I'm thinking of some mods and a 5" turbo-back exhaust is on my list. I was just under the truck looking at it and if I'm not mistaken this looks like a simple install? I've never done an exhaust system before though... Seem like I just take off the slip ring at the elbow on the turbo, then take off the clamps and push the old exhaust off the hangers. The install would just be the reverse? Is it a one man job?

For those who have done this, is it a good mod? Did you see any improved fuel economy or lower EGTs? Any favorite vendors?

 

The hardest part for me was getting the old one off. Used a Sawzall and a good blade. Taking off it piece by piece may be possible, but not worth the hassle unless you are trying to sell it.
I would definitely have a buddy help, it's some pretty big pipe!
I went with stainless steel because I live in the rust belt.
Not too sure what EGT's were before the exhaust, because the gauges came after it was replaced. If I ever buy another new truck, gauges will come first so I can see what the mods are doing.
But with the mods I have, my truck runs 400-700 degrees empty @ highway speeds, and only gets to 1400 degrees when I floor it, no programmer though. (Yet).
My Magnaflow sounds awesome and don't regret it at all. Would've gotten stacks, but the short bed is already short enough.

 

Just a tip for you, unless your truck is the 04.5 you will need to change the cast elbow also. 03-04 HO motors cast elbow turbo side 4" exhaust side 3.5"

 

crud... I've got an 04.0 and I thought I was 4" the whole way. I guess I figured that a 5" turbo-back was a bolt-on. Not only more cost... but that's where my pyro is installed. I guess this might be a good excuse to move it over to the manifold - if I'm going to tune the engine now I guess that's where I need to measure EGT too.

 

sawzall takes care of that! LOL

 

PERFECT! Would you believe that the sawzall is my FAVORITE tool? You can take apart entire houses with that (and I have).

 

that is what i did with mine and with others that I install (unless they REALLY want the old set up for back up). make it fun and get some aggression out too! LOL

 

After I used the sawzall, I installed my 5" with a the use of a floor jack.

 

Well there you go , it's 3.5" from turbo to inlet of muffler and 4" from muffler to tailpipe. Cast elbow can be found any where from $25 - $50 or so or if you are lucky someone may have one laying around that they'll give to you.

 

OK... if I'm dropping 8 bills on the exhaust I can take another 50.

I figure that bigger is better... so 5" beats 4"? I was leaning towards Silverline 5" to a 6" tip... not really sure why beyond the assertion that the welded hangers are easier to install.

I'd like to gain power/economy and the truck seems too quiet (outside) so some noise is nice too. BUT, we tow heavy and long distance so noise (INSIDE) matters.

Anyone have suggestions on what I could buy (and where/how much). I've seen a few 400 and 600 sets too and I'm not dying to spend money for no reason.

 

To each his own, but I heard and read unless you are planning to make alot of power the 5" system is way over kill. A 4" turbo back is good enough for moderate power gains. MBRP, BD, Magaflow, just to name a few. Check the ads top of page to start.