Pardon me in advance for length.

I just installed a Volant and am ready to tackle the exhaust. I am looking for performance only, gas mileage and overall power increase without sacrificing low end torque.

I got under the truck a while back and noted the following... 2 cats on 2 1/2" pipes that merge into a 2 1/2" single pipe going into the stock muffler. 2 1/2" all the way back.

For me, that rules out cat backs. Bolting a 3" system on a 2 1/2" pipe doesn't seem to make the most sense from a power perspective. I've only talked to one shop so far but the result was discouraging. First they wanted to bolt on a cat back system. Then they discouraged me from "butchering" the Y pipe, saying I probably wouldn't gain anything. The mechanic I talked to seemed to think the dual cats are the most restrictive part of the stock system. Ok I have one opinion and am looking for other opinions, or better yet knowledge or facts.

Before I had the above conversation, I was thinking about a custom 3" mandrel bent system that eliminates the 2 1/2" Y pipe with a free flowing but relatively quiet muffler, or a true 2 1/2" dual system.

Does anyone know what the most restrictive part of the stock system is? Better yet, does anyone have a clear idea what can be done for a reaonable amount of money, say under $500, to improve overall power and fuel economy?

I can't see moving on to a tuning device until I have the engine breathing properly.

Thanks.

 

I see your thinking here, but truthfully a catback will most likely give you all the breathing needed. The only time I think a true dual setup would be beneficial would be with a more heavily modded engine.With simple boltons, air intake and tuner, a catback will be fine. But I am sure you will get varying opinions on this. The magnaflow or Borla catbacks both will give you plenty of unrestricted flow. Good Luck......

ViperFX4

 

Bolt a AeroTurbine Muffler 2525 on to your truck

 

Me personally I am going with the Aeroturbine in the stock pipes.... I think

but maybe putting a high flow 2.5 duel in 3" out "Y" and running single 3" with high flow muffler.

welding 3" pipe to the 2.5" factory Y would make no sense.

but then again having a 3" press bent system would be like having a 2.5" madrel bent system. so that puts you right back to factory with a high flow muffler.

my thoughs

 

hey 2004 screw how is your Aeroturbine? what did you see with it?

 

Cats used to be the most restrictive part of the exhaust system. Their technology is better these days, and they do flow more. 2.5" cats arent bad at all. I would just swap out to a 3" catback. The only other step past that is headers, but they normally shift your powerband higher up the rpm range. I would not plan on gaining any substantive mpg with an exhaust swap.

 

Your best bolt on is in fact a tuner for that kind of money. Some people might tell you 'oh, but you will just be bottlenecking all that power with the stock exhaust'. I have a Superchips tuner on mine, and it makes quite a bit more power over stock...with the stock exhaust system. Not only did I gain power, and throttle response, but I did gain a full mpg. My father gained two on his V10. You will not get those gains with a catback swap or even messing with your catalytic convertors.

 

My greatest need for power is towing an 8,300 lb 5th wheel. While towing I get between 6 and 8 mpg. There ain't no way I'm going to go to premium gas while towing. I may consider a dual fuel tuner once I've decided what to do about the exhaust.

Enjoy.

 

I had a flowmaster 40 on frist... wife and kids 2 grils did not like the drone on the freeway so i went to AerioTurbine 2525 and i was pleased nomore drone and a littile more power down low and maybe .9 mpg incress i also had the Volant Intake And Diablo Predator it was 04 XLT Screw 4.6 traded that in on the 3rd for 04 lariat 4x4 Screw i will keep my stock exhaust this time i have all the power i need

 

Agreed. I was going to look for or have manufactured a 3" collector for the two 2 1/2" pipes coming from the cats. Then a 3" mandrel system would make sense.

If I'm going to stay with the 2 1/2" collector then I see no reason for a 3" catback system. To my mind, a high flow muffler on the factory pipes would give you practically the same benefit a 1/4 the cost.

Enjoy.

 

Why AreoTurbine? Magna Flow = $88 delivered. AeroTurbine = $192 + shipping.

What made you pay over $100 more for the AT?

 

I really enjoyed the sound of the AerioTurbine the harder you step on the gas the louder it got but only under WOT just Driveing down the highway you could hardly hear it.
I did not like sound of the folwmaster low RPM s it was loud and had a lota drone in the cab and I payed 225.00 Installed for the Aero Turbine In Van Nuys Ca

 

Thanks. I've decided on a muffler only. Since I'm interested primarily in gas mileage and low end torque, there doesn't seem to be a reason to spend more for a system designed for other goals.

 

I am installing the Aeroturbine this week. I will see if all the claims they make are true.

I wholesale exhaust, really they all cost about the same, retail is where you are paying for the name.

MotorPsycho I think you made a good choice.

 

I ordered an AT2525 today. Patience is not one of my virtues.