Just bought a 05 duramax. So far I like it, however, I am a bit concerned about posts regarding overheating issues. I went through that with the 6.5 and had hoped I wouldn't have to deal with that again pulling my 33ft travel trailer (8,000 lbs).

A friend has modified his dodge by adding an aftermarket muffler that has little to no backpressure. The dodge sounds good with that set up and he swears that the muffler has improved fuel economy and power. Has anyone tried the more open mufflers with the duramax??? This rig appears to have a catalytic converter. Can the converter and muffler be removed without affecting sensors or warranties??? Any ideas??

Thanks.

welcome aboard..if you will scroll down to the exhaust section you will find tons of folks that have done just that with pros and cons of each. Try a quick search, you'll find tons of info!

A sales type at Banks named Manuel told me the other day that the muffler they use to replace the stock muffler is design to maximize flow while maintaining adequate back pressure on the system to spool up the turbo. Thus he would not recommend removing the muffler. Of course he's also selling their exhaust system...

Ed

Back pressure is not needed to spool up. The more free your exhaust path, the cooler your EGT's and quicker your spool up time.

You will throw codes if you remove the Cat and muffler because the EGR sensor does not "sense" back pressure. There is an inexpensive fix on this site for that. Look up Finger's stick and EGR plate and you will get more info than you ever wanted to know. Easy install. The stick can be placed in your harness so the stealer will not see it. It will keep your oil cleaner too!

Welcome to the obsession!

The Stock exhaust in the 2004.5 and newer does have a Cat.
That, combined with your stock 3.5" exhaust and stock muffler makes for some nasty restrictions.
Replacing the entire stock exhaust with a 4" system that has a removable / Replaceable Cat section would be a very helpful thing.
That is one of the first things most people do on the D max.
The biggest thing it will help you with if you tow heavy is the EGTs.

I run the "ATS diesel" single 4" system with the "Test pipe" section so I could replace the stock Cat pipe section if needed. (Still a very quiet system 1 Db. over stock.)
Unless you have a California or a north east emissions truck your truck won't set a SES light. It sets an internal code that the dealer can see but none that I know of care about it at all.
I also unplugged my EGR. (3 minute Free mod) This does the same thing as the block-off plate.

These two mods are some of the best things you can do to help keep the heat down.

A sales type at Banks named Manuel told me the other day that the muffler they use to replace the stock muffler is design to maximize flow while maintaining adequate back pressure on the system to spool up the turbo. Thus he would not recommend removing the muffler. Of course he's also selling their exhaust system...

Ed

He is spewing crappy info. Either becasue its what ever propoganda banks told him is true or or he is lying. Either way with a turbo you want as free flowing exhaust as possible. Most of the time any info you get from banks is either wrong or misleading IMO.

JMO but exhaust isnt going to make a hill of beans difference in your water temps. But it will drop EGT's(a good thing) make your truck sound better in most peoples oppinion, and it should speed spool up a bit and maybe give you a few(albiet not many per $) HP.

Thanks guys for your help. This site appears to be very helpful

Hooky