For EVERYONE running an aftermarket exhaust kit which brand did you go with?

Banks
Magnaflow
ATS
Kennedy
Other (if so please list)

Does anyone have any sound clips online? I will not go with a dual system, only single so who makes the best exhaust in your opinion? Better yet any companies I should avoid? Any and all imput is appreciated!

ATS http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_1_111.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)

GM minus the muffler

Kennedy 4"-5" minus the muffler. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif


Dont know about best since the JK exhaust is all I have messed with. I'm happy with the JK system though.

I had a Gibson dual (3" side by side) SS system and replaced it with the Kennedy 4"/5" system. It's a tiny bit louder at WOT, but the same as before when cruising or towing. It uses a huge muffler (5" internal passage) with a 4" inlet. I'm probably not gaining any flow with a 5" tailpipe section, but it's priceless when a PSD owner takes a peek under there and realizes it's NOT a 5" tip!


The factory aluminized pipes looked great after 2 yrs, the SS parts had red surface rust all over it in only a yr. The Kennedy system is aluminized and should look great for a long time.


Another issue to consider is material thickness and fitment. Even though I have Rancho shocks (big boots) and a 33" spare, the tailpipe clears the Rancho shock by about 1" and the spare tire by about 1 1/2", plenty of room.


Other than that, disregard any claims of power increases. A diesel dyno operator in socal has informed me that he actually saw a slight decrease with a Banks exhaust, but it was well within the margin of error.

B&B TriFlo reason - 304 stainlesshttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

Stretch, you need to put a parental warning on your avatar. I almost got busted http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif by the boss!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clown.gif

Sorry, I'll try to find something a little less racey !http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif

new banks 4" not bad for noise

Stretch, sorry for being hard on you about the avatar. I just need to be a little more careful when viewing the forum.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Now, if only I could proof read!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clown.gif

HOMEMADE 5 INCH FROM THE DOWN PIPE BACK. LESS THAN $250 FOR THE MATERIAL TO MAKE TWO OF THEM AT A MUFFLER WAREHOUSEhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif. IT USES THE STOCK MOUNTINGS AS WELL. IF YOU ARE INTO A LOUD TRUCK -----ITS THE ONE TO HAVE.





STRETCH, MAN I LIKED THE AVATARhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif

cdhd2001,


I didn't think you were hard on me at all, but Hoot on the otherhand scolded me.......http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif(I know it wasn't politically correct but it sure was nicehttp://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil%20Smile.gif) Lucky for me this isn't another, more militant site that might have me banned http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ouch.gif

Kennedy Diesel system on mine. Good fit, nice sound, S.S. band clamps, etc. Have no experience with any other, doubt I ever will.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif


Steve

banks with no muffler. it sounds great

Dynomax on my clunker but has Bassani muffler and Bassani tip. Dynomax is good stuff and not real pricey droans alot though. The Bassani kit is Great but a little pricey since its stainless and their muffler's and their 6 IN sport tip get all the look's. The Summit kit I saw on Bob's truck over the weekend is nice and its not real pricey either. The cheaper systems may not be stainless but a good coating of quality high temp header paint never hurts either helps prevent rust on the exposed welds and stuff. depends on your bank roll... bank's is nice also heard a d-max this week with a kit nice and quiet.





Greg Edited by: Smokin Deezul

We haev an awesome sounding exhaust. We have good pricing as well.





We have stainless and aluminized.


Being perfectly honest, with most exhaust systems they will fit most trucks fine, but depending on your truck you can always have little hangups. Usually it is easy to remedy, but when you are dealing with exhaust, no matter how nice, they can be a pain.





I need to get a sound byte, I think ( and several people have told us) that we have the toughest sounding muffler! Sounds like a BB Chevy!

I have the aluminized Summit 4" exhaust system on my truck. I have no sound clips of it though, sorry. It is not too loud, but right around 75-80mph it sure wants to let you know it is back there!! Total cost with 5" SS polished tip was $324 to my house!


Bob

A few more to consider/remember...


Rip Rook's fair shake (popular with the dodge boys, very reasonable price)


Diamond eye (mentioned elsewhere in this forum).

Banks 4" exhaust. Not very loud at all...just barely more noticable than stock.

Excellent responses so far but I have some more questions.

