Exhaust Upgrade 5.9 - whats it worth?

[RBellah]

For towing purposes, what does an aftermarket exhaust system add in regards to helping the engine load? Example:

1. ) removing the Cat with stock muffler = lower EGT's ? how much

2. ) Name Brand Cat back system = ?

3. ) Donaldson muffler change only =?



One last request, NO DRONE so it must stay relatively quite for that pleasureable trip accross the country side!



I am looking for people that have made this goal with NO DRONE and loud noise and with positive effects towards EGT's and other data.

 

[AH64ID]

I don't see anything in your sig to indicate you are over 600 rwhp, so the answer is nothing really. Removing the cat will help your cooldown time after towing hard, but thats about it.



If you want the sound then go for it, but not worth it from the performance standpoint.

 

[RBellah]

I am stock at this point and want to only make changes for the positive. I am looking at the PSM cold air intake that fits the stock air box. I will do some gauges, but not sure which type yet (Edge vs Analog). I like the quietness from the stock muffler, just want some detailed information from others that have made this jouney to make changes for the better not worse. Thanks

 

[Grizzly]

The cost to benefit ratio is little to none.

 

[AH64ID]

I have changed the muffler and removed the cat for sound, there was no change.

Now on the intake side I saw some benefits.

In the sub 450 rwhp range there isn't anything better than the stock setup, and with a few mods it can be a real performer.

Air Filter: Run the OEM 4” Pleat filter, PN 53034249AA

Airaid MIT: Better throttle response, quicker turbo spool, better sound

GDP Intake Horn: Better throttle response, quicker turbo spool, lower intake air temps.

Home Depot CAI: Cooler intake air, better flow at high boost

Since you have an 06 be sure to leave the directional vanes in the lower 90* intake elbow, they don't effect flow and Holset claims they help the turbo operate up to 30% more efficient.

All of these mods cost less than a standard CAI, and will out perform them. My IAT
s are 6-12* over ambient under normal cruise with those mods, where stock they were 10-20*.

 

[RBellah]

Thats great information AH64ID, I was wondering about the lower elbow you are mentioning as some aftermarket claims to remove the stock one and add the TAG. Looks like you have the air box modification down. The intake add I am trying to see where it adds more air since it is under boost at that point and maybe it is a velocity thing... I will do some reading on that one. Thanks for ther tips!

 

[AH64ID]

The biggest effect of an intake (aside from the HD CAI) is at low boost up thru the midrage power. At high boost/high rpm the flow is so much that the stock restrictions don't really effect it. But the low-mid range sees the benefit from decreased resistance.

The HD CAI is a high boost mod, it provides the intake with the added air needed when boosting up a grade.