This took me about a week to find, but here it is to clear up the common confusion by owners and manufacturers. The part that most aftermarket exhaust makers call a "down pipe" is actually the front most pipe, called the front pipe. The actual down pipe comes directly off the turbo, but I think the duramax is about the only one that for the time being cannot be replaced due to size/space limitations (there is rumor someone is making one though). Other diesel makers have room to replace and enlarge, but the duramax down pipe is very very close to the firewall and is pressed and crimped in order to fit in there.

So when you are looking at exhaust systems and they say "includes down pipe" or "turbo back" they actually mean the front most pipe or from this oem pipe back.

Hope this helps and clears things up a bit. The first picture is the rear side of the Duramax and shows the down pipe. The second picture is a front pipe both with and without kitty.

Yep! and here's a little clearer illustration of the LB7 downpipe that shows why it's a tough replacement:

thats the one I was "trying" to find. where were you when we were having this discussion? LOL..

Holy Censored !! That's going to be fun to change.....if they ever come out with an aftermarket one! Is it even possible to fit a larger diameter pipe back there, and would there be any benefit to it?

there would be a benefit of course, but making one fit is almost impossible.

there would be a benefit of course, but making one fit is almost impossible.
Remove the engine and get the BFH out:lol:

there would be a benefit of course, but making one fit is almost impossible.

"Almost" being the key word :D

We will start shipping Oct/Nov time frame. It will require a new front pipe as the downpipe uses a full 4" exit. There are 4 different kits to fit all the models of LB7's. LLY kits will follow shortly after the LB7 kits start shipping.

Dr. Evil does it again......

"Almost" being the key word :D

We will start shipping Oct/Nov time frame. It will require a new front pipe as the downpipe uses a full 4" exit. There are 4 different kits to fit all the models of LB7's. LLY kits will follow shortly after the LB7 kits start shipping.

Sweet..any idea what the price may be..ball park?

That should be an easy swap if you juice a turbo, have to disconnect the pipe anyways.

"Almost" being the key word :D

We will start shipping Oct/Nov time frame. It will require a new front pipe as the downpipe uses a full 4" exit. There are 4 different kits to fit all the models of LB7's. LLY kits will follow shortly after the LB7 kits start shipping.

Will you have to split the trans from the engine to change the down pipe?

It is not a quick easy install that's for sure, but it can be done without removing the transmission. We have been testing for about a year now and have a few trucks that have been running them for more than 6 months with no issues. The install is about 4 - 6 hours and I would recommend the use of a hoist to do it. The hardest part is getting the old parts out, after that its a lot easier on the way back together. I do not have pricing at this time as we are trying to figure out to sell it as a kit or just the pipe and let the customer be on there own for the hookup to the rest of the system. What I think were going to do is offer it both ways and see what people really want. They are Stainless Steel pipes with a 4" V-band clamp joint at the bottom so it flows with no reduction into the 4" exhaust.

It is not a quick easy install that's for sure, but it can be done without removing the transmission. We have been testing for about a year now and have a few trucks that have been running them for more than 6 months with no issues. The install is about 4 - 6 hours and I would recommend the use of a hoist to do it. The hardest part is getting the old parts out, after that its a lot easier on the way back together. I do not have pricing at this time as we are trying to figure out to sell it as a kit or just the pipe and let the customer be on there own for the hookup to the rest of the system. What I think were going to do is offer it both ways and see what people really want. They are Stainless Steel pipes with a 4" V-band clamp joint at the bottom so it flows with no reduction into the 4" exhaust.

I am very interested in purchasing a complete kit when available. Are you starting a mailing list or will you just make an announcement here when it's available.

TIA,
-Allen

We will put up pictures and a post when they are released.

Dr. Evil,

So the "kit" is assumed to include a new downpipe and frontpipe?

Any update on the full LLY system?

We will put up pictures and a post when they are released.

Rumor has it they were on display at Sema. :D

Would having a body lift create any more room for these 4" DP or would a body lift create a problem?

Just trying to think of options.


Smoke Show
Mitch

Would having a body lift create any more room for these 4" DP or would a body lift create a problem?

Just trying to think of options.


Smoke Show
Mitch

since its up agaist the firewall I'd assume it would give you more room. You are lifting the body off the frame and above the motor..probably work great.

since its up agaist the firewall I'd assume it would give you more room. You are lifting the body off the frame and above the motor..probably work great.

That would be a PITA, but oh well the fact that it would have a bad ass down pipe far surpasses the trouble with putting it on.

What has the testing shown? Egts, torque, hp, sound?

I hate it when all these places keep calling the front pipe a down pipe or turbo back when it is not. I can't wait for a true turbo back or down pipe. I want to do a full exhaust, but can not imagine doing a full 4" and then leaving the piece of **** stock down pipe on. Hopefully the prices will not be too high on the real turbo back exhausts.

