Exhaust Performance Difference?

[MWright936]

Ok, I'm sure this has already been discussed, but I couldn't find this question addressed directly.

The exhaust set-up I want to get is a single-in, dual-out Magnaflow with chrome tips exiting out the rear corners. I've gotten a quote of $360 for that set-up at a local muffler shop, which I've been told is a great deal. The thing is, I'm on a really tight budget.

I've also considered a direct muffler replacement with a Magnaflow and a tip, which would be MUCH cheaper. My question is: would it be worth it to wait until I have the money to get the dual set-up, or should I go ahead and get the muffler replacement and start saving for a programmer? I'm not looking for anything loud. As far as sound goes, I just want a deep, mellow tone. However, I am hoping to get a mileage increase from the application. I figure I wouldn't get much, if anything, from a muffler replacement as far as performance goes, but would I expect to get anything drastic from the dual set-up? Thanks in advance for the advice!

P.S. I already have a K&N intake.

[sheep]

as far as looks and the way YOU personally want the truck i would say wait a while and get the dual-out, i think you will be more satisfied in a way that you waited to get what you wanted from it. as far as preformance gasoline engines need a certain amount of backpressure, with the dual you can more flow but im not sure it would come back where is probably wouldnt hurt you but im not sure it would benifit much either. im sure someone else can answer that question. but i do think you should go with the dual-out, i always see dual-out going out the rear, never the sides, which i think the sides would be much better place!

[omegafiler]

The dual exhaust setup is going to look and sound better. So if you're going to do a custom exhaust, that's the way to go. But a tune is always the best bang for your buck as fas as performance goes. I'd do both. For the exhaust, if you go the cheap route, you'll just end up spending more later to make it the way ya want it.

[MWright936]

Thanks for the input guys! I think as far as looks and sound go, I would be happy with either set-up. I read that Kris (Finalday) got a Magnaflow muffler replacement and said it sounded great. I was mainly leaning toward the dual set-up because I thought it would give better performance increases. However, if there really won't be that much of a difference, I'll go with the replacement with a tip (maybe a slick dual tip or something) and save for other things.

[MWright936]

BUMP

My main question is:
Would I get a considerable difference in performance between a single-in, dual-out set up compared to a muffler replacement application?

[omegafiler]

Nah, nothing really noticable. It's all about sound and looks.

[MWright936]

Cool, thanks!

[0321]

I was told by an individual that installs custom exhaust systems (race cars and the such),"That you are better off with a single instead of a dual (MPG issues). Now he had said that you can pick-up duals directly out of the muffler. My 2 cents.

[ct9a]

I was told by an individual that installs custom exhaust systems (race cars and the such),"That you are better off with a single instead of a dual (MPG issues). Now he had said that you can pick-up duals directly out of the muffler. My 2 cents.

I was told the same at a performance shop too.

[chad.j.bordelon]

I have duals, and i dont know if it would have been better to get the single, but i can tell you that the dual flowmasters from day one I noticed a considerable change in MPG and performance.

[MWright936]

Yeah, I went to the shop today and the guy told me that true duals are just about impossible to do on newer model trucks because of all the sensors and what not. He also said that I wouldn't get any more flow with the dual exit set-up than I would with the single. Dual exit would just be for looks and sound. I'll be getting the single set-up on Monday :happy:

[TXGrayGhost]

Cool, thanks!

Hey Matt,

Oddly enough, my dad owned a muffler shop in Jasper back in the day (80's) off of S. Wheeler I believe it was. Anyway, the folks at Gibson Exhaust will tell you that you'll get better MPG and more horses with a single exhaust. It's just like the gentlemen above me posted, you don't want to lose all your back pressure - you need some to keep your torque and bottom end power. I would say, having had exhaust with no back pressure vs. having the RIGHT amount of back pressure will make a noticeable difference. One of the advantages of a performance exhaust is the mandrell bent tubing - if you don' know, that means they maintain the same diameter of the pipe as opposed to most factory installs and also most muffler shops that bend their own pipe or buy pre-bent pipe that has 'crimp marks' where the pipe bends are. Does that all make a diff? That I do not know - I'm sure in a sterile dyno-tuned/measured environment, they can tell a difference when it comes to the numbers, but will your rear wheels know? I wish I knew that answer, but I don't.
I mentioned in another post that the Gibson Sweptside can be bought at 360 - and I actually saw one on eBay this weekend for a standard cab SWB that went for 300. Maybe Magnaflow or Edelbrock has one cheaper, that gives you a good diameter pipe that is mandrell bent and will give you the right amount of back pressure -good power and save you a little at the pump.

Say hi to Jasper for me Matt!

[MWright936]

Thanks for the advice Robert! I am on a pretty tight budget, so I'm going with the Magnaflow muffler replacement and 18" chrome echo tip for $200 at a shop in Kirbyville. I know what you mean about the mandrel bent pipes, but I'm just sticking with what I've got. I will be taking out some of the bend at the end of the pipe to angle the tip out the back corner.

I've only lived in Jasper for a little over a year now, so I wasn't around to see your dad's shop when it was here. Does he still live around here? I work with guys that have grown up here, so someone may know him.

