Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Muffler or Not?

[rblomquist]

Hey guys,



My stock muffler is toast, the baffles inside rattle like crazy at low RPM which is driving me nuts.



The 2 options I decided to look at are:



- Getting a flo-thru type muffler (brand recommendations welcome)



- Putting in a straight pipe



Obviously, the cheaper route is to go w/the pipe but I'm not sure if I could live with the potential volume increase. But then again since my stock muffler is shot and rattles really loud, especially when I'm cruising through the neighborhood at low speed maybe it won't be as bad as I'm thinking.



The other major factor is keeping the little woman happy when we're towing the toyhauler a couple of hundred miles once or twice a month.



THANKS!

 

[Cummins4Life]

Leave the resonator and put in a striaght pipe. I couldnt tell the difference in cab with the windows up or down.

 

[bighammer]

Straight-piped is LOUD and on the verge of attracting the wrong kind of attention. (red and blue lights )



After a couple years with no muffler, I put on a Dynomax straight thru muffler. Still pretty loud and healthy sounding, but it really takes the harsh edge off.

 

[Car_nut57]

Replace the muffler with a straight through. Although if the muffler is completely shot the pipe may not be far behind. Maybe you should consider a new 4" aluminzed system and gain the beformance and EGT benefit at the same time.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

It really does all depend on the condition of the rest of your system. If the rest of your system is in good condition, straight pipe it. If the exhaust system is in poor condition and needs replacement, straight pipe it. I have the resignator on mine and it is louder outside but not even noticable in the cab. Without a res I am sure that it would be even louder and might be a slight problem.



The single best thing about straight piping is a small reduction in EGT. My EGT's went down about 100 to 150 degrees after I had the muffler removed. If you want to stay stock, I will bet that there are plenty of mufflers that are just sitting in sheds of TDR members that you could lay youir hands on for probably nothing.

 

[Sky]

Go with out. If you dont like it put one on. Simple is that. Cheaper this way than the other way. I love the sound of my Straight Pipe!

 

[Txredneck]

Straight pipe it it will not be that loud unless you add an echo tip and if the red and blues pull you over tell them you could not afford to put a muffler on your exhaust.

 

[rblomquist]

Thanks guys. This is a So Nevada truck so the rest of the system is in great shape (i. e. corrossion wise).



Think I'll give the straight pipe w/resonator a whirl.

 

[RBallard]

I had a Dynomax cat back system on the truck for a while and presently I am running 4" straight pipe. I have both recording on my website if you want to get an idea. The straight pipe sound clip had the Dynomax tip but I have since replaced it with a 5" tip. The 5" tip made it considerably louder. I am in the process of creating a 5" system which I plan to install in the middle of december. I will add anonther sound clip then.



Hope this helps,



Bob



My Web Page

 

[kevincook]

The straight pipe is not that much loader at idle, as you stand on the gas you can hear a increase. I don't think it is any loader than aftermarket systems on some gas engines or many of the motorcycles on the road.



KC