I have an '03 Dmax that I would like to eventually do some performance mods to. My budget is limited, so I need to do one step at a time. I figured the first thing that needs to be done is to get a new exhaust system to replace the factory one. I've searched this site for days and from what I've read several like the Banks, and several like the Magnaflow. I want an exhaust that will till be on the somewhat quiet side, but still give it that beefy sound.

The muffler shop that has done the exhaust on my gassers only install the Maganflow and they want $650 for parts and labor. My truck does have a cat. converter, so they said they have to go from the cat. back. If I go this route will I really notice a big difference? Or do I need to remove the cat and go from the turbo back?

I guess what I'm wanting to know is can I install a complete exhaust system myself? Or is it something that needs to be done by a shop? What tools are needed?

Lastly which systems do you recommend and what are some of the costs?

Sorry for all the questions, but I know someone here will have all the answers I'm looking for.

Thanks,
Brandon

just need a driveway to do it in.. easily done in under an hour. save your money on labor.

yours must be CA emissions.. only thing you will need to do is remove the hanger bracket on the side of the tranny and the cat pipe will slide out the front.. IF you want to remove it. Since you are doing a cat back system it will be very very easy. 4 bolts, remove old cat back, install new, tighten bolts.. Done.

I'm located here in Texas...but my truck must have originated from Cal.:(

Is it a good idea to remove the cat?

-Brandon

BrandonH,

That truck will not be inspected for a Cat in Texas. I would say to do a Cat-ectimy!

Just my $.02.

MaxRock

How difficult is it to replace the entire exhaust while deleting the cat at the same time? I'd really like to do this myself to save money and also learn a little more about my truck at the same time.

-Brandon

Where are you from in Texas? A cat back Magnaflow is dead easy and if you live in some selected counties in Texas, rumor has it diesels will be getting emissions checks in the near future.

Simple, simple, simple.

Jack up rear of truck as high as you can get it and jack-stand it. Remove right rear shock and spare tire. Unbolt 4-bolt flange in middle of exhaust. After unhooking all those rubber mounts, remove exhaust by twisting it out from over axle and take out pass side. Unbolt cat flange at downpipe (one bolt, I think)

Lay out new exhaust first on ground. Some of them require the pipe immediately in back of the four-bolt flange to be cut to length. Install cat-delete pipe using old hardware. Install exhaust one piece at a time starting at 4-bolt flange. DO not tighten anything till everything is up where you want it to be. re-install shock and spare tire. Lower vehicle. Enjoy!

I HIGHLY recommend buying Jegs Stainless band clamps...they seal better, don't ruin the pipes, and you can dismantle the exhaust if you ever have to and it won't be wrecked. These exhaust builders should be including them in the first place.

There.....like I said, simple, simple, simple.

For prices, check out the supporting vendors sites. If you want opinions on different types, do a search of this site. We've gone over all the different makers a million times.


Hope it helps,

Tom

BrandonH

Check out our web site and you can see out Stainless Steel kits there. If all your looking for is a cat back they are less than $500 for the kit. Takes a couple hours to install if you have a floor jack and some jack stands along with normal hand tools.

Thanks for all the info.

I guess the main thing I am still wanting to know is how much of a difference will it make to delete the cat compared to just installing cat back? Will there be a noticable difference in sound without the cat? I'm fairly new to the diesel community, so please excuse my ignorance.

-Brandon

I put a $250 exhaust system on in my driveway.

Tools required?

7/16" deep socket (11mm)
15mm socket
13mm open end
13mm socket
Prybar
Big Fk'g Hammer
Dictionary of cusswords
Case of beer.

Simple, simple, simple.

Jack up rear of truck as high as you can get it and jack-stand it. Remove right rear shock and spare tire. Unbolt 4-bolt flange in middle of exhaust. After unhooking all those rubber mounts, remove exhaust by twisting it out from over axle and take out pass side. Unbolt cat flange at downpipe (one bolt, I think)



I just dropped my rear axle, jacked body up by the trailer hitch, and pulled the exhaust out the front.
spare and shock weren't taken off.

Little over an hour to do the 5" downpipe back.

i would think that there would be a difference in egt's and performance between removing and leaving the cat.
Where in texas?

BrandonH,

The guys are right do it yourself and save a lot that way. We have aluminized systems starting at the low 300.00's. That gets you welded hangers, a REAL muffler with ceramic blanket and stainless steel wool packing materials too . A lot of the low priced systems have a hollow muffler that will drone and sound like an empty 55 gallon barrell. We also have stainless systems starting at 100.00 more than the aluminized. Call us if you have questions we'll be glad to help you.

Mark @ DPPI

Thanks for all the info.

I guess the main thing I am still wanting to know is how much of a difference will it make to delete the cat compared to just installing cat back? Will there be a noticable difference in sound without the cat? I'm fairly new to the diesel community, so please excuse my ignorance.

-Brandon

Brandon

If noise is a concern of yours our system is the quietest kit on the market. Some kit sellers also sell extra resonators to quite there kit to a level we start with. If you remove the cat your noise level will rise. You may also get a check engine light and set codes if the cat has been removed. Just remember the only bad question is the one you did not ask, so ask away.