Automotive Journal

If you’re a truck owner, you’re probably quite familiar with how powerful they are. Trucks are meant to haul and tow heavy loads without strain, which is why they require so much power. Yet most manufacturers equip their trucks with fairly quiet exhaust systems in spite of their powerful engines. If you want your truck’s sound to show its power, or you want reduce some of the constrictions in the exhaust, you might want to consider adding to or changing the exhaust system.

Fortunately, the factory exhaust system is efficient and doesn’t require much modification for you to improve it. The first component in your exhaust system is the exhaust manifold, the part that directs exhaust from individual cylinders into one or two main exhaust pipes. Most exhaust manifolds are pretty efficient and don’t require replacement, but if you decide you’d like to replace this part, then you’re going to look at a set of headers. A good set of headers will offer a ceramic coating, as well as factory mounting points for sensors. Again, most of the time the factory exhaust manifold is just fine.

The catalytic converters are the next stop for exhaust gases as they travel through your truck. It’s not exactly a good idea to take these off - your factory catalytic is already very efficient and a legal requirement on your vehicle, so you’ll want them to stay on your truck. The only time replacing the standard catalytic on your truck might be a consideration is if you were adding a very powerful upgrade, such as a turbocharger or supercharger, to your engine.

After the catalytic converters, the exhaust gases cool somewhat and enter the muffler. Again, the factory exhaust system is pretty good and the standard mufflers aren’t very restrictive. Replacing them usually won’t result in a significant hp or torque gain…3-5 hp and 5-10 ft-lbs of torque on average. However, after market mufflers will make your truck sound much better. The rumble you’ll hear with after market mufflers is exciting, and well worth the cost. After leaving the mufflers, the exhaust will exit out of the tailpipe. Tailpipe tips are a popular add-on, but they’re decorative only, and have no impact on your exhaust system’s performance.

Since changing the factory muffler will have the biggest effect on your exhaust system, they’re the most logical component to replace. When you’re looking at after market mufflers, here are some things to consider:

First, do you want to hear the exhaust ALL the time? In other words, when you drive down the highway, is a little exhaust drone OK? If not, make sure you choose a muffler that’s not described as being loud. Check the web and ask your local muffler shop for advice on finding a good muffler. Many muffler manufacturers are even putting sound clips on their websites now.

Second, do you want your muffler to be just loud enough for passersby to hear, or do you want a loud that will make people stop and stare? If you’re looking for that extra attention, you’ll want a muffler with words like “racing” or “glasspack” in the description. Otherwise, these mufflers may be too loud for your tastes.

Another important choice when considering a new muffler is single or dual exhaust. Remember, most factory exhaust systems are pretty good. If your truck came from the factory with a single exhaust, it will work just fine and give good performance with a single after market exhaust system. Dual exhaust systems cost more money, but they look and sound better than single exhaust systems. If you decide to go with a dual exhaust, make sure that your installer works around your trailer hitch and/or leaves room for one in case you want to add it on later.

Finally, what exhaust system material is best? It’s a decision that should be based on geography. If you live anywhere near the corrosive effects of saltwater, stainless steel is the smart choice. While it’s more expensive up-front, it will last much longer than galvanized or aluminized steel in these climates. People living in dry climates really don’t need to purchase stainless steel - if rust attacks their system, it will be years before anything is damaged.