2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 5" exhaust overkill?

[ANicklas]

Hi Guys-
I recently purchased my truck after spending plenty of time researching stuff on the TDR, so thanks a lot for what I found.
Anyway, I knew I would need a new exhaust system soon (six winters in upstate NY), but it turns out I need it a little sooner than expected - my tailpipe fell off the other day (literally hanging off - a light kick removed it), and the rest of the system is pretty well rotted out.
Right now, my truck is completely stock - I'm thinking that hopefully soon (as money allows) I'll start with a BHAF, some gauges and then some sort of programmer - so I was wondering if there would be any downsides to going straight to 5" turbo-back, as opposed to 4"? I figure that if I'm already going stainless, why not just buy the 5" right now, instead of a year or two (or three) down the line?
I obviously still have a lot to learn about these trucks, but I've been trying to search for some info, and haven't really quite come across this question... .

Thanks in advance,
aleksei

2001 2500 4x4 CTD, 6spd, x-cab, LWB

 

[SnoKing]

If your ego says that you need a 5" exhaust then go for it. Your truck does not need it. 4" will handle anything that you will drive on the street. For most people the stock system is fine. Look at the 4" Magnaflow SS system. Reducing EGT towing is the biggest reason to go bigger than stock and that ego thing also. SNOKING

 

[Dodoro]

OOH RAH !!!! and SEMPER FI

It's not going to hurt power or fuel mileage putting on a 5" system, like SNOKING said 4" is usually all we ever need.



But 5" would look cool , how about stacks ???

 

[CogginsP]

OOH RAH !!!! and SEMPER FI

It's not going to hurt power or fuel mileage putting on a 5" system, like SNOKING said 4" is usually all we ever need.



But 5" would look cool , how about stacks ???

SEM PER FI, didn't know we had other Marines at the TDR :-laf

 

[bmoeller]

I went from the stock exhaust to 5" (turbo back). EGT only dropped 50*, but it did help spool up. Very slight mileage gain.

Will probably need a resonator. Bought a Dynaflex resonator from IOWA80. COM - Trucking Accessories for Kenworth Peterbilt Freightliner Mack Volvo International - IOWA80. COM I had a REALLY bad drone on the interstate.

No need for the resonator with my stacks.

 

[OPoole]

Go 4" much better fit, Also easier to work around your trans if you have to.

The down pipe will be 4" on both kits.

 

[CochranD]

go for the 5

Yeah, the down pipe is 4 inch on both but you dont get the looks with the smaller pipes. Someone asked me in a parking lot why my exhaust was so large, and I replyed "to let all the pollution out"

Grand Rock makes great stack kits also.

 

[ANicklas]

Thanks for the replies everyone - and a big Oohrah to my dysfunctional brothers out there :-laf

OOH RAH !!!! and SEMPER FI

It's not going to hurt power or fuel mileage putting on a 5" system, like SNOKING said 4" is usually all we ever need.



But 5" would look cool , how about stacks ???

I don't think I could quite do stacks right now - for those not in the military, our pay pretty much sucks, and I would feel quite dumb driving around with stack/s and nothing to back them up... . some day, though... .

I guess in the end anything is better than stock (or what's left of it) - at least there wouldn't be any downsides to going 5" - it'll kind of depend on how much I can manage to spend/blow on it. I'm leaning towards MBRP; haven't heard anything bad about them, and so far everyone seems pretty happy.

OPoole - it seems like there's a ton of space under the truck, but maybe I'll mock up something with cardboard tubes or whatever to see how large it might be. If people can fit 6", I should be able to manage to wedge in 5".

 

[OPoole]

Your fit will be around the spare tire and right rear shock. Yes a 5" kit with a 5" to 6" tip would get you looks or 6" or 7" stacks would also.

 

[SnoKing]

You will notice the size more than anyone else. If size matters, then live with the installation issues, or just get a quality 4" system that bolts right in. Many have drone issues.



My Magnaflow SS 4" bolted right in and their SS muffler is only slightly louder than a stock truck. Nice mellow sound. It has been on the truck for around 4 years and has not got much louder.



But! It sounds like size matters!!!! SNOKING

 

[Forrest Nearing]

5" sounds best



I ran 5" w/ a 285 spare in the stock location.



next truck I get is getting 5" too

 

[JFulford]

5" Exhaust

I've got an '02 shortbed with a 5" FBD(with muffler). I couldn't get my spare to fit afterwards(stock).

Sounds great but does have a drone at around 2100.

Got about 1mpg better with it.

Overall, I like the system. Two of us installed it in about 2 hours.

(we tried to keep the old system intact; big mistake).

Jeff

 

[OPoole]

Thats the same kit as my 5" budget kit the fit is not bad for the money. .

MBRP has a better fit plus the hangers are welded to the system.

 

[SnoKing]

Removal = sawsall. SNOKING

 

[Kennywould]

Removal = sawsall. SNOKING

Exactly! best tool ever invented! :-laf Ken

 

[BTighe]

i would stick to a good cheap 4" system and spend the balance one some guages

 

[Forrest Nearing]

the balance isn't going to buy you gauges

 

[ANicklas]

Maybe I could buy myself an egt probe... .

 

[cArNiVaLwOrKeR]

i wanna know if anyone regrets the noise drone or anything else associated w/5inch straight, and whats the sound difference of 4 inch straight?

 

[MRiley]

i wanna know if anyone regrets the noise drone or anything else associated w/5inch straight, and whats the sound difference of 4 inch straight?

Regret is such a strong word! I have a 4in straight. I like it. But it is loud. The draw back is towing my 5er and pulling a big hill. There is a definate drone in the cab. It gets Loud! I have thought about putting in a muffler but I just like it too much when the truck is empty. I picked up about 1mpg and the turbo spooled much faster. I think that is worth the increased volume.