Sound Clip Talk
New User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 20
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I've read this forum 3 times now and I'm still not sure what to do. I am trying to significantly increase my MPG's. I have a '96 I6 EFI auto and 140,000 miles. My truck is throwing a couple codes relating to the O2 sensors, so I'm thinking about replacing cats with 1 high flow, new O2 sensors, new 3" exhaust with a glass pack. I'm not sure how loud this is going to be. This is my work truck and I dont want to pull up to a customers house with an obnoxious truck. I'm mostly concerned about fuel economy since I drive about 3-5k per month, but I do like the low rumble. Any suggestions?
New User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13
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Some guys will tell you that the cat is needed, I personally don't use one. You may need one depending on how many o2 sensors you have, and their location.
I recently put on some Raptor turbo mufflers on my truck and I love the sound, its pretty quiet, but has a good sound. Glasspacks may drone in your cab.
I recently put on some Raptor turbo mufflers on my truck and I love the sound, its pretty quiet, but has a good sound. Glasspacks may drone in your cab.
New User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13
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In my opinion and others will disagree, both cats do nothing for the engine except make it harder to breathe. If you want to keep a high flow cat, I would put on a turbo muffler or a glass pack, but for economy gains I would look into an intake, lrr tires, an aero-shell, or something to make less work for the engine.
New User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I have both cats off no codes.
Low rolling resistance tires. Not ideal for a truck but they would help
Low rolling resistance tires. Not ideal for a truck but they would help
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New User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 20
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even if its not throwing codes, wont that hurt overall fuel economy? I'm trying to get the highest mpg's possible. I tow a small trailer (around 2500lbs) once a week, so towing isnt a huge part of my truck. But like i said, I do drive a lot of miles each month.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 109
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From: springfield
depending on the codes it could be your cats are clogged. generally in mass air flow systems like the 96 efi's are, the down stream should already be a wide band. which is why liljon has no codes without his cats. fyi if you wanted to add an afr gauge just to monitor your engine ive heard thats the o2 you would want to tie into.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 109
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From: springfield
removing the cats will NOT hurt your mpgs and will improve exhaust flow... the first o2 is a narrow band... all it does is tell the computer rich or lean right now for immediate changes to fuel trim.... wide band is kinda like a slower sweep that helps determine over all trim and monitor emission... get rid of the cats if you can, i.e. no emissions inspection... if you need one on your truck there are several high flow after market cats that are still budget friendly.