turbo vs. CAT back exhausts

OhioDmax · 10-06-2005, 07:33 PM

Anyone have a preference???........I'd like to eventually take this step but want to research it as much as I can before deciding which way to go......I occasionally pull a 4 horse gooseneck that may get to 10,000 pounds.......Mostly used as a grocery getter......We do intend on eventually pulling more frequently when time allows...... I by no means work the truck hard compared to what I've seen some guys do but I would like to try to make it a little snappier and save a little on fuel if possible.......There are so many choices by so many different companies that it can be difficult to decide.

bigdog1 · 11-20-2005, 07:54 PM

As far as exhausts go,I have the BullyDog cat-back on my 05'ext.cab. I spoke with many people and decided on the cat back to avoid engine codes for EGR. There are many ways around it but, the full exhaust didn't seem to offer any advantages over the cat-back other than noise. The cat on these things are wide open. If I were to make any recommendations I would suggest the Banks cat-back. It comes the the 4-bolt flange and fits flawlessly. Banks was a big factor when it came to my decision between full and cat-back systems. Being that they have made diesel performance parts for some time and they only offer the cat-back. Hope this helps.

OhioDmax · 11-21-2005, 05:27 AM

Thanks.........I wasn't sure if going turbo back would offer increased airflow over a cat back system......No more than I will work the truck a cat back would probably do me just fine so that is probably the way I will go........I only plan on doing the exhaust and airbox, no EDGE or the like.

GreenDmax · 11-21-2005, 09:22 AM

If you don't plan on any kind of performance HP upgrade you should just cut the muffler and cat off for $50 instead of spending 3 to 7 hundred on exhaust for no reason. If you can't do the cat, muffler should be good enough. If you don't plan on edge, van aken, or any of the other boxes or programmers that is what I would do. That is what I did, your stock exhaust is already 3.5. I am running a 3.5in staight pipe no muff no cat with 2 MPG gain. JMO.

GreenDmax · 11-21-2005, 09:24 AM

Oh yeah almost forgot, if you are doing it for looks add a 3.5in to 4 or 5in tip. Looks and sounds the same as aftermarket system.

bigdog1 · 11-24-2005, 02:03 PM

greendmax is also correct with removing only the muffler. The one advantage is the egt. with larger exhaust. you wouldn't think 1/2 inch in dia. would make any difference but it does. especially at highway speeds. There are a multitude of websites that you can research for the exhaust and the best price. here are a few: www.rpmoutlet.com, www.xtremediesel.com. The decision is ultimately up to you. Hope you have a Good Thanksgiving!

SixInARow · 11-29-2005, 07:03 PM

I agree with Green, if you're going to spend the money on exhaust and intake, go ahead and get a chip to help take advantage of that newfound airflow. Getting a Superchip tuner works great. It is one of the safest on the market and affordable. I had one on my PSD that did a great job of providing the extra power when needed.

OhioDmax · 01-10-2006, 08:22 AM

I may consider a programmer, but only for the increased fuel economy, and after I do the exhaust and airbox. I really don't need any more power since I don't work it that often, and when I do the worse it will pull is 12000 (4horse gooseneck fully loaded). It already pulls this trailer like there is nothing behind me. :Peelout .....Thanks for the help. I'll probably do these upgrades over the next year or so and I'll try to keep things posted on here so people can see how my 05 LLY does with the upgrades I choose.

SixInARow · 01-10-2006, 12:02 PM

Cool. Well like I said consider the superchip. You could find a used one for half the new priced, and it's the exact same thing. Program it onto economy mode and it'll give you some extra horse, and mileage too.

ClifftheCurber · 01-17-2006, 07:40 PM

just bought a 05 dmax, allison, 4wd, 20,000 miles and was wondering what are the basic upgrades to do. this truck is mainly for work, pulling trailer (no gooseneck) 12000lbs. i figure a chip or programmer, intake....what else is inexpensive and trustworthy? thanks in advance and love the site already, hope to see more.