Exaust changes for MPG

[JFought]

06 5. 9 stock exaust.



I use it for work, never really plan to go over 500 hp.



So what changes should i do to help get better MPG?



***I do not want any loud niose/sounds. . !! Gotta use the phone. **

Cat straight pipe? Muffler to? or a 5" system?



Need a few idease. . thanks

 

[LRutigliano]

You probably wont be able to measure the mpg improvement vs. stock. However, you WILL be able to measure the EGT drop vs. stock. Approx 50 to 100F.



There are only about a thousand different choices for an aftermarket exhaust and muffler. Best resource is to listen to a buddy's that has already done it.



I have 4" MBRP and it sounds MEAN when I get on it. At idle in parking lots (going 5mph or less), it sounds very bassy and burly. Not sure how to describe it except it sounds GOOD.



Hope this helps,

Louis

 

[JEstes]

Louis pretty much nailed it, but I'll add that I would stay away from the 5 inch exhaust unless you are planning on doing some serious horsepower upgrades. Some of the guys with the 5 inch exhaust have said that it has a drone to it that can annoying, even with the muffler. I've never heard one, so I can't say from personal experience.



I put a straight pipe on mine several months ago. I was a little worried about the drone, so I kept my stock muffler just in case. There is a drone at certain RPM's, when under a load, but it isn't very loud. I can still hear the radio just fine without turning the volume up, and I can still carry on a conversation without having to speak up. The drone is worst at 48 mph when the T/C locks up. It's nearly gone by 55, and at 65 mph regardless of load, it's no louder than stock. Go figure...

 

[SierraRam]

I have the 5" exhaust and no drone unles you are lugging the engine. Anway I agree you don't really get a MPG increase with the exhaust just EGT and sound improvement. If you are going to add power then the exhaust becomes very beneficial.

 

[JFought]

okay thanks

 

[JDiepstra]

I have a few "low cost" suggestions of what I would do to make your truck sound and run better, and maybe squeak out a couple more mpg's.



Start by cutting a hole in the bottom of the airbox and running a tube down from there to get more cold air. Replace the stock filter with one from Amsoil or AFE. People seem to like those brands.



To keep sound and drone down leave your cat on and get a free flowing replacement muffler. I have one from Silverline and love it. 5" is not needed for your situation.



Replace your intake elbow. It's pretty restrictive. Noone really agrees which one is best. But, everyone agrees they are all better than stock.



To squeeze out 1 or 2 more mpg, get a smarty jr, or Edge mileage max or something like that. Keep a tuner on a low setting to keep your transmission in working order.

 

[CumminsBu]

I went from stock exhaust to an Aero Turbine kit from BLack Cloud Diesel, no Cat and it was pretty loud. Ran it for a year did like to sound after a while, ton of drone on th freeways and towing. The Aero sounds like a Honda with a fart can. I switched to a Donaldson M090535 muffler. The sound at idle is like stock but deeper and a little loud then stock off idle. It will get loud if above 2500 rpms. The muffler is straight throught and for under $70. 00 not a bad deal, plus a couple 5" od X 4" id reducer and your good to go. Gut the Cat. Ryder Fleet Products has everything you need.

 

[bmwm3csl]

+1 for the Edge MileageMax.



I recently installed one in my 04. 5 and my normal average "Computer Calculated" MPG after going through and entire tank of fuel has gone from 20. 5 to 24. 5mpg for my normal mixed use driving(freeway+city).