1.So is the general consensus that an exhaust kit isn’t good for much hp and the biggest gain is the drop in EGTs?

2.How does an aluminized system outlast a SS system? I always thought it was the other way around.

3.Do most kits start at the down pipe and go back? Any that don’t? This seems to pop up anytime I hear someone talk about Duramax exhaust.

4.Some kits use the factory hangers and some kits use the band clamps. I know what the difference is between them but which setup is better?

Anyone have pictures of the Kennedy 4-5” kit? I like the idea of the 5” section from the muffler back. Any negatives to the Kennedy kit?

Instructions didnt come with the kit. Print em out before you try an install. You may have to cut the kit depending on your truck config. Instructions didnt mention this and I was a bit worried that i got the wrong kit and didnt want to cut it if the rest wasnt going to fit and then have problems sending it back. A call to JK the next day and he explained everything and all was right with the world.


I wish he offered a fully polished SS 5" tail pipe for some extra "bling".


It has been said on here and on JK's site but you need to bend the rear hanger and I had to "adjust" one of the center ones a bit too.

I run the DPP 4" stainless system on my truck. I have been very happy with it and it has great sound. I had to do a little more cutting than the instructions indicated to get it to fit but, it has been great since we got it under there.

Excellent responses so far but I have some more questions.

1.So is the general consensus that an exhaust kit isn’t good for much hp and the biggest gain is the drop in EGTs?

2.How does an aluminized system outlast a SS system? I always thought it was the other way around.

3.Do most kits start at the down pipe and go back? Any that don’t? This seems to pop up anytime I hear someone talk about Duramax exhaust.

4.Some kits use the factory hangers and some kits use the band clamps. I know what the difference is between them but which setup is better?

Anyone have pictures of the Kennedy 4-5” kit? I like the idea of the 5” section from the muffler back. Any negatives to the Kennedy kit?



1. Yes


2. Stainless Steel will outlast Aluminum


3. Yes, the confusion is in the advertising, some misleading advertising would have you think they are from the turbo back, but I have never seen any that replace the factory down pipe.


4. Most kits use both. Band clamps are better than standard muffler clamps, as they spread the clamping pressure against a larger surface area, and are less prone to crimp the pipe. Hangers are altogether separate, usually welded to the pipes at the factory locations.

I run the DPP 4" stainless system on my truck. I have been very happy with it and it has great sound. I had to do a little more cutting than the instructions indicated to get it to fit but, it has been great since we got it under there. Do you have any pictures of your exhaust on your truck?

I run the DPP 4" stainless system on my truck.
Who is DPP?

I found a couple of sound clips.

Kennedy (http://www.kennedydiesel.com/mpeg/dmaxexhaust1.MPG)

Banks (http://us.f1f.yahoofs.com/bc/3ac405ab/bc/Banks+and+Borla+Stinger+exhaust+clips/Banks+outside+cab.wav?BC8kgt_ACk9b5gQ.)

So far the Banks sounds better but I know hearing a sound clip vs. real life isn't the same. Has anyone found other clips? Pics guys? This may or may not seem like a silly question but came someone please review the different types of SS?

Any negatives to the Kennedy kit?




This post about my experience with a Kennedy exhaust system and customer service.
John Kennedy knows who I am because I bought an exhaust system from him and had problems with it, and I was a member of the thedieselpage for a few years user "rracing", I both read and posted at that forum so you could say I had tenure there. I posted about my experience with the Kennedy exhaust and below is exactly from my post at the thedieselpage, but I did the unthinkable and posted the God's honest truth, that got me banned temporarily I then told Jim Biglie my thoughts of his censorship and I was banned for good, oh what a loss not being able to read their ads...


