Hey Folks,

Starting to do my homework on a replacement exhaust. From what I was told the truck had a new down pipe installed (if I remember correctly the factory exhaust was rather restrictive) but I don't know what size pipe was actually used. Assuming the "new" pipe is better than stock I was thinking of a stainless 4" cat-back exhaust. The cat was actually replaced with a straight pipe and I believe it's got a flange connection so I can pretty much un-bolt and go (or cut and go...we all know that simply unbolting exhaust parts is a non-existent thing).

The question is should I go for a cat back or do I make the investment (its more of a time investment rather cost) and go with a full turbo-back system? I personally don't want to be bothered with a turbo back as removing the down pipe will most likely be a knuckle-busting, time consuming b*tch of a job. If it's going to be THAT big of an improvement maybe I'll consider it. The truck is pretty much stock and my future improvements only entail a mild tune for daily driven use.

Does anyone run and muffler or resonator and should I? If I don't will the exhaust drone be obnoxious in the cab? I believe I have a factor exhaust with what looks like a resonator. The engine itself it far louder than the exhaust note. Just curious.

Also are more aftermarket kits pretty much a bolt in application?

Thanks for any input!

 

I know there are some new exhaust laws up in new jersey, you should be sure to check in on them.

They ran a camera down a buddies exhaust and ticketed him cause he had a fake cat on.

 

WOW get out!!!...Actually I shouldn't be totally surprised in this "Nanny State" where I currently reside. They're more concerned with smog than safety of other vehicles on the road. I see so many vehicles with misaligned head lights (that would have been issued a big fat rejected sticker a few years back) I can only imagine who's riding around with no brakes, bald tires, etc.

Do you know what year his truck is? Diesel?

My truck had never been emissions tested and when the state did away with the safety inspections I just scraped my sticker off and haven't been to an inspection station since!

I will keep that in mind in the event I have to go.

 

Checking the down pipe is one of two things. If its round, your good to go. If its flat then that's the restrictive stock down pipe. Leaving the muffler on is no big deal, they are not that restrictive. If you have to have a cat on to pass emissions test, gut it and put it on. I see no way they can tell if its 'fake'. A diesel exhaust system is much easier to take apart then a gasser but depends on rust I guess. If your getting a new 4" exhaust then use band clamps to put it together, that way you can take it apart much easier if you want to change things around.

 

That is a good one. My buddy is a DOT cop in NJ and he has never heard of such a thing.
Especially since diesel pickups over 10k dont have emissions