Exhaust(ing)... I'm thinking about a Geno's MEK

[Walker]

Ok. What's the final word on Straight piped vs. Mufflered? I've always heard that a "quality" exhaust system will out perform a straight pipe (in egts and backpressure i. e. "performance"). I was thinking a MEK kit from Geno's (and leaving on the cat and resonator) might be a decent mod. Looking for a little rumble too, but nothing obnoxious and definitely no drone.



So, with all the possible combos out there:

1. Cat, st. pipe, res.

2. No cat, st. pipe, res.

3. Cat, muffler, res.

4. Cat, muffler, no res.

5. No Cat, st. , no res.



etc. etc. etc.



Which will sound decent (no raspy rattle, no drone, more tone)? I know, it's all subjective; but also give good performance?

 

[Mark Craig]

Walker,



If you leave the cat in place (you don't have resonator unless you have a Mega cab) the sound will be mild and such, BUUUT if you tow lots of guys complain about resonance with no muffler. So you have to make that call. If you decide on using a muffler look at the AFE (the MBRP one doesn't install without modes on a Mega cab) direct replacement muffler that is designed for the 2004. 5+ trucks. No resonance, easy install and have a nice deep tone too. Ask the membership there are a zillion of these mufflers on members trucks here. If you go the muffler route you can also get a cat test pipe for even better flow rate and still have no problems with sound either.



Mark @ DPPI

 

[TradedV-10foraCummins]

Walker,



If you leave the cat in place (you don't have resonator) ...

Mark @ DPPI

I though that the Mega Cab models have a small resonator after the muffler? I don't know first hand since I just have a quad cab.

 

[RankRam]

I though that the Mega Cab models have a small resonator after the muffler? I don't know first hand since I just have a quad cab.

You are correct.

 

[Walker]

Yeah. I got the resonator. But what's a "cat test pipe"?

 

[CPersing]

Yeah. I got the resonator. But what's a "cat test pipe"?

A staight pice of pipe that replaces your cat.

 

[obie1]

There is a resonator, just replaced the factory muffler with a magnaflow performance muffler.

 

[Southbound]

Muffler options

Walker



I just recently replaced my CAT with a "CAT test pipe" and also replaced the stock muffler with a NAPA "Walker" muffler. Note: I am using the CAT test pipe only for testing..... not sure how long the test will last. :-laf Also Note: I left my stock resonator on which helps with any drone. I am very pleased with the sound ... ... . it has more of a bass tone and isnt too loud... ... ... . but will certainly wake up when you hammer down on it!!! ;-) Good luck on the exhaust decision... ... ... ...



Southbound

 

[TDimmick]

Walker, I just replaced my stock muffler with one from Donaldson, PN M085171. The installation required a short piece of straight pipe from the cat back to the new muffler, and I rewelded the factory hangers on the new muffler and pipe. The installation was clean and straight foward, did everything in my garage except for welding the clamps back on as I do not have a wire welder. The Donaldson has the lowest back pressure ratings I have seen, list's for $80. 65. I have only put @25 miles on the truck after the install, so I have no real preformance data to pass along. But at idle, only slightly louder, the "wall" that I used to hit at 2100/2200 RPM is gone, and the water temp @75mph is @10 to 15 deg cooler. Turbo spool up also seems to be quicker. I can foward a .pdf on the muffler if you want.

 

[RankRam]

Walker



I just recently replaced my CAT with a "CAT test pipe" and also replaced the stock muffler with a NAPA "Walker" muffler. Note: I am using the CAT test pipe only for testing..... not sure how long the test will last. :-laf Also Note: I left my stock resonator on which helps with any drone. I am very pleased with the sound ... ... . it has more of a bass tone and isnt too loud... ... ... . but will certainly wake up when you hammer down on it!!! ;-) Good luck on the exhaust decision... ... ... ...



Southbound

Southbound have you done any towing with this setup yet?



Thanks

 

[Mark Craig]

CPersing,



Actually they have an "S" bend in them if they are built to fit correctly without mis aligning the factory pipes etc.



Mark @ DPPI

 

[Southbound]

RankRam-



Yes I have towed with my new exhaust set up. In fact I tow a 14k trailer every Sunday! I am sure this new set-up has helped with the EGT's but wont know until my guages get installed this Friday. With this set-up I do notice the turbo whistle more... . and of course the exhaust sound is much louder as I zip through the 6spd. I have ran the walker muffler in a 2000, 2003, and my current 2006... ... ... . and I have always loved the sound of the muffler. I must say the 2000 sounded the best..... I sure miss that motor!!!!



Southbound

 

[CBrahs]

Walker,



If you leave the cat in place (you don't have resonator) the sound will be mild and such, BUUUT if you tow lots of guys complain about resonance with no muffler. So you have to make that call. If you decide on using a muffler look at the AFE (the MBRP one doesn't install without modes on a Mega cab) direct replacement muffler that is designed for the 2004. 5+ trucks. No resonance, easy install and have a nice deep tone too. Ask the membership there are a zillion of these mufflers on members trucks here. If you go the muffler route you can also get a cat test pipe for even better flow rate and still have no problems with sound either.



Mark @ DPPI

There is a resonator just after the muffler as the pipe goes over the rear axle.