Most trucks are quite powerful – that’s probably why you own one. Trucks are made to haul and tow thousands of pounds without difficulty, so they need lots of power. Yet despite their powerful engines, most manufacturers equip their new vehicles with a relatively quiet exhaust system. If you think your truck ought to sound as powerful as it is, or if you’d like to reduce some of the constrictions in your truck’s exhaust, then you’re probably considering adding to or changing your factory exhaust system.
Luckily for you, the factory exhaust system on your truck is efficient, and can be easily improved with just a few modifications. The exhaust manifold is the first component of the exhaust system. It directs exhaust from each cylinder together into one or two main exhaust pipes. These are usually fairly efficient and don’t need to be replaced. If you decide to change them though, find a good set of headers with ceramic coating and factory mounting points for sensors. Usually though, the factory exhaust manifold will be perfectly fine for your needs.
After the manifold, exhaust travels through the catalytic converters. These are already very efficient and legally required to be on your truck, so you’re much better off leaving these alone. The only time you’d do really do anything with the factory catalytic converter is if you were adding an extremely powerful upgrade to your engine, such as a turbo- or supercharger.
The exhaust gases cool a bit as they enter the muffler after going through the catalytic converters. This part of the factory system is usually also perfectly fine, and won’t be too restrictive. Replacing the mufflers will probably only result in a small torque gain of 5-10 ft-lbs, and a hp gain of 3-5 hp. Using after market mufflers, however, will make a great change in how your truck sounds. It’ll add an exciting roar that easily justifies the cost of the muffler. The exhaust exits the truck out of the tailpipe after the mufflers. Truck owners often like to add tailpipe tips, but these are strictly ornamental, and serve no functional purpose.
Obviously, the most logical thing to do if you want to make a change to your exhaust system is to exchange the factory muffler for an after market one. It’ll produce the biggest, most noticeable results. Consider this when looking at after market mufflers:
First, will you be happy hearing the exhaust ALL the time? If you’re not too sure you’ll want the background noise to include exhaust drone every time you drive anywhere, try to choose a muffler that’s not described as loud. Your local muffler shop and the Internet are useful tools for choosing a muffler that suits your needs. Some muffler manufacturers will even have sound clips on their websites now to help you create that perfect roar.
Second, how loud do you want your truck to be? Do you want something that turns heads, or something that will drown out the neighbours? Extra loud mufflers usually have words like “racing” or “glasspack” in the description, so go for these models only if you’re ready to be the loudest thing everywhere you go.
Choosing between a single or dual exhaust muffler is another important decision you’ll have to make. If your truck came with a single exhaust, then a single after market exhaust will be enough to keep good performance. If you prefer to get a dual exhaust, be prepared to spend more money in exchange for better sound and look. Make sure your installer works around your trailer hitch, or leaves room for one, just in case you decide to add one later.
Your final decision is which exhaust material system you’ll use. The right material for you will depend on where you’re located geographically. If it’s anywhere near a saltwater body, buy stainless steel. It may cost more, but stainless steel will be a wise investment since the saltwater in your environment is harsh on regular galvanized or aluminized steel. Drivers in dry climates won’t really benefit from the extra cost of stainless steel, since it’ll take years for rust damage to occur if it gets into the system.