We've had guys drive to Van just for parts and tune-ups!

Ok so, i was able to get about 12' of 3" SS pipe for free... so im not going to complain about the size. I was just wondering now, for everyone thats done their exhaust, did you completely remove your muffler and catalytic converter? or did you just make it fit by cutting into them?

I didn't know the 2.5 came with a CAT. Mine only came with a resonator and a muffler.
Just remember to make the tip face a little bit down, it kills off most of the unwanted exhaust noise.

O, it probably doesnt. I just looked underneath real quick and saw a muffler and another box, didnt really put any thought into what it was. I might just take the pipe to an exhaust place and get them to put it all together properly. should be cheaper now that I dont have to pay for all that stainless.

i ran straight pipe. it sounds good.

How loud is it? Annoying loud? Nice rumble? Will it blow the eardrums when just cruising around town with the windows down? Notice much power or EGT improvement?

ya im gettin mine done tomorrow morning, im puttin a long resonator in it just in case its too loud. Have to go 2.5", 3" is too tight. Im just trading in my free 3" for a bit of a discount. Ill let you know tomorrow how it sounds/improves HP.

Ok so its done. the guy didnt bend down the tailpipe, but with the resonator, the exhaust makes virtually no noise. As for the horsepower, I am a little disappointed but I desperately need to clean my injectors before I make any conclusions. I also havent taken it on the highway yet or even driven it around much, so time will tell. 600 after taxes.

Everyone is different in how they have done theirs. I ran 2.5 " with no resonator and a fully welded high flow muffler. Less loud in the cab now than the old stock system (which had a small hole in the muffler) and throaty outside when standing behind it. The shop ran it straight out the back with no down turn. A bit of soot building up on the chrome bumper but nothing that couldn't be taken off with some work. I did notice a large power increase but it's still no rocket. The biggest thing I noticed was that my large super heavy 33 " FC II tires feel like the stocker 30's the truck came with. I imagine with lighter tread, it would feel even better. Next step for me is a mandrel bent tube from the air box to the turbo to replace the rubber accordion one that is there. Probably won't make much difference in power but I love the sound of a good intake. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

The powergain is more on the torque side than in real go horsepower, on most 4cyl diesels it gives you a bit more time in every gear in uphill mostly and as for towing. Also overtaking on low revs you feel less need to downshift.