Originally posted by rracing:
"I recently installed a Kennedy Exhaust on my '97 Suburban. Prior to ordering the JK system I had ordered a Banks system. When I received the Banks system the quality of the system was excellent. Flanges welded in place, the boss welded in the down pipe for the pyrometer, hangers welded in place so the stock hangers could be used, a one-piece tail pipe with a chrome tip and the entire system aluminized. It also came with instructions. The reason I returned it was it was a 3" system. Their system is advertised as 3" to the muffler and 3.5" from there back. EXCEPT on Suburbans. Suburbans are 3" in and out. Well, I wanted a 3.5" system so I called John Kennedy. He was very encouraging on the phone so I ordered his system. He explained about how the muffler had a freeze plug tack welded in the middle but that it could be removed with a pipe to get better flow and better sound. Sounded good to me. He told me he would include a boss with the order that could be welded into the pipe for the pyrometer. Great! Soon my shipment arrived and when I opened the box there were no flanges, no boss to weld in, no instructions and no chrome tip. Oh well it was a 3.5" system. I went to work removing the old system. Then laid out the cut to fit pipes to try to figure out which pipe went where and in which direction. The down pipe went in smoothly and fit well after bending the body seam flat that joins two sections of floor board together. This information was in the Banks instructions and I think John Kennedy told me this would make the pipe go in without rubbing. Next, I knew which two pipes were tail pipes, so I put them together and looked at the hangers supplied with the system. You could not hang the exhaust in the factory location with the hangers supplied with the system so I cut the factory hangers off the stock system with an air powered cut off wheel, rebent them for the larger diameter pipe, and welded them to the new exhaust. Now, what I have left is a pipe with an off set in it and a streight section that has a swedge on one end, which after playing with them for a while I realized they could only go in one way which rubbed on the rear heater supply lines. Both pipes were cut to fit pipes. The swedged down end fit nicely over the down pipe. Next I tried to remove the freeze plug in the muffler so it would be a flow through design. John said to use a pipe. I had a three inch pipe 5' long, stood the muffler on end and beat myself silly from both ends. I did accomplish rounding the ends where the pipes slip into which pounded back into place with not much effort. I don't think it is possible to get it out that way. I finally got out my air chisel and a long cutting tip and was just barely able to reach it and remove it. Again I had to use the factory hangers cut off of the stock pipe. Now I have to remove the down pipe and weld in the boss that I had to get myself because when I told John about it he just said "Oh! I forgot to send it and it will cost me $6.00 to send you one."
My system is in now and I am happy with it. John asked me if I could tell a big difference and honestly I can't. It is louder, you always hear it but I can't tell much difference in performance. His answer to where the pipe was rubbing on the rear heater lines was to dent t

problems with Kennedy exhaust systems are much more common problem than he'd like you to think and a strong effort is made to silence, bad mouth or discredit those who report the problems with kennedy products.





Thanks for the input. If one values their reputation, he should make it right. In the end, it's always their choice to take the profits and chance the reputation.


With regard to the other site, I know what you're saying cause I've seen those heavy handed practices too. It's ugly stuff.

I recall the incident happening at the time. Looks like there could be a lesson here: Beware when trying to sweep/hide something under the carpet. Things have a way of resurfacing ~ Appreciate having an open forum to exchange information.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/37A_pipe.jpg


Here's the tail end of the DPPI exhaust. Wonderful deep tone, no drone. I could go under overpasses all day long.





Mike T.

y2kboti:


The DPPI system is a high quality product that offers two different versions of Stainless steel and a more economical alluminum version. I have sold alot of systems to Ford customers and so far, not one complaint. I don't see any reason why it would be any different for the Chevy/GM.


Kenny

ATShttp://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_1_111.gif
DIESEL 5 how do you like the ATS system? What about fit, finish, overall quality, etc?

Any other ATS owners out there? Looks like a high quality setup but I'd like to get some more feedback.



..., but it's priceless when a PSD owner takes a peek under there and realizes it's NOT a 5" tip!
I was looking at some pictures and the 5" section looks nice.


The Kennedy system is aluminized and should look great for a long time.
Does Kennedy offer a stainless steel 4/5" kit? Where is SoCal are you?



Afterwards I became aware of some shady business practices used to promote/sell kennedy products, and that some testimonials were likely bogus, by his salespeople, family or friends posting AS IF they were real customers, had I known that ahead of time I'd have never given him my business.
I don't want to cause problems or drag this out in the public so if these people you are referring to post on this forum please PM with their usernames so I know when/if they are being biased.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Nuke.gif <font size="5">BUMP</font> http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Nuke.gif

Has anyone ever tried the Aeroturbine Muffler. It sounds way to good to be true, but you never know.

