that intermediate pipe with 3".

[killian96ss]

Just thought of problem though probably no one makes a 2-1/2 in and 3" out so that's probably why you have to replace that intermediate pipe with 3".

Actually you can just use exhaust adapters sold at most auto parts stores. If you are having an exhaust shop do the work for you they will easily be able to put a 3" pipe on the outlet side of a 2-1/2" muffler or you can use a 3" I/O muffler and just use an adapter on the muffler inlet side. Either way it won't be a problem and there won't be any need to replace the intermediate pipe.

Steve

[jpturner928]

has anyone found a good catback dual setup for our trucks?

[BobbleSmitty]

Mine's a custom cat back dual exhuast with a V-Force muffler, 2.5" Stainless Steel pipes, and two 3" slash cut black chrome stainless steel exhaust tips. Had a local muffler shop install it for me back in December of 2004. Probably my most favorite mod yet! And yes, I can get my spare down... but it is the small donut tire, not a full size one. I didn't pay much more than $200 or so for it.


http://videos.streetfire.net/video/302F ... 4E3FA6.htm

[jpturner928]

It has a nice tone... I am hoping to do it myself if I can find a nice cat back system I like. really wanted dual but I might wait till I get the truck back to the states. Pay`n in pounds sucks it is around 1.90 exchange rate here in england

[ace]

Mine's a custom cat back dual exhuast with a V-Force muffler, 2.5" Stainless Steel pipes, and two 3" slash cut black chrome stainless steel exhaust tips. Had a local muffler shop install it for me back in December of 2004. Probably my most favorite mod yet! And yes, I can get my spare down... but it is the small donut tire, not a full size one. I didn't pay much more than $200 or so for it.


http://videos.streetfire.net/video/302F ... 4E3FA6.htm

That's a really nice set-up and I see you went with stainless pipes too. I'm getting quoted over $425 for something like that with aluminized pipes.

[ZR5OnIt]

This looks interesting. Price is pretty decent, course you gotta install it yourself. Has anybody get theirs done at a shop for less than this?

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cst/0105.html

[jpturner928]

I was reading about that system on Stylinconcepts.com. I wonder how it sounds. I might have to give it a go

[quickbiker]

Mine's a custom cat back dual exhuast with a V-Force muffler, 2.5" Stainless Steel pipes, and two 3" slash cut black chrome stainless steel exhaust tips. Had a local muffler shop install it for me back in December of 2004. Probably my most favorite mod yet! And yes, I can get my spare down... but it is the small donut tire, not a full size one. I didn't pay much more than $200 or so for it.


http://videos.streetfire.net/video/302F ... 4E3FA6.htm

That is sweeet! Chevy 4.3's always sound great, better than any other V6's!