Walker BTM now and 4" later?
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
Walker BTM now and 4" later?
Trying to figure out the best path to go. I have the muffler still boxed and on the back seat. I do plan on towing a larger trailer (RV) in a couple of years.
I want a deeper sounding freer flowing exhaust. Overall the 4" wins (lower EGT etc, etc) but I'd rather not spend $$$ for something I "plan" to do vice being able to get an improvement now for a little over $100. I have read of those who were unhappy with the BTM, ended up buying a 4"+ and now have the muffler gathering dust in the garage.
Thoughts? Is anyone out there really happy with the BTM or didn't mind investing twice in their exhaust system?
Thanks,
Reg
I want a deeper sounding freer flowing exhaust. Overall the 4" wins (lower EGT etc, etc) but I'd rather not spend $$$ for something I "plan" to do vice being able to get an improvement now for a little over $100. I have read of those who were unhappy with the BTM, ended up buying a 4"+ and now have the muffler gathering dust in the garage.
Thoughts? Is anyone out there really happy with the BTM or didn't mind investing twice in their exhaust system?
Thanks,
Reg
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 573
Likes: 38
From: Carthage, Mo
I have the BTM & like it overall. Not too obnixious but nice turbo whistle. There is a little drone in the cab at highway speeds, but I usually have the windows down & it's not a problem. I'm not sure how much drone you would have with a straight pipe.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 1
Does the Walker BTM do much to decrease EGTs? What about straight-piping stock exhaust? I'm dying to get a tuner for my truck, but can't afford all the mods that everyone says I need to do it correctly (4" or larger exhaust, guages, etc.) I have done the kwik filter as an inexpensive way to improve intake, but am trying to find a way to do the tuner without breaking the bank or breaking my truck. Thanks.
Last edited by Robert6401; Jul 26, 2006 at 07:15 AM. Reason: addition
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
I think I'll have the muffler cut out and then listen. Granted the pipe will be much shorter but the sound should not be altogether different from full length straight piping. If I like the tone I'll have a section of pipe welded in if not the BTM can be installed.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
Likes: 12
From: 21791
actually, you wouldn't believe how much the length of pipe changes the sound. i currently have a "super-straight pipe" on my truck, and i used the flex piping from my stack kit to turn the exhaust down right below the passenger's seat. it has an extremely obnoxious whistle and the exhaust note is very "hissy", plus you get a nice howl-screech sound from the exhaust if you let out of the fuel suddenly. however it's illegal 
it is a definite change in sound from the straight pipe into a 6" megaphone tip behind the rear wheel.
it is a definite change in sound from the straight pipe into a 6" megaphone tip behind the rear wheel.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 3
Just ditch the BTM for now and straight pipe your stock system. If down the road you still need lower EGTs or want a different (deeper) sound, go with a 4" system. But there really isn't a huge difference between the two, and at least this way if you end up going to a whole new system later on, you're only out the cost to straight pipe it ($60 max if you pay to get it done).
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Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
From what I have priced out there won't be a savings going straight pipe.
The BTM cost $66 plus $50+ to install.
The pipe costs $70 plus $50+ to install.
No muffler shop I have called carries pipe that large. An International Trucks dealership here in Richmond doesn't carry pipe that small. The Ford dealership I get parts from doesn't sale pipe.
NAPA can get the pipe but it comes in 10' sections. So it looks like either way I'm out the same amount. I am trying to go about it so nothing has to be re-welded for this first stage.
I am surprised no one makes a pipe section that replaces the muffler and fits like a coupling onto the tail pipe and section forward of the muffler. Like joining two pieces of copper pipe.
Just want an authoritative growl. Not to scare the neighbors in the early AM. That's what the air horns are for.
Reg
The BTM cost $66 plus $50+ to install.
The pipe costs $70 plus $50+ to install.
No muffler shop I have called carries pipe that large. An International Trucks dealership here in Richmond doesn't carry pipe that small. The Ford dealership I get parts from doesn't sale pipe.
