To consider

There are some exhaust theories that you may want to read and some sound clips of a true dual exhaust. Sometimes a well researched system can be done cheap with excellent custom quality.

For what it's worth, I went with a Flowmaster 50 and a custom system. Dual in, single out. I looked at the truck while it was up on the rack. The fella who did my system is an old-fashioned hotrodder like me and we ran through the possibilities.

For my '04 crew cab anyway, it worked out like this: The left exhaust would have to go almost twice the distance as the right in order to clear everything adequately - so that means there's a lot more back pressure on that side, and trying to relieve it with an x-pipe is self-defeating. What I'd end up with is a single-and-a-half exhaust. Sure, twin pipes look cooler (and I really wanted twin outs), but I had to 'get real': the left one wouldn't be doing much for all the money (time) it would take to bend and weld it. In older systems using steel pipe this means a rust-out in a couple years or so.

We solved this by using the FM 50 with 2 1/2" dual in and 3" single out. The muffler is pretty much in the same spot as the old one, (giving it plenty of space around it for cooling) and the FM provides the needed crossover flow internally. The output is brought out between the rear wheel and the bumper and hidden in the fender - it shoots out at a 30-degree angle to the ground and the truck so it goes out the side and not out the back. (I didn't want a chrome tip to give things away. I want to totally humiliate that local idiot with a Tundra.)

The sound is GREAT. It has that nice deep rumbly tone in the low RPMs and it's actually quieter on the highway. The power difference is quantifiable: the truck will lock the torque converter at 40 and will accelerate from that -fully locked- with a light foot on the gas. It will also tend to hold lock when accelerating at highway speed. This is actually better than it would do when I would run a tank of Super through it.

And the cost? I got this all done for about $385.

Hope this helps. Some stuff to think about from a former Journeyman and old-fashioned hotrodder.

 

the only thing i got out of this question i asked to start the thread was that there are many kits to choose from, and that muffler choice makes the sound differences. thanks for those who tried to help, but i don't wanna just go in someplace and say "i'll take that one" off the rack without knowing what i'm getting. what i'm trying to avoid is buying a crappy set-up, and having other truck guys hear my truck and go "he's an idiot for buying that crappy exhaust system". too bad there's not a place i can go to see and hear what these systems look and sound like

Check out www.usantonio.com/ractive_exhaust.htm There are some exhaust theories that you may want to read and some sound clips of a true dual exhaust. Sometimes a well researched system can be done cheap with excellent custom quality.

You are on the right tract asking questions and learning from success and failures of others. Good luck

 

thank you kslicker...sounds about right for what i'm lookin for. critter

 

the only thing i got out of this question i asked to start the thread was that there are many kits to choose from, and that muffler choice makes the sound differences. thanks for those who tried to help, but i don't wanna just go in someplace and say "i'll take that one" off the rack without knowing what i'm getting. what i'm trying to avoid is buying a crappy set-up, and having other truck guys hear my truck and go "he's an idiot for buying that crappy exhaust system". too bad there's not a place i can go to see and hear what these systems look and sound like

I like the flowmaster 70 series myself. Some guys don't think there load enough. I think they sound great! throaty but not load enough to wake the neighbor hood up.. I ran a "not true dual system" . I bought a 70 series muffler with two outlets. Gives you the dual look but with only 1 muffler. Had it done at a custom shop shotgun style. They put chrome tips barely sticking out the back. I love the way it looks and sounds. I'll try to put up picks soon... Cost me $300

 

There are lots of posts here with sound clips, perhaps that can help you narrow your search.

 

the only thing i got out of this question i asked to start the thread was that there are many kits to choose from, and that muffler choice makes the sound differences. thanks for those who tried to help, but i don't wanna just go in someplace and say "i'll take that one" off the rack without knowing what i'm getting. what i'm trying to avoid is buying a crappy set-up, and having other truck guys hear my truck and go "he's an idiot for buying that crappy exhaust system". too bad there's not a place i can go to see and hear what these systems look and sound like

 

buy a packaged exhaust system, that way you only have to worry about getting it installed

flowmaster
borla
gibson
banks

plenty to choose from

 

Thank you my good man. Titan Critter I am just messing with you. What I am pointing out is that it should read "dual exhaust".

the professor is at it again.....you can't get anything pass him

 

Hey may be down with pneumonia, but he's still the professor!

Thank you my good man. Titan Critter I am just messing with you. What I am pointing out is that it should read "dual exhaust".

 

What is your exhaust fighting with?

Hey may be down with pneumonia, but he's still the professor!

 

duel exhaust

What is your exhaust fighting with?

 

Hmmm... You need an X pipe and I would go dual muff. That way you have a "true dual". Exit location is up to you although the shotguns are not recommended for towing due to noise and exhaust buildup on your trailer.

No idea on cost, but you can go custom with a local shop or buy a kit. It also varies if you want mandrel vs compression bent (choice of most local shops), the type of pipe (304SS, 409SS, aluminized steel) and what kind of mufflers you use. The mufflers also will be the biggest factor in determining your sound quality.

I'm sure someone who actually knows what they are talking about will chime in here and answer your questions with knowledgable fact.