exhaust?

builder26 · Post by **builder26** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 5:37 pm

what is the best exhaust for my 01 gibson ? or flowmaster ? I am looking to buy soon and how hard is it to install aftermarket headers

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 6:36 pm

What do you plan to do with your truck?

If you plan to install a body lift, headers are not an option. If you want to have a shop do a cat back, you could save some money.

blackZR5 · Post by **blackZR5** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:16 pm

i'm with henry. flowmaster 40 with 3" tail pipe

nice deep tone, but not loud at all... just kinda purrs

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:32 pm

blackZR5 wrote:i'm with henry. flowmaster 40 with 3" tail pipe...........

Delta flowmaster

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:41 pm

Personally I do think the 3" catback and a delta flow muffler is the "sweet spot" for our 4.3L

There have been a few install the Gibson system. It may be the only true bolt in system. Try a search for "Gibson" and you will find some good reading.

builder26 · Post by **builder26** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 3:58 am

not planning to lift just want some extra horsepower for towing and plowing I'm the only one stupid enough to run a 6'9" fisher mm but in my defense i rebuilt the front end to handle it .... somewhat

blackZR5 · Post by **blackZR5** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:33 am

f9k9 wrote:
blackZR5 wrote:i'm with henry. flowmaster 40 with 3" tail pipe...........
Delta flowmaster

yes

i forgot there are 2 different ones... i got the delta

builder26 · Post by **builder26** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:12 pm

i can get a gibson catback for $290 or is having a shop make a 3" catback with a delta flow going to be cheaper ... by the way just installed k&n intake sounds like my truck can finally breath

Post by **HenryJ** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:20 pm

I paid under $200

blackZR5 · Post by **blackZR5** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:25 pm

HenryJ wrote:I paid under $200

i could only find 1 shop in town with 3" pipe and the capability to bend it over my axle... $250 out the door for me

i woudl say you got one helluva deal

Post by **HenryJ** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:36 pm

Still less and you get much bigger pipe.

Read these threads: Exhaust sounds and Exhaust tips

HenryJ wrote:The thing to worry about would be lifespan. If you do not drive far enough regularly to warm the system and burn out the condensation. That is a good reason to use the SS pipes.

Systems performance will differ with driving habits, terrain, and geographical location.
Unprotected pipe may last a long time in a desert environment, if you drive far enough to burn out the condensation. The same pipe might not last a year where humidity is high and short trips are the norm.

Some things I know I have said before. Bigger or multiple pipes take longer to heat. Gasses move faster over a hot surface than a cold one. That means a smaller single pipe could actually be better than a bigger one or duals.

It is a tough balancing act. I would quiz the local guru at your muffler shop. He will know what works for your area...

Each system can have it's own dynamics and each piece can change the overall tone.

It is much the same as any brass instrument. Length, diameter, and muffling devices change the sound. Press the keys on a trumpet to lengthen the pipe and change the sound. Change the size of the pipe to a tuba and the tone deepens, Add a large bell for a tip, like the flugel horn or smaller one like a coronet. The sound changes again.

Your exhaust is much the same. How do you want your instrument to sound?

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:52 pm

HenryJ wrote:I paid under $200

X2! I was worried about aluminized versus stainless for my weather with only five miles to work. Not a problem 4 yrs later.

24digger · Post by **24digger** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 2:31 pm

My gibson is aluminized, it was ten years before the muffler rusted at the inlet

all-gm · Post by **all-gm** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 8:54 am

Has anyone seen an improvement in mileage and/or performance after installing the Gibson cat back system? Is there any resonance in the cab?

24digger · Post by **24digger** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 11:44 am

I have no resonance in the cab. No real milage improvements, but not sure.

I do have headers also, my 95Z gets between 15 and 20 depending on how much highway driving I do.

all-gm · Post by **all-gm** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 3:46 pm

Thanks.
I’m getting 19-21 on my weekly commute with the stock exhaust.

I’m just trying to decide if it going to be worth the money installing a cat-back system.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:40 pm

all-gm wrote:.............I’m getting 19-21 on my weekly commute with the stock exhaust.............

Be thankful and say thank you to the S-10 gods. You ain't gonna improve that mpg with anything short of being towed on a trailer!

builder26 · Post by **builder26** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 11:46 am

I get 19-20 mpg whats the norm for the cc ? Just put on gibson exhaust sounds great ! I also took a look at the stock muffler WOW talk about choking the engine . Any ideas on where i should dump my money for hp gains ??

04crewvt · Post by **04crewvt** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 2:39 pm

I would kill to get that mileage, most of us don't break 18 drafting semi's with a tailwind.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 4:15 pm

all-gm wrote:Thanks.
I’m getting 19-21 on my weekly commute with the stock exhaust.............

Makes sense now!

The only 20 mpg I got in my ZR2 was next door in IN. Unless he is is SE OH, it is flatter than a pancake.