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When Should You Put an Exhaust System on Your Truck?

Author: JasonLancaster
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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.

The factory exhaust system already on your truck is already a pretty efficient system and doesn`t really need much modifications to be improved. The first part of your truck's exhaust system is the exhaust manifold, which channels exhaust from individual cylinders into larger main pipes. These systems are efficient and don't need to be changed, but if you decide you want to anyways, you'll need a set of headers. Quality headers like the ones you'll want will have a ceramic coating and factory mounting points for the sensors. Most of the time though, the standard manifold is more than good enough.

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.

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.

Changing the factory muffler on your truck for an after market muffler will make the biggest change to your exhaust system, so it's the obvious move to make. Here are some things to consider about after market mufflers:

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 something that people can slightly hear when you drive by, or do you want something so loud that the neighbors know exactly what time you leave for work every morning? Words like "racing" or "glasspack" usually indicate exceptionally loud mufflers, so watch out for those terms unless you want a lot of attention.

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.

The last thing to consider is exhaust system material. You should make this decision based on where you live. Drivers who live near saltwater will want to invest in stainless steel. It may be more expensive, but it'll hold up again saltwater corrosion for much longer than galvanized or aluminum steel. If you don't live near a saltwater environment, stainless steel will be a needless expense. If rust ever gets into your system, it will take years for you to feel the effects.