10994:rolleyes:

10994:rolleyes:

this is new.. where did you get that??

this is new.. where did you get that??

Here

http://www.ttspowersystems.com/exhaust_gmdiesel.htm

sweet.. any temp/flow data??

very cool do the ones for the lly or i should say can you use the down pipe with the mbrp front so you can just replace the down pipe
thanks

MBRP does make a down pipe cause i just got a qoute on an MBRP Stainless pro series with a 5" tip for $1000 and thats installed but the guy told me the down pipe is really for propane and a bunch of other stuff but if your just gonna do Exhaust, Chip, Filter or Intake then there is no need for it and i think he said the down pipe alone is like $200 and then that takes 2 hours to put on and 4 hours for the exhaust and I have a 06 LLY 2500HD Crew Cab

What does the ** refer to? Coming soon?

What does the ** refer to? Coming soon?

Probably means with my luck, "Fall 2006" LOL!
Here's another question, why is the downpipe kit $200 more than the catback kit, thats less material for a bigger price!

Call Guy Tripp. He may be able to give you the answers you are looking for.

God, I love this place.

My truck ain't bad, either.

Call Guy Tripp. He may be able to give you the answers you are looking for.

Call Steve Cole, 310-669-8101. He can give you the answers you are looking for.

:D

Probably means with my luck, "Fall 2006" LOL!
Here's another question, why is the downpipe kit $200 more than the catback kit, thats less material for a bigger price!2 part answer 1) to help recover some of their development cost and 2) no one else has one out.

What does the ** refer to? Coming soon?
That is why I had brought this topic back up and asked for an update. ;)

any one have any feedback on an installed downpipe on a LLY?

ttt :cool:

Does the kit price include the dipstick? Anyone install one at home? Engine hoist requirements??

contact TTS about that

http://www.ttspowersystems.com/exhaust_gmdiesel.htm

try this site out. they claim to have a "down pipe" for the Duramax from the turbo down.

This thread was started July 31, looks like we could have gotten some kind of info by now.

I am looking into replacing the front pipe on my 01 LB7. Anyone try either the TTS or MBRP kits?

I am afraid that my existing Cat Back system will not mate well to the new front pipe as there is about 3 inches of 4 into 3 adapter currently in place. If I cut that off, it is welded on, I might not have enough length to connect the new front pipe to the existing 4" exhaust. The adapter needs to come off though or else I'll have a 3" bottleneck in the system at that point.

What is the worst case? I guess I'd have to have a 4" joiner section fabricated with double clamps to mate the two parts. Does not seem that bad but would be a PITA.

Supporting vendor John@dps has them (not sure which though) for $120.00

http://dieselplace.com/forum/member.php?u=2964

http://www.dieselperformanceshops.com/

It is the MBRP one.

http://www.dpsdirect.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=209&category=2

I don't think MBRP has an actual downpipe. They seem to be like alot of other places call the front pipe the downpipe. To my knowledge only Steve at TTS offers them.

I guess a phone call would clear it up but from the description (they call it a front pipe) it seems like a front pipe and not a turbo down pipe.

At least they properly name it.

I haven't seen anyone offer an actual 4" downpipe except TTS. many call it a downpipe but as the first thread goes they are all front pipes. i looked for a long time when i was looking for one.

Check out Magnaflows site, they are showing both.........

4" Turbo Back

Sorry fellas... kinda late in the ol nightshift

4" Turbo back Part #16900
4" Downpipe back Part #16932

Cheers

Same setup as the rest. Turbo back is catback and the downpipe is the front pipe.

Right off the Magnaflow site..........

Turbo-back: Replaces the flattened OEM downpipe with a stepped mandrel-bent down pipe and OEM style flange that bolts to the back half of the system. Use when a few engine modifications are planned.

Cheers

i would bet money it isn't really the downpipe.

Sorry fellas... kinda late in the ol nightshift

4" Turbo back Part #16900
4" Downpipe back Part #16932

Cheers

i think it might be the right thing because of the 2 different part numbers, but that is just a thought.

it would be the first one I have herd of , as tts and Bd are the only one I know of and the BD is for their turbo only (i have it right in frt of me) Many manufactures have called it that but they mean the frt pipe

Straight from Magnaflow's installation instructions for the downpipe back kit. (there are no instructions for the turbo back)

Step 2: Unbolt the front muffler extension pipe from the turbo downpipe at the 4-bolt flange, near the transmission and remove it from the OEM rubber insulators. Do not discard the OEM fasteners as they will be reused with your new system.

There is not a 4 bolt flange on the downpipe. They are referring to the front pipe as the downpipe and the downpipe as the turbo.

Yup. Magnaflow (and I think Banks too) misnames them.