NAPA can get the pipe but it comes in 10' sections. So it looks like either way I'm out the same amount. I am trying to go about it so nothing has to be re-welded for this first stage.
I am surprised no one makes a pipe section that replaces the muffler and fits like a coupling onto the tail pipe and section forward of the muffler. Like joining two pieces of copper pipe.
Just want an authoritative growl. Not to scare the neighbors in the early AM. That's what the air horns are for.
Reg
Last edited by afinepoint; Jul 27, 2006 at 07:25 PM.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 3
All you need is a 3 or so foot piece of 3.5" pipe. None of the local shops you've called have even that? 
You can try checking out a diesel performance shop... they likely have leftover stock exhausts laying around after installing aftermarket ones and would probably give you a piece for free.
But shoot I guess if the only way you can get your hands on a piece of straight is to get one of the kit ones for $70 then it's a tossup between the BTM and straight based on price/sound/egt.
You could just take a sawzall, cut the muffler off, and leave it exactly like that.
You can try checking out a diesel performance shop... they likely have leftover stock exhausts laying around after installing aftermarket ones and would probably give you a piece for free.But shoot I guess if the only way you can get your hands on a piece of straight is to get one of the kit ones for $70 then it's a tossup between the BTM and straight based on price/sound/egt.
You could just take a sawzall, cut the muffler off, and leave it exactly like that.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
I ran around with the stock exhaust disconnected just before the muffler section while waiting for my cannon. It sounded great and spooled up much quicker. Nobody will argue a straight piped stock exhaust is better than the stock system. What I will say is that there is no comparison to EGTs between the stock DP and a larger aftermarket DP. Just look in my gallery for comparison pics. I too considered a Walker BTM to save money, then just plunged in head on. No regrets.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
Originally Posted by ryaneverk2
All you need is a 3 or so foot piece of 3.5" pipe. None of the local shops you've called have even that?
I'll look a little more then make a decision.
Reg
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Walker BTM from summitracing: $51.69 + $9.95 shipping = $61.64
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
Installation can be done in your driveway. If you need to have the stock hanger welded on the BTM most any shop would probably do it for $15 MAX if not free for what little welding is needed.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
Installation can be done in your driveway. If you need to have the stock hanger welded on the BTM most any shop would probably do it for $15 MAX if not free for what little welding is needed.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
You know I haven't pulled the muffler out to inspect it yet. I had assumed that it had to be welded on the inlet, outlet and hanger. As well as rotation and rewelding of the inlet pipe.
I'd like to cut the old muffler out and do a temp pipe installation to see if I like the straight pipe sound. If so I'll return the BTM and order permanent pipe if not removed the temp and install the BTM.
Any ideas for temporary pipe?
Reg
I'd like to cut the old muffler out and do a temp pipe installation to see if I like the straight pipe sound. If so I'll return the BTM and order permanent pipe if not removed the temp and install the BTM.
Any ideas for temporary pipe?
Reg
Last edited by afinepoint; Jul 28, 2006 at 06:44 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
Flex pipe and a pair of clamps. Other than that, find a local shop that carries 3.5 pipe and have it installed or DIY.
Edit; Oh yeah, a local salvage yard is also an option. Get the OEM pipe from another truck. Just the section between the DP and the muffler should work out fine. SS too.
Edit; Oh yeah, a local salvage yard is also an option. Get the OEM pipe from another truck. Just the section between the DP and the muffler should work out fine. SS too.
Last edited by Tenn01PSD350; Jul 28, 2006 at 11:23 AM.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
Originally Posted by Tenn01PSD350
Flex pipe and a pair of clamps. Other than that, find a local shop that carries 3.5 pipe and have it installed or DIY.
Edit; Oh yeah, a local salvage yard is also an option. Get the OEM pipe from another truck. Just the section between the DP and the muffler should work out fine. SS too.
Edit; Oh yeah, a local salvage yard is also an option. Get the OEM pipe from another truck. Just the section between the DP and the muffler should work out fine. SS too.
Reg