Custom Side-Exit

[GotExhaust.com]

What size cats we need, 2.5" or 3"?

Do you mean for a direct factory replacement or aftermarket replacement? If you're looking to replace your headers/cats they will be 3" catted leads.

 

[charles06]

Just wanted to update this thread after having driven the truck for a few days. No, there is no rattle. And it doesn't touch anything. The exhaust is pretty stout. However, the placement of the muffler will probably cause me to move it further "downstream" and use a turn-down style exit. The exhaust sounds good, and many of you will probably like it, but it honestly doesn't sound any meaner or raspier for me to deal with the added noise in the cabin. It's not really a drone. At cruising speeds you don't hear a thing. But under load, it's just loud...noisy. I have two other cars with modified exhausts, so I want the Raptor to be a bit quieter in the cab.

My original interest in a side-exit came because I used to work at a boat dealership, and the rear-exit exhaust would be under water at times when launching boats. Also, like most others here, I just wanted that "cool" side-exit look.

We discussed doing a single-exit muffler, but Magnaflow recommended the dual-out for better flow. Not sure how much of difference it will really make, though.

 

[charles06]

One last update: I had the muffler moved toward the back of the truck (stock location), and had the pipes run out just after the rear axle, ending between the spare and leaf springs. HUGE difference. Now the truck is quiet under load, but still sounds fantastic! It was simply too "boomy" for every day driving with the muffler under the cab. If this was my only vehicle, I would probably want something more obnoxious, but my two other cars have loud exhausts, so this one can be quiet.

I hope my experience has helped some of you who are in the process of making the same decisions I have. Also, I had the muffler shop cut the side-exit pipes off cleanly, so if anyone is interested in going this route, they're available. You'd only need a muffler. The pipes still have one bracket attached that will work with the stock hanger, and an additional bracket to attach to the frame with a nut and bolt. Both brackets are welded to the pipes. Today, was the first time I was able to stand under the truck and observe the side-exit set-up, and it was so well done, I almost left it be.

If you have any questions, ask away...

---------- Post added at 10:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:29 PM ----------

The more I look at this setup, the more I like it. I think I would prefer a single in / single out muffler, though.

I asked the shop about this today. The guy told me that I'd have to have a 3" pipe coming out of the muffler to match the pipe/flow coming into the muffler. Not sure how it would look, or if you'd even be able to tell the difference that easily by looking at it.