I got so confused (frontpipe backpipe sidepipe downpipe uppipe) that I had to go back out to look at my truck and I already HAVE a 4" stainless front pipe. My Banks 4" was always a "downpipe back" system. The first 3" place (working back to front from the exhaust tip) is at the interface between the front pipe and downpipe on my system. So unless I want to go furhter with the actual downpipe upgrade - I am good. Hmmm. Maybe a muffler delete?

Straight from Magnaflow's installation instructions for the downpipe back kit. (there are no instructions for the turbo back)



There is not a 4 bolt flange on the downpipe. They are referring to the front pipe as the downpipe and the downpipe as the turbo.:confused::confused::confused:

:confused::confused::confused:What are you not understanding?

I think the real downpipe does attach to the turbo outlet by way of a 4 bolt flange does it not? I can't see it that well but it feels like it is bolted on in that fashion. The lower end of my stock downpipe is coupled to my 4" front pipe by way of a clamp and the front pipe has a 3" into 4" adapter welded onto it.

I think the real downpipe does attach to the turbo outlet by way of a 4 bolt flange does it not? I can't see it that well but it feels like it is bolted on in that fashion. The lower end of my stock downpipe is coupled to my 4" front pipe by way of a clamp and the front pipe has a 3" into 4" adapter welded onto it.

Nope its 6 bolt (on the LB7, anyway)

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7066&d=1122896462

I understand completely, just being funny.

:thumb:

6 bolts then. I could only feel 4.

I've got no idea what hooks up to the VNTs on the LLY and LBZ.

But for LB7s if the vendor is really talking about a DOWNpipe - it had better have a 6 bolt configuration on one end and no bolts on the other.

LB7's use two different bolt patterns on the turbos and a 3" v-band clamp at the bottom where it joins to the front pipe. The LLY and LBZ use a 3" V-band clamp at the rear of the turbo and a 3" v-band clamp at the front pipe connection. The clamps are really metric size so the size I've given are only for reference.

The real expert speaks. Thanks again!

So where can we get one for an LLY and has anyone installed one yet.

I'd like to see before and after dyno and EGT changes before looking further.

LB7's use two different bolt patterns on the turbos and a 3" v-band clamp at the bottom where it joins to the front pipe. The LLY and LBZ use a 3" V-band clamp at the rear of the turbo and a 3" v-band clamp at the front pipe connection. The clamps are really metric size so the size I've given are only for reference.

Two different bolt patterns for the LB7? What's up with that?:confused:

Two different bolt patterns for the LB7? What's up with that?:confused:

That just what I said! Took awhile to figure that one out. The LLY pipe is not yet for sale as were waiting for the coupler for the back of the turbo to come in from the machine shop, so the pipes can be finished.

So you need the LB7 VIN to order?

O.K is it just me or does this pipe replacement seem like the ultimate pain project to do!!??!! Felt back there today after reading this and I got pissed just thinking about it!! Looks to me like it would be easier to just go ahead and cut the crap out of my hands and just throw all my tools down the street now and save my-self the time! But seariously how do you change this guy out and is it worth it? This is something important for me to know since I'm real close to gettin my new exhaust soon

No VIN required but some inforamation about the truck and its emissions package is needed. AS far as installing it is not real easy if thats what anyone is asking. It takes us about 4 -5 hours to do one on a cold engine. About 6 -7 hours on a hot engine. Does it work, yes. Is it worth it, all depends on what your looking for. Will it toss your head in the backseat after changing, no but you will feel the difference.

That just what I said! Took awhile to figure that one out. The LLY pipe is not yet for sale as were waiting for the coupler for the back of the turbo to come in from the machine shop, so the pipes can be finished. Is there a time frame when you think this might be available?

I am hopeing to see the couplers here mid March. It will take us a week or so to complete them once the parts arrive.

http://www.ttspowersystems.com/exhaust_gmdiesel.htm

TTS claims to have the downpipe. I emailed them and they are in the works for the LBZ right now. Here is the link.

Yes, TTS does have a downpipe available for the LB7.

I bet the guy who posted above you could tell you exactly where the LBZ downpipe is in it's developement stages. ):h

Say I was to get TTS's downpipe (LB7), what mods am I going to have to do to get it to hook up to my Kennedy 4" exhaust that is currently hooked up to my factory downpipe?

I don't know about your Kennedy one but my Banks frontpipe has a 4-->3" adapter that would have to be cut off. Then I'd have to trust that the thing would mate correctly. That is the part that is unsettleing. Might have to fab a sleeve-like connector/joiner.

Sounds like we're in the same boat. Does anyone have a fix/ideas figured out for this yet?

If you buy the downpipe and front pipe you will have no problems. We made a front pipe that mates with our downpipe just so you bolt it in place. If you want to fab your own you can do that as well.

From what I can see on your website, you dont sell just the downpipe or just the downpipe and new dipstick do you? I would HAVE to buy the front pipe as well?

To tell you the truth I'm not sure (if we sell them seperate) but I will find out and let you know.

Any update on when the LLY version will be available?

Anyone install and test yet?