Magnaflow Cat Back- UPDATE, system installed
It's muffler time again....Back in 2012 the OEM muffler rotted out and I replaced it with a Flo-Pro (see this thread) because I was concerned about interior noise, specifically droning while towing. ...
Forum Discussion
So the issue here is not whether a cat back is worth it. Banks said early on that they were not making a kit for the 8.1 because the factory exhaust was so efficient that no gains could be gotten. (Only exception was the 8.1 on the Workhorse Class A chassis.) This is why in 16 years of owning this truck I have never felt the need to install a cat-back exhaust system.
The issue is that nobody makes a muffler for this truck.
Chevy only sells the muffler and pipes as an "assembly" for the low low price of $2000. Flo-Pro made an exact fit muffler for this truck, but it's been discontinued since they sell 100% diesel exhaust now.
UPDATE:
The new system has a single side-exit pipe, just like the stock, except it's upsized from 2-1/2" to 3". Had the system installed by a local shop and I will say it sounds bad-azz!!!! If you want to turn some heads and rattle some windows, nothing beats an 8.1 with a loud muffler! The truck now has a seriously cool factor to it.
Now for the not-so-good news....if you thought it was loud when you got into the go-pedal, hitch up a 9k travel trailer and hit it....now we are talking LOUD!
So far DW doesn't seem to mind, but this is way louder than I would like it to be when cruising the highway with the TT in tow. It drones really bad around 1500 rpm, but not an issue for me since the engine is usually at 2300 or so cruising and 3200 if in 3rd gear pulling a hill.
Good news is that it doesnt drone badly when towing but man this thing is LOUD. It's a quality kit, so I would definitely recommend as far as that goes. Towed about 2 hrs home today and I'll admit I was getting used to it. If you are looking for a louder exhaust for your big block, this is the kit for you!
Will try to post a sound clip when I get some time.
The issue is that nobody makes a muffler for this truck.
Chevy only sells the muffler and pipes as an "assembly" for the low low price of $2000. Flo-Pro made an exact fit muffler for this truck, but it's been discontinued since they sell 100% diesel exhaust now.
UPDATE:
The new system has a single side-exit pipe, just like the stock, except it's upsized from 2-1/2" to 3". Had the system installed by a local shop and I will say it sounds bad-azz!!!! If you want to turn some heads and rattle some windows, nothing beats an 8.1 with a loud muffler! The truck now has a seriously cool factor to it.
Now for the not-so-good news....if you thought it was loud when you got into the go-pedal, hitch up a 9k travel trailer and hit it....now we are talking LOUD!
So far DW doesn't seem to mind, but this is way louder than I would like it to be when cruising the highway with the TT in tow. It drones really bad around 1500 rpm, but not an issue for me since the engine is usually at 2300 or so cruising and 3200 if in 3rd gear pulling a hill.
Good news is that it doesnt drone badly when towing but man this thing is LOUD. It's a quality kit, so I would definitely recommend as far as that goes. Towed about 2 hrs home today and I'll admit I was getting used to it. If you are looking for a louder exhaust for your big block, this is the kit for you!
Will try to post a sound clip when I get some time.