I cut out my factory muffler and welded/clamped a 4" Magnaflow muffler in its place with 3.5x4 reducers. I'm very happy with the reduced backpressure, lower EGTs and mellow sound in the stock 3.5" pipes.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

rracing, sorry to hear of your problems. That did sound like a lot of work and I can sure understand your position. I think he's learned a lot since then and has worked hard to improve and make kits/systems complete.


All I can speak of is my experience with my own exhaust systems. The Gibson was SS and for $700 for muffler back, kinda pricey IMHO. The rearmost hanger broke from the weld on the pipe and I had to get a local shop to fix it, too far to drive for such a simple repair. It was completely covered in a light red surface rust by the time I removed it 1 yr later. This doesn't mean that it was in any danger of rusting through, but it certainly looked much older and more corroded than the 2 yr old factory aluminized pipes.


The Kennedy system I installed went in very smoothly and I chose to cut in 2 places. I cut 2 or 3 inches out just before the muffler. This moved the muffler fwd and allowed the factory hanger to line up with no bending or hassles.


Then I cut another 4 or 5 inches out of the pipe where it slips into the outlet of the muffler. This put the hump directly over the axle and lined it all up with max clearance between the 5" pipe, Rancho shock boot and 33" spare tire.


I was able to remove the entire horizontal section of factory exhaust and install the Kennedy system by myself in the driveway with air tools and a jack in about 4 hrs total. At night.


I live in the San Diego area and will drive up to an hr or so (to a bar preferably http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif ) to meet up if anyone would like to get together and see/listen to/drive the truck.


R, Steve

Holy crap batman!!! &700 for a muffler back system and it rusted in sandog?!! Socal, did you just hit the button an extra time? If not, that's just unreal!

I installed my Diamond Eye 4" exhaust system today. While I was hooking it up, I wanted to see how the exhaust would sound without any muffler...IT ROCKS!!! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif The truck truly sounds awsome! And if you can believe this, my wife says she really likes the way it sounds straight piped. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif Right now I'm running the pipe to where the muffler would be connected, and it stops there. I am going to run the new exhaust behind the tires just like the stock system, but I'm currently looking for a piece of 4" double-flared pipe to use in place of the muffler.


Does anyone know if there is a place I can order such an animal? The muffler shops I called today tell me that 3-1/2" is the biggest they have.


Now the whole neighborhood knows when "Daddy's home"! LOL!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif


Kevin

Call this guy .....I'd be willing to bet he could make you exactly what you want ....
Stan's headers (http://www.stans-headers.com/order.htm)

Mac
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gif

You da man Mackin!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif Thanks!





This site is amazing!!! Is there anything you guys don't know?


What are next weeks winning Florida lotto numbers??? I'll split it with whoever's right! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif

You da man Mackin!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif Thanks!





This site is amazing!!! Is there anything you guys don't know?


What are next weeks winning Florida lotto numbers??? I'll split it with whoever's right! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif





1 6 16 18 26 40Edited by: Max Power

You da man Mackin!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif Thanks!





This site is amazing!!! Is there anything you guys don't know?


What are next weeks winning Florida lotto numbers??? I'll split it with whoever's right! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif





16 18 26 69 77








I need 6 #'s 1-49...(I think its 49. Its been a while since I played)

1 6 16 18 26 40


You better not hold out on me!

I'm going to get a ticket tomorrow! Check online lotto # posts for Saturday P.M.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif





We're gonna be rich!!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Hey Fireman,

Please report your findings if you do get ahold of Stan's.
I was wanting to do the exact same thing.

Thanks

Chris

WOW!, i just ordered the 4" Kennedy system for my 2002 dmax/ally.


I was under the impression that it was a straight bolt on! i am no slouch wrenching around but i dont have the air tools etc and cut off wheels described i some of your posts. why would i have to tell him that i ave a cc/Sb if the exhaust wont fit properly and needs cutting.


Please let me know if i am over reacting or if i have to pay somebody with all the tools to put this exhaust in and thus making em sorry for not spending more money and get one that fits right of the bat.

Holy cow!!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif I just got my 4 to 5" exhaust from Kennedy. This thing is sweet!! Trucks going into the dealer Friday for the install (brother in-law is the service manager). He put a banks on recently so I'll let him compare the two systems.

Fireman, do you have any pictures of your setup?