2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Muffler and Air Filter question

[kevincook]

Looking to put a BHAF in my Dodge, I have plans for a heat shield. Is it worth it before I replace the muffler?



KC

 

[Bigramguy]

Welcome to the TDR.



It is a nice mod,even if you don't replace the muffler,so why wait ? BOMB's away !! A heat shield will help also. Outerwears also makes a nice prefilter which slides over the BHAF and keeps it looking pretty. You can also remove the silencer ring from the turbo if you want a little more "turbo whine".

 

[jgallentine]

I just did this mod to my 99. I fashioned a heat shield out of a piece of aluminum I had laying around. I am sure it is not as effective as the ones you can buy from somebody on this site, but it didn't cost $60 either.



I also took the silencer ring out. The turbo sounds good but is a little loud in the bask seat. Sorta hard to tell over the straight pipe though.



I also think I may be suffering a slight mpg decrease since the mod. I wonder if the silencer ring doesn't help reduce turbulence in the turbo? It may be that I just have my foot in it more to hear the turbo. I haven't pulled a load yet but I'll bet it really sings when it's loaded.



Overall, I'd BOMB away

 

[Bigramguy]

Your MPG decrease is probably due to your right foot like you said. I have monitored mileage before and after these mods (BHAF,straight pipe,and silencer ring),and haver seen no difference.



It is a little louder when loaded,escpecially when you can keep it in that "sweet spot". Sounds real nice up against a concrete barrier or in a tunnel.

 

[kevincook]

First I would like to say thanks, I was a member of TDR many years ago!



I was hoping to lower the EGT and get a little more power with these upgrades



Can I order the prefilter from the listed web site?



KC

 

[Bigramguy]

You can call 1-800-967-3450 and ask for Scott to get the filter. Part number is WR3325-105. I don't think they have a website.

 

[WadePatton]

Coupla notes on the BHAF: you'll love it for the sound and for the wide-eyes you'll get when you raise the hood around gas-burner types. Second, don't sweat the heat shield. Herb (redneckdr) and I are both happy with our EGT's/performance without a heatshield... and he's running DD3's on an HY turbo! I will add a heat shield eventually, it's just not a priority. Also the quick easy way to cover the studs from the airbox is to pull the hickies out of the factory airbox and reinstall them. And you should pad the AC line. 6" surgical stockinette works great for a prefilter, but it's not as pretty as some of the store-bought stuff.



Replace the muffler with STRAIGHT pipe.



I can't compare pre BHAF and with muff EGT's on my truck as I BOMBed those before gauges. I know that I simply cannot get to 1200 unloaded now, so I simply MUST HAVE MORE FUEL.



Oo.

 

[RustyJC]

The BHAF is a nice looking BOMB, but I couldn't honestly detect any difference in pre-turbo EGT's. This was the first mod we did on our stock ETH/DEE, and EGT's remained at 1300 degF max when towing our 13,500 lb 5th wheel RV. I've since installed one of Larry's SS heat shields - it looks nice and couldn't hurt!



The biggest drop in EGT's was when we installed the EZ, boost elbow and 4" exhaust (all the same weekend) - now we can't drive pre-turbo EGT's above 1100 degF. Time for the DD2's and South Bend clutch, I guess!



Rusty