Exhaust: Rip Rook or Husker High Performance

[dan brooks]

http://www.exhaustproslinc.com/noname21.html



http://www.protintnw.com/sa_dodge-exh.htm



I've been looking around to see what is available for exhaust systems for my '92. These two caught my eye because they're both 4" systems, compared to the 3. 5" that most seem to be.



The Husker Performance system is 14 gauge tubing, compared to the Rip Rook's 16 gauge. The Husker also includes a hanger kit and clamps - doesn't look like a hanger kit is available for the RR.



Does anyone have personal experience with the Husker Performance exhaust? I haven't seen anything on TDR about it. So far, the only negative thing I've read regarding the RR system is a drone at freeway speeds, and that appears to be an isolated/temporary issue. Anyone have anything else to add?



The Husker is around $495, and the Rip Rook around $415. Is it worth spending the extra $80 for the heavier tubing and hangers... . or is it even worth spending more than the $300 or so I'd pay for a Gibson or BD Exhaust?



The truck is my daily driver, but also will haul my Palomino slide-in (pop-up style) and tow my Jeep. The only mod I'm planning besides the exhaust is a 16cm housing, and maybe a BHAF. Due to the emissions testing around here I probably won't mess with the pump much, if any. My biggest concern is reliability and economy... . but a little more power is always welcome.

 

[formula]

Looks like a nice set of stacks is out of the question due to the camper . Just looked up the links that you posted. The Husker system is considerably more expensive and they don't give you a discount when you opt to omit the muffler. (who needs a muffler anyway ) As for the hangers, on my '93 when I had an out the back type system the muffler hangers (attached to the muffler, not the ones on the frame) had rotted off. Went down to the parts store and got 2 universal hangers for $5. Bolted em right onto the factory brackets, worked great.



BTW, has anyone ever seen a 4" downpipe (with proper bend length for a wastegate)for a 1st gen? If the rest of the exhaust system is 4" then why not the downpipe?

 

[Old Smoky]

I have no experience with the husker system, but I do have Rip's system. I really like it. There is no drone (I've got the Allied performance muffler). I can’t really tell that its any louder under normal driving conditions, with the windows up. But, with the back window open, WOT, it sounds good . Rip does offer hangers, clamps, and tips, just ask him.



I can’t remember exactly how much the EGT's dropped, but I did gain 1psi boost, and did notice a responsiveness difference, and power difference especially at higher rpms. Decisions, decisions.



Mike

 

[dan brooks]

formula - No stacks, thank you. Besides the camper, they just don't do anything for me. I'll stick with a muffler, too... the neighbors probably wouldn't appreciate me getting home from work after midnight making more noise than I do now. Of course, that would be good payback for their friggin' dog barking constantly... ... .



Old Smoky - Thanks for the feedback on the RR system. I'll check with him on the hangers. I'm sure I could fab something up if they aren't available, but my patience with vehicles is pretty much non-existent anymore so a bolt-on would be much better.



It will probably be a month or two before I buy a system, but I figured that would give me plenty of time to make a decision. I'll most likely be contacting you about a BHAF mount, too - checked out your pics and it looks like a great setup. .

 

[Power Wagon]

I was present at Old Smoky's install of Rip Rook's exhaust. Rip did it himself, for that matter.



We compared the sound of his muffled 4 inch and my straight 3 inch. The 4 inch is deeper sounding, and obviously less restrictive, as the engine note is much more distinct.



I have conversed with Rip about the hanger situation, and he has specifically gone for a system that does not come with pre-welded hangars. Why? It gives you more flexibility with locating your system, should you have optional equipment, or want to make more room somewhere, or even tuck it up tighter under the truck, than the standard position.



I use an HX35 exhaust housing (12 CM, Wastgated) out of an ISB, on my turbo, and use the downpipe from the same application. My observation, is that it would be nearly impossible to make a 4 inch downpipe using the shape and bends it has to go through.



I have only ONE praise for my 3 inch straight pipe... the exhaust smoke does NOT soot up the trailer. The velocity of the exhaust shooting out of the smaller pipe is sufficient that it blows well beyond the trailer (my pipe comes out at roughly 15 degress back of straight out, and sticks out perhaps 2-3 inches from the body) while towing up hills, and even after 2000 miles of towing, there was no visible soot anywhere on the trailer. The 4 inch pipe flows so much more that there is little "projection" of the smoke past the end of the pipe, resulting in any smoke streaming just about straight back from the end of the pipe.



OH, and just because Rip Rook's a NW Bomber, and I'd like to say a friend, as well, I'd suggest his system over any other.

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

Thr rip system and the Husker system are the same. Both are manufactured by Allied muffler.



get the rip setup-- its way cheaper.

 

[quikshft]

LOL, I'm the neighbor that everybody despises now that I've brought home my turbo deisel... . I fired up at 5:15 this morning.

I think I'll wait a while before making any exhaust mods.

 

[R.E. Miller]

RIP ROOKS ROCKS!

No contest, ripped out old system, installed new in three hours sounds the best I have ever heard. Dad got that system, now I need one



Russell

 

[dan brooks]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess it's unanimous - once I get the $$$ I'll pick up the RR system. Unfortunately, it looks like it'll be more than a month or two - got hit with the auto insurance bill today..... :{



Where did I put those lottery tickets???

 

[Rip Rook]

Originally posted by Mark_Kendrick

Thr rip system and the Husker system are the same. Both are manufactured by Allied muffler.



get the rip setup-- its way cheaper.

I can't swear, but I believe my system IS the same as Huskers. It was originally presented to me as 14 gauge. Mine IS not 14 gauge..... Rip

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Hey Rip,



You could have just kept your mouth shut about the tubing guage... that's "stand up"!

Good on ya. . that approach will NEVER come back to bite you in the beehind.



bob

 

[dan brooks]

Rip - Thanks for the honest reply. Now I know why everyone speaks so highly of you and your products.



While you're here, can you answer the question regarding the hanger kit for the 1st generation exhaust? Is one available or does it use the stock (or universal) parts?



Thanks,



Dan

 

[Rip Rook]

hangers

I cannot provide a "bolt-in" hanger kit,sorry. I do have a "weld-in" hanger kit that works rather well... ..... Rip

 

[dan brooks]

Rip - Thanks for the replies here in via PM. I'll give you a call when it's time to order.

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Will Rip do a "mufflerless" kit like the 2 gen's??

Thats the one I will buy. `How much is shipping??







Steve