Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Ok I wasn't counting on more power or significantly lower EGTs. But I definately wasn't counting on higher EGTs. I just installed a Banks 4" Monster system. On my initial test drive I saw my highest manifold temps ever. The only thing I can figure is the tip is sticking out farther and the system is not breathing as well as the old one due to turbulence at high speeds (WOT in fifth) which is the only way I can get high temps. I would not expect anyone to see this if they were looking at it on a dyno because the turbulence would not exist. There is one other possibility, something is in one of the pipes. I didn't look through them all, only the muffler, and the pipes were all shipped with plastic end caps so I am not planning on taking the system back apart to look. I like the turbulence theory because I don't notice any difference until about 85 mph at which time it doesn't seem to pull as hard as it used to and the the temps start climbing faster. If I let off the fuel a little and take it to the governor and then put it back on the floor it the temps seem to be higher than before. Please excuse me for for all of the "seems like" stuff but the most important data in my test is what may jump or pull out in front of me at 100+. I am tired of getting up and down off the floor so I will probably not remove the tip for a day or two but I was wondering if anyone else had any thoughts on this.
As for the system, the quality was good although I had to bend the rod, tweek the ends of tubes so they would slip on, and the intermediate section was about 2. 5" too short. The reason may be my truck is a 96 regular cab, with no e-brake or other exhaust mods, but the system is advertised as a 98 and up. I was told this is because it does not include a catalytic convertor and legally they could not sell it as a replacement for a 96 that had a cat. Fortunately, I purchased the system for the extra cab and I had an extra section of pipe that turned out not to be so extra. It cost $30 bucks more than the standard cab model but after my experience thats the route I would recomend. With exception noted above the system is a very nice fit that clears everything including the 33" spare tire. Although I am about to do a search and see if I should be concerned about the firewall insulation starting on fire. It also rubbed the factory exhaust and that never went up in flames so I am probably safe enough.
After running a straight pipe for the last 1. 5 years and a straight pipe with no tail pipe for the last week (rusted out) I am very pleased with the relatively mild tone of the system and the stainless steel means I shoudn't have to replace it again.
As for the system, the quality was good although I had to bend the rod, tweek the ends of tubes so they would slip on, and the intermediate section was about 2. 5" too short. The reason may be my truck is a 96 regular cab, with no e-brake or other exhaust mods, but the system is advertised as a 98 and up. I was told this is because it does not include a catalytic convertor and legally they could not sell it as a replacement for a 96 that had a cat. Fortunately, I purchased the system for the extra cab and I had an extra section of pipe that turned out not to be so extra. It cost $30 bucks more than the standard cab model but after my experience thats the route I would recomend. With exception noted above the system is a very nice fit that clears everything including the 33" spare tire. Although I am about to do a search and see if I should be concerned about the firewall insulation starting on fire. It also rubbed the factory exhaust and that never went up in flames so I am probably safe enough.
After running a straight pipe for the last 1. 5 years and a straight pipe with no tail pipe for the last week (rusted out) I am very pleased with the relatively mild tone of the system and the stainless steel means I shoudn't have to replace it again.
