I am going to run true duals from the cat back...sounds like this will give me some improvement...does it matter what muffler I use? I was thinking of going with the flowmaster...but my local exhaust shop has a generic.."Flow-Threw"...that he says is just as good and sounds better than the Flowmaster...he says he will sell me the Flowmaster but believes I would be happier with the much cheaper and better generic...will the muffler selection actually accent the duals as far as performance?

Last question, Is a drop in K & N air filter as good as buying the whole kit? Whats the difference?

I dont think I want to buy the chip, sounds expensive and hard to install, besides, It sounds like it could void the factory warrany. It probably sounds like Im cheap, but I have no quaums about spending money on my truck, I just want to be happy with the result.

Thanks guys, you have truly been helpful...this is my only outlet for asking questions...yall make it worth while!

 

I'm no expert, but it seems that the type and brand of muffler does make a difference in all kinds of different categories. You have sound, low end perf, high end perf, quality, etc........

Then there is the whole issue on backpressure. Some muffs create more, some less. Backpressure is good for low end perf, but bad for high end perf. Pipe diameter also plays a big role. Too big and you lose low end, too small high end.........

It's really about compromise. How do you want your truck to perform? Do you tow or haul? Drag race? Just cruise? Wanna wake the neighbors?

Personally, I got my truck to use as a truck, so I need low end perf. I also didn't want a loud "bubba" sounding truck either, but needed some hint of V8 rumble. I settled on the Gibson Swept Side (it's a 3" SI/SO setup, exits behind the rear tire). It's not a stump puller, but it's better then stock. The sound will not raise the dead, but it's enough to tell it's not stock.

I also just have the drop in K&N filter. The FIPK kits are nice and all, but again, it has to do with compromise. The ones I've seen have an open element in the engine compartment. While the stock one, while restrictive, at least pulls in cold air from outside the engine compartment. From my old Hot Rod days, cold air was always better then hot air.............

Well, I've rambled on long enough. Let us know what YOUR priority is for performance and maybe we can help you narrow down your choices some. forgive me if you have already stated this someplace. I just don't recall at this time.

 

I too wish to use my vehicle for its intended purpose...a truck. Do you recommend the Gibson exhaust...how much can I expect to spend? I agree with your synopsis about the K & N, I'd rather just drop one in and have the protection and cold air intake.

Thanks Mitch, youve been very helpful.

 

Glad to help. I got my Gibson locally, but it was still $289.00. Then another $20 to have it installed. (I got lazy). It's living up to it's claims by being quiet and increasing low end power. It still has a rumble to it that lets you know it's not stock, but won't wake anyone up either....... No drone in the cab at highway speeds.

If duals are just what you have to have, then Gibson makes them too. Not sure on the cost, but I'd say they cost a bit more too. They can go straight out the back or out the side(s). If you tow alot, you may not want the straight ones.

Most seem to like the Flowmasters. They have SI/DO setups and you have a wider choice for different sound levels.

The thing to remember is that you don't want to free it up too much if you want to maintain or even increase low end power. Sounds strange, but that's just the way it seems to work......