Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Today, the muffler shop completed what I started on Saturday -- installing my Diesel Dynamics 4" exhaust. We got the muffler hung and the whole thing clamped together good and tight.
Once home, I loaded up the camper (2000 Lance 1030, weight probably 4000 lbs wet) and wired up the exhaust brake.
Tonight about 6:30 PM, I headed for San Jose down I-680 in the SF Bay Area, for my week of work down there (I live in the company parking lot).
Now was the time to watch EGTs like a hawk. I decided to be good and try to keep it on cruise control the whole way. I set it at 65 mph and was able to not have to disengage the cruise except for climbing the Sunol grade, and when I exited the freeway.
First thing I noticed is that my cruise EGTs were 50-75 deg lower than before. I didn't write down exact numbers, but I'm inclined to say it's closer to 75 than to 50.
But when it was time to climb the Sunol grade did the new exhaust really shine!!
At the base of the grade, I shut off cruise and downshifted to 5th with overdrive engaged (from 6th with overdrive engaged). This gave me about 2300 RPM. I was able to maintain 65 mph up the grade at about half throttle without a problem, and my EGTs NEVER cracked 1000. The last time I climed this grade, which was last week before the exhaust, I was in 6th with OD off at about 2100 RPM, and could NOT maintain 65... it slowed to 60 despite WOT, and my temps were over 1100 (around 1140 if I remember right), until I backed off and just let it go up the grade at 55 mph (and ultimately end up in 5th).
What I don't quite understand is how this exhaust would now allow me to climb the hill at part throttle, whereas before it would lose speed? Very weird, and it's been my main complaint with this truck (compared to my very stout '96).
But anyway, the best EGT reduction I saw was in the neighborhood of 150 deg. That's outstanding! I'm very pleased.
Now, the sound... it sounds good. It's definitely louder, of that there is no doubt. A LOT louder during acceleration. If all I did was climb hills, it'd get annoying fast, but on level ground you don't really notice it. At least it doesn't drone like those lousy Walker/Dynomax mufflers (I had that one on my '96).
Rob
------------------
2001. 5 RAM 3500 QC 4x4 ETH/DEE Silver/Agate 4. 10 USGear OD, Rickson 19. 5 Wheels, Edge EZ, SPA Guages, Psychotty, Firestone Airbags, Hellwig Rear Swaybar, Torklift Superhitch & Camper Tiedowns, Mag-Hytec Diff Cover, DD 4" Exhaust, US Gear Exhaust Brake, etc.
Once home, I loaded up the camper (2000 Lance 1030, weight probably 4000 lbs wet) and wired up the exhaust brake.
Tonight about 6:30 PM, I headed for San Jose down I-680 in the SF Bay Area, for my week of work down there (I live in the company parking lot).
Now was the time to watch EGTs like a hawk. I decided to be good and try to keep it on cruise control the whole way. I set it at 65 mph and was able to not have to disengage the cruise except for climbing the Sunol grade, and when I exited the freeway.
First thing I noticed is that my cruise EGTs were 50-75 deg lower than before. I didn't write down exact numbers, but I'm inclined to say it's closer to 75 than to 50.
But when it was time to climb the Sunol grade did the new exhaust really shine!!
At the base of the grade, I shut off cruise and downshifted to 5th with overdrive engaged (from 6th with overdrive engaged). This gave me about 2300 RPM. I was able to maintain 65 mph up the grade at about half throttle without a problem, and my EGTs NEVER cracked 1000. The last time I climed this grade, which was last week before the exhaust, I was in 6th with OD off at about 2100 RPM, and could NOT maintain 65... it slowed to 60 despite WOT, and my temps were over 1100 (around 1140 if I remember right), until I backed off and just let it go up the grade at 55 mph (and ultimately end up in 5th).
What I don't quite understand is how this exhaust would now allow me to climb the hill at part throttle, whereas before it would lose speed? Very weird, and it's been my main complaint with this truck (compared to my very stout '96).
But anyway, the best EGT reduction I saw was in the neighborhood of 150 deg. That's outstanding! I'm very pleased.
Now, the sound... it sounds good. It's definitely louder, of that there is no doubt. A LOT louder during acceleration. If all I did was climb hills, it'd get annoying fast, but on level ground you don't really notice it. At least it doesn't drone like those lousy Walker/Dynomax mufflers (I had that one on my '96).
Rob
------------------
2001. 5 RAM 3500 QC 4x4 ETH/DEE Silver/Agate 4. 10 USGear OD, Rickson 19. 5 Wheels, Edge EZ, SPA Guages, Psychotty, Firestone Airbags, Hellwig Rear Swaybar, Torklift Superhitch & Camper Tiedowns, Mag-Hytec Diff Cover, DD 4" Exhaust, US Gear Exhaust Brake, etc.
), Kenwood deck w/10 disc changer, NON-OEM Infiniti speakers x 4, 10 inch sub, two 150 watt amps, 20K Reese 5er hitch
