Thanx for all the comment on my other post regarding exaust systems for my truck. There are so many companies out there that seem to have good reputations and feedback that im starting to get a headache reading about them all.


I have pretty much narrowed it down to the Banks turbo back system and the RBP rollingbigpower.com turbo back set-up either will run me 600$. The only differences are material and hanger set-up, banks being welded and RBP having clamps hangers. I want an exaust with a good tone to it that sounds MEAN. I have heard that the banks is almost as quiet as stock?? I am hoping to make a decision soon so hopefully this helps me decide!!


thanks again for the help guys

I can not answer your poll because I have never heard the other system or many otheres for that matter. It comes down to how much money you want to spend. Cutting out your muffler and welding in a straight pipe is the loudest cheapest route to go. A little obnoxious if you ask me. You can put in a different muffler for 45-70 bucks. Good sound still 3.5 inches. Summit makes a great 4" for 350.00. Ask Blue OX. Banks is the system I am running. It does use clamps to seal the individual pieces. It was very easy to install and sounds great. It is more throaty than stock and sounds tuff. Not as quite as stock. There are other good ones out there. You just have to pick the sound,longjevity and price you are looking for.

thanxs Bronco for being honest on why you can't vote for the poll fairly. I haven't heard either of the exaust systems banks or RBP so im really torn. It seems like Banks makes a really good fitting, easy to install, product. RBP I don't hear alot about but I know they go to Glamis alot and to the desert as do I and I like to "support the cause" but I really want a quality product that will outlast the truck!

I have the Stainless DPPI system from Mark Craig in Tennessee..... I think it kicks butt. The Stainless steel quality is better than