I have heard a number of Banks trucks in person but haven't heard any MBRP trucks besides the video on their website. I'll be opting for the single 4" system, definatey no duals. Hopefully GMC-2002-Dmax chimes in here but my questions are how is the build quality of each? I don't want a loud sound so which is more mild? For any owners of these systems any complaints (i.e. drone, fitment, etc)? On either are the hangers welded on or are they part of the clamps? How many pieces are in each kit? The lesser the better.

Well, I have the MBRP T-409 system and love it. IIRC it is four pieces for the crew cab long box cat-back system. Short boxes have one less piece I believe, but you'll have to check to make sure.


I put the cat-back on first and drove with it like that for a while, and recently installed the front pipe. With just the cat-back system on, it is a pretty mild sound, but when you go WOT, you can hear it. Not loud, but present.


When I installed the front pipe, it made a significant difference in sound. Probably more than just the exhaust did. With just the cat-back, I could hear the engine over the exhaust, now with the complete system, I hear the exhaust over the engine. It sounds great to me, but you may prefer just the cat-back to start with.


There is at least one welded on hangar, and a couple of hangers on the clamps. Build quality is high. There is no drone at any RPM on my truck.


Good Luck,
Dennis

y2kboti: I have the banks cat back system, even though there is no cat on my truck. All I was looking to do was replace muffler but opted to change most of the system when I thought about it. It's a 2004lb7. Sound in truck at cruse with no load is as quiet as stock, when you step on it there is a beautiful rapping sound that we old guys from the 50's and 60's really like. I towed 6000 TT and there is a slight tone as you go down the road, not loud at all just slightly louder than stock. Installed system in 40 minutes, all hangers line up, no trouble. The only problem is fuel mileage is down some because I cant keep my foot out of it, love that sound!!!

Thanks for the replies. Upom further inspection I came across another thread.

Banks vs. MBRP? (http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9205&KW=Banks+)

If anyone has anything else to add please feel free. My biggest besides performance is sound. I don't want something loud, I want to know I own a diesel with a slighlt more muscular sound.

I also have the MBRP T 409 single exhaust system. Easy to install, fit perfect, and has a nice sound, I don't like loud ones either. Seems to have helped fuel mileage somewhat. Happy with it http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


Bought it from Diesel Performance Parts. Mark Craig answered all my questions honestly and provided 3 day delivery. http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif


Banks customer service did not impress me at all http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif

I just installed Banks Catback today. Fitment is excellent had only a single hanger clamp in the kit that applied for some other truck configuration. The remainder of the clamps were D type but I picked up 3 SS bandclamps from NAPA and used those instead. The muffler is large and the tailpipe is a single piece. There is a flange pipe and an intermediate pipe. No welding required. Tuffist part is where to attach the spiffy Banks decals? Like yourself, I don't want noise ~ neither does the missus.


I purchased it from City Muffler & performance WWW.CMPCHIPS.COM (http://www.CMPCHIPS.COM). Too early for seasoned comment on the sound from this fella but so far, not bad (I'm hearing impaired ~ honest too) ~ it is baritone-ish at low speeds. The turbo spool is greatly improved and can tell significant change in egt for the solo level run I was able to do today. The litmus test would be up the hill w/load of course. There were some numbering/letterings on the tail pipe where the tip attaches that said 409L ~ dunno if that is what I think it means or not. I was gonna get an MBRP until this Banks opportunity came up.


Normally, when warmed, my egt at idle is >300*. Now, w/the banks it is 225 ~ 280*.


FWIW, I bought 2 SS band clamps @ 8.49 ea while visiting my daughter near San Antonio. I needed another one today and purchased it from the same chain (NAPA) here in CA for 6.49 and sales tax was a good % less than TX also. Edited by: ShumDit

I had a Banks first.....liked the sound...........


I swapped because I wanted T-304 stainless.........


Fit and finish on both were excellent......


I like the MBRP sound better..........


Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifNY

Anyone know if the Banks kit requires a mid extension pipe for the long bed trucks like MBRP does as pictured in the link.

http://www.mbrp.com/chev-single.jpg

Looking at the packup data w/my EC SB kit it shows the same number of pieces but the intermediate pipe is longer/different and the flange pipe does not need to be cut shorter like mine did. Edited by: ShumDit

y2kboti,


Take a look at this review done on this site, maybe it will help you make a decision etc, our system includes all the necessary parts to install on any standard pick up built by GM:


MBRP EXHAUST (http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11123&PN=1)


Mark @ DPPIEdited by: Mark Craig

I have the banks and have been very pleased with it.Quality,fit and finish is great and it sounds very nice throughout the rpm range.The hangers are welded to the pipe and if you have a longe bed you just order the corresponding part # banks has for it...Definately recommend the Banks stuff but in all fairness I have not heard the other one

I really liked the way Tonys truck with the duals sounded. It was pretty loud though(I liked it) I really like the way my kennedy exaust sounds though with the muffler removedhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif Maybe MBRP have a different muff though if you want more quiet?

I have a 2004 HD Duramax with banks exhaust. Truck is to quiet.How can i make it louder?

Swap me for my Summit exhaust. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif

Anyone running the MBRP w/out the tip? I'm undecided of I like the tip or not but I definately like the no tip look. I saw the pictures from the review posted above but there is no side picture to show the profile.

y2kboti,


We have lots of customers run the MBRP without the tips, they sound the same either wayt and and it saves you some money if you want to go tipless as well.


Mark @ DPPI

I put a Summit 4" on last Saturday, and couldn't be happier with the sound. It's perfect. You hear it back there, but it's not intrusive, and gets quiet at cruising speeds. Can't go wrong for $300.

Marc

y2kboti,



I bought the tip, but didn't install it. I prefer the stock look, and the single MBRP, no tip fit the bill perfect for me.



Dennis

I will film my Exhuast with my Digital Camcorder iof someone will Host it who has Webspace....


MBRP T-409, 5" tip and No cat.





BIG

<span ="bold">Mjollnir:



Which Summit exhaust? I put on the aluminized steel version and
think it is plenty loud at cruise. The SS version appears to have
a bigger (quieter?) muffler.

</span>

MBRP cool duels http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley20.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley20.gif

I bought the tip, but didn't install it.* I prefer the stock look, and the single MBRP, no tip fit the bill perfect for me.
Dennis please post some pictures or email them to me. The more the better.

I have the Banks with no Cat. I like the sound better than stock. It's better suited to my hearing a low frequency thing. The fit was perfect no adjusting. I ordered the set for the longbed. That portion is the right length. The hardest part was getting the cat out. I removed the hanger bracket off the tranny. The top bolt was an exercise in patience but I succeeded. Start to finish was about 1.5 hrs and I took my time. It definitely spools up faster and sounds COOL!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/hihi.gif


Anybody need a new stock muffler system? I'm keeping the cat for warranty issues.......

y2kboti,



Been busy, but here are (finally) some pictures. The tip doesn't
make it past the tire, but pretty close. There is a SMALL
amount of soot on the end of the bumper, but that is probably more to
me never washing the truck, than anything else.



Dennis



One shot from above

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/baimpala/2004-10-09_061712_Exhaust_001a.jpg



One shot from directly behind

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/baimpala/2004-10-09_061734_Exhaust_003a.jpg

I've got the MBRP 409 single, same as BAImpala. Love it!!!!! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif


Funny thing is, I now wish I woulda bought the Cool Duals!


Tom http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley30.gif

They would be cool, but won't work with the Air Bags. . . http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley19.gif



Dennis