Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Muffler or not

[The Red Goat]

I have been thinking about purchasing a 4" exhaust. Should I go with a muffler or not. Is the sound different? And how does each differ from stock?

 

[The Red Goat]

Also what is better 14 or 16 gu

 

[TomGolden]

The best answer I can give as to whether or not there is a difference between mufflered or muffler-less..... :--) Oh God Yes!!!!



From inside the cab, I really didn't notice any difference. But, if you stand back by the tail pipe, even at idle it is MUCH different sounding. And if you drive past a wall or something that will reflect the sound back to you, roll the window down (passenger side window) and give the go pedal a little extra tap, and you will be



There is a deeper rumble sound at idle w/o a muffler, much more like a big rig sounds. Under acceleration, the sound from outside the cab is just wild! It is a very, very throaty rumble/scream type sound. Think of the meanest sounding V8 gasser in a car, like a Mustang or Camaro. Now multiple that by 5 times. You get the idea.



Some people don't like it, I will never go back to a muffler if at all possible to stay straight piped.



I have the 4" Pinnacle Performance from Jerry Jardine exhaust on for about a year, then removed the muffler last April, so I have a good long time with and without a muffler on mine.



The only cautionary warning I will give about mufflerless - I personally have a very annoying drone in the cab from 2000 - 2300 RPM without the muffler. Some folks get it, some don't...



Since you just asked about which gauge metal is better - I personally say the heavier the better. A heavier gauge system will of course most likely last longer, but it will also help reduce, or even eliminate the drone you *might* get if you go mufflerless.





Tom

 

[rholcom2]

DEFINATELY NO MUFFLER. I dont know about you, but I like stopping traffic when I drive by, people definately notice and realize a Dodge/Cummins is nothing to be reckened with.

 

[reddog359]

Mufflerless is the way to go IMO, I have the JRE 4 in, 14 gauge system on mine and I dont have the drone that Tom is talking about, it may have something to do with mine being a regular cab pickup or it being 14 gauge or a combination of both. It does get you noticed wherever you go. My favorite thing is to ride around in town with the sliding glass window open, that makes me





Jeff

 

[rblomquist]

Can the muffler no ? about it. Inside the cab both me and the spousal unit noticed a different tone to the truck, but not necessarilly louder. Outside the truck even at idle it sounds much better and when you push down on the go pedal under load it's even better than that.



Of couse I didn't go with an entire system so I opted to keep the resonator. My stock exh sys was still in good shape so being the cheap butt that I am I didn't fork out the $$$$ for a 4inch system. Later, when my stock exhaust rusts out then I'll get a 4inch setup. My EGTs are substantially better with the muffler removed and it only cost me $50. Oo.



I'd bet that no muffler probably has a little EGT advantage over even the flo-thru types but also why spend the extra cash on a muffler when you don't need it.



Good luck

 

[EFallecker]

I would definately go without the muffler it makes a huge difference in sound. People will know you are coming Oo.

 

[CumminsPuller]

How about Commercial Vehicles....

I hot shot with my truck and from my understanding adding or detracting from a commercial vehicle is strictly a no no... ... Granted I have never a DOT Officer get under my truck and look..... But if it sounds like an angry beast on steroids he just might want to crawl under and have a look... ... Any ideas???? Should I just do it???



Jason

 

[gsbrockman]

The Red Goat :



Try to find some members near you that have their trucks equipped with and without a muffler. Before installing my 4" Magnaflow Stainless System, I had the muffler eliminated with a section of pre-bent pipe (ironically, a new section of pipe purchased at an exhaust shop for a GM 454 truck). I thought the stock exhaust with no muffler was a bit too much, but only on 12 to 14 hour road trips while on vacation. The 4" Magnaflow Stainless Exhaust System with the straight thru muffler is just right for me. Maybe some members can meet with you and let you listen to their trucks before you purchase, as you'll be investing lots of $$ for an exhaust system. Just my $. 02 worth.

 

[DSteinel]

Just rip that muffler off and enjoy. D. O. T doesn't know there is supposed to be a resonator on there. Big trucks dont have them,so why should we have them. If still in doubt put stacks on, If they say anything just say it is noisier because they are closer to the ground than a big truck

 

[CumminsPuller]

Originally posted by Steinel

Just rip that muffler off and enjoy... ... If they say anything just say it is noisier because they are closer to the ground than a big truck

I like your way of thinking Steinel!!!!!!!!



Jason

 

[AKostman]

muffler

Should one worry about a ticket for loud exhaust? I guess it would depend on your local area?

 

[Ramrattler]

thats the only way to go and take the silencer ring out

 

[tmckenzie]

My vote goes for : NO MUFFLER NO RESONATOR NO SILENCER RING

 

[JFindley]

First thing I did when I picked up my new truck was straight pipe it. And I love it , I was wondering how does the 4" and 5" compare to the stock staightpiped will I get some more throat.

Any thing to get her alittle louder:--) Loose the silencer ring and cut a hole in the cowl and listen to the sweet music





Jake

 

[bmoeller]

Never heard a Ram with stacks, but if it anything like it is on the Mack that I drive(single 5"), you will love it!

 

[DZinger]

On mine, when I went with no muffler I had a wicked drone until I found what turned out to be a very good exhaust shop who relocated one exhsuat hanger - CURED!!!

 

[grimesja]

I really like the 4" AeroTurbine muffler, I have ran 5" stacks both ways and I definetly prefer the sound of the AeroTurbine.

 

[THess]

I must be getting old, but I think the noise and drone on a long trip is just too much. I've had mine with and without. I still roll down the window to hear everybody else though.

 

[GaryCarter]

I love a straight piped truck on short drives. Towing days on end is another story, the neverending noise got to me and I had to quiet mine back down. That was on the 24v 5. 9.