Trying to make my exhaust louder

**twiggy** · 09-25-2009, 09:57 PM

I have a 99' Tahoe with dual exhaust. it was on the truck before i bought it, i think the mufflers are Flowmaster's but i'm not sure. they might be some off-brand. It's a true dual exhaust system, (Two of everything from the engine-back). So my question is Can i take off the Cats and straight-pipe it to make it louder? i live in SC, so we dont have emmision's test. So would taking the cats off make it louder and give it a more deep, throaty sound?

**ippielb** · 09-25-2009, 10:01 PM

Taking the cats off will do that, but also make it snap and crackle. Getting headers will make it deep and throaty, especially long tube headers.

**twiggy** · 09-25-2009, 10:17 PM

I would love to get some headers, i just cant afford it. I'm just looking for a cheap way to make it louder. Would taking the cats off hurt anything?

**ippielb** · 09-25-2009, 10:19 PM

It'll turn on your engine light, because the o2 sensors will be reading that your exhaust is rich. You will need to either program the computer to not read this, or get o2 simulators.

Good luck in your project!

**vncj96** · 09-25-2009, 10:59 PM

Check around for O2 simulators "tuner" sites are the best place to find them or just get a custom tune and have them deleted that way

**The Bull** · 09-25-2009, 11:54 PM

You can put a e-cutout after the cats. http://dmhperformance.com/ its the flip of a switch

**tbplus10** · 09-26-2009, 08:48 AM

Not to mention taking off the cats is a Federal Crime and the last place I'd want to announce I'm commiting a crime is on the internet.
Leave the cats on they serve a purpose and you wont gain anything by removing them other than to piss off your neighbors with the added noise, and they might just get pissed enough to send the law around to have a talk with ya.

**twiggy** · 09-26-2009, 10:41 AM

well i didnt know taking the cats off was a crime, but i dont think i have to worry about my neigbors, they would probably help me take em' off. LOL. well i guess i'll reconsider....

**ahmitchell1** · 09-26-2009, 03:11 PM

id run cut ofs right after the cat having them dump towards the ground. your truck will be very loud and still legal when u need it

**1995ChevyHoe** · 09-26-2009, 05:59 PM

if you really want to do something with the cats, then there's a way to do it but make it legal, take the cats off, get a broom handle or something, bang out all the filter, honeycomb, and what not, and once it's cleaned out, put them back on, nobody but you will know the difference, and unless any law enforcement is really REALLY bent on bagging you for something, they won't know.