Replacment Stock Exhaust

[Bernie]

I have a stock exhaust on my 2003 Dodge Ram (see signature). the only apparent change is it looks like the cat has been removed. The stock system has lasted 210k miles, so I can't fault it.



My goals are: Quiet (I do a lot of miles, and am on the phone a lot), and affordable.



Which leads me to my questions:

-Was the stock system stainless?

-I would like to replace it with a stock or OEM system, but I can't seem to find one.



I see a lot of systems sold with "universal" mufflers. I am hesitant to buy one of those, reading some of the posts about louder exhaust and drone.



Any suggestions?

 

[jgillott]

I've never had much luck with OEM replacement exhaust parts on any vehicle. I highly recommend a good quality 304 stainless system in the north east. They are expensive, but they will last the life of the truck.

By the way, if you have an '03 HO, it didn't come with a cat. They didn't appear until the 2004. 5 model.

 

[FOXY005]

Affirmative, no CAT on the "03" trucks.
I replaced my OEM exhaust with a Silverline stainless steel Turbo Back 4" exhaust system and am happy with the sound.
A little more throaty than stock but far from a straight pipe
Not really a notocable difference with the windows up and no drone.

 

[Bernie]

I came to a decision. I gave up trying to find and OEM. Dealer wouldn't even give me a price (just said trust us, it isn't going to be worth it).

I called a local shop I have used, and they can't do 4" with their bender. I called a exhaust specialty shop, and they want $600 for a system installed (utilizing my current turbo down pipe). I figure my current turbo down pipe is as old as the rest of my system, so I should replace it now too.

I looked at the Stainless from Silverline, the MBRP, and the Magneflow. Yes, it was 409 from all of them, but from experience while 409 does get some surface ugliness in our weather, I have never had a 409 part fail from corrosion. And considering my stock system lasted 210k miles (120k of which near Buffalo, NY), I think the 409 will hold up for me.

I just ordered a Magneflow Turbo Back #15974
-I like that it has a lifetime warranty (where as the other 409 products didn't)
-I prefer the band style clamps that come with it.
-It was the most affordable ($375 delivered)
-I ordered from amazon (had good luck with amazon when ever I have had any other problems)
-Amazon lets you use Discover cash back directly on your purchase (saves getting a card, dealing with Discover on that process).

The only question will be: Will I hate the noise. I do a lot of miles, so a quite cab is important. If I do hate it, I think the plan is to add an FTE resonator:
http://www.ftediesel.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=89&idcategory=7

I have read good things about it, it is also 409 (no dissimilar metals), and it looks like I can add it after the fact fairly easily.

Thanks!

 

[BDaugherty]

Too bad you aren't closer. I would be glad to trade you my stock exhaust for and aftermarket one... or at least some percentage of one.

 

[Bernie]

OK, here is an update: I replaced the stock system with a Magneflow.

-Seems to be a well built product. It went on easily, and all the hangers lined up.
-I purchased a couple of extra hangers, clamps, and a new turbo v band, but didn't need any of them. Even the original 200k mile v band clamp was still re-usable.
-The system came with really nice band style clamps.
-It is not a bad sounding exhaust, it is louder than stock, but not unpleasant.
-You can hear more turbo whine, but again not unpleasant.
-So far, it doesn't have much drone, but I haven't hooked a trailer to it yet.

I should have a trailer on it soon, so I will report back then.