[zach45]

maga or a flowmaster?
im thinking of doing the same thing but flowmasters

[MWright936]

maga or a flowmaster?
im thinking of doing the same thing but flowmasters

This is what I have heard: With Flowmaster, you get louder, more aggressive sound. With Magnaflow, you get a more mellow tone. I've also heard people say you get a little better performance with Magnaflow, but that's just what I've heard. I'm not an expert, I've just learned a little since I have researched my own exhaust setup. I'm sure people on here will have more informed recommendations. Good luck! :great:

[TXGrayGhost]

Thanks for the advice Robert! I am on a pretty tight budget, so I'm going with the Magnaflow muffler replacement and 18" chrome echo tip for $200 at a shop in Kirbyville. I know what you mean about the mandrel bent pipes, but I'm just sticking with what I've got. I will be taking out some of the bend at the end of the pipe to angle the tip out the back corner.

I've only lived in Jasper for a little over a year now, so I wasn't around to see your dad's shop when it was here. Does he still live around here? I work with guys that have grown up here, so someone may know him.

Unfortunately I lost my dad to cancer this past January. I grew up in Woodville, went to school there and joined the Army in Jasper when I was 19. My brother-in-law still lives there, his name is David Fowler. They are loggers. (as I was for a while and most other men in the area!) We all lived in Woodville, but he moved to Jasper after my sister died ('89).

You've got a nice looking truck! Hopefully I'll be able to post some pics of my truck tonight or tomorrow, and I know exactly what you mean by a tight budget. In my early days in the Army I had to get WIC (like foodstamps but you just get formula for our child, milk and cheese) because I just didn't make enough money to support a wife and child. Rough times - but they've made me appreciate what I have now. God has been good to me. You do the best you can with what you have. I'm sure your truck is going to sound great and you'll see some performance improvement, Magnaflow is an outstanding product!
Hey, I hope you can take time to get out to Sam Rayburn and do some fishing. My favorite camping spot was Sandy Creek. Not sure what it looks like these days, but back then it was a beautiful area. Lots of good memories!

Take care Matt and let us know about your new exhaust!

[MWright936]

Unfortunately I lost my dad to cancer this past January. I grew up in Woodville, went to school there and joined the Army in Jasper when I was 19. My brother-in-law still lives there, his name is David Fowler. They are loggers. (as I was for a while and most other men in the area!) We all lived in Woodville, but he moved to Jasper after my sister died ('89).

You've got a nice looking truck! Hopefully I'll be able to post some pics of my truck tonight or tomorrow, and I know exactly what you mean by a tight budget. In my early days in the Army I had to get WIC (like foodstamps but you just get formula for our child, milk and cheese) because I just didn't make enough money to support a wife and child. Rough times - but they've made me appreciate what I have now. God has been good to me. You do the best you can with what you have. I'm sure your truck is going to sound great and you'll see some performance improvement, Magnaflow is an outstanding product!
Hey, I hope you can take time to get out to Sam Rayburn and do some fishing. My favorite camping spot was Sandy Creek. Not sure what it looks like these days, but back then it was a beautiful area. Lots of good memories!

Take care Matt and let us know about your new exhaust!

Sorry to hear about the losses in your family and thank you for your service to our country.

I work for the Texas Forest Service, and one guy I work with grew up logging in this area, so I'm sure someone will know him. Small world!

I haven't been doing much fishing because it's hard to find a good spot to fish from the shore. I have no boat. However, my fiancee and I have found a good spot to go swimming at Ebenezer Park on Sam Rayburn.

[TXGrayGhost]

However, my fiancee and I have found a good spot to go swimming at Ebenezer Park on Sam Rayburn.

Man I loved Ebenezer Park! That was my 2nd favorite spot to go. Great place. Sam Rayburn is a beautiful lake, that's for sure. Where are you from originally? And when are you getting your exhaust? I thought it was yesterday.
I'll probably order mine at the end of the week when I get an expense check from work.

[route66paul]

It really depends what truck and what engine you have. I did a lot of research on my trailer package Suburban with a 454 in it, and I surmised that a single exhaust 3" is what the doctor ordered. If you already have this, a mandrel bent replacement is a tiny bit better, but nt that nessesary. A full flowing muffler is best along with a good cat conv. I kept getting the hustle and bait and switch on mine, so i went with the largest 3"in/out walker superturbo muff. I could have done better with a magnaflow, but the bait and switch and double price just got me mad.

From what I have heard, the flowmaster with 3 chambers is not a full flow muffler, If you want to go big, go with the Superturbo or the magnaflow. For towing, a dual exhaust setup would hurt towing permormance and the stock setup with full flowing muff and cat is best.

[MWright936]

Man I loved Ebenezer Park! That was my 2nd favorite spot to go. Great place. Sam Rayburn is a beautiful lake, that's for sure. Where are you from originally? And when are you getting your exhaust? I thought it was yesterday.
I'll probably order mine at the end of the week when I get an expense check from work.

I grew up in Katy, just west of Houston. Now, it's just a part of Houston. It used to be a nice suburb.

I'm getting my exhaust on Monday. I had to wait in order to avoid spending extra $$ on shipping. The shop I'm going to doesn't stock Magnaflow. The anticipation has been driving me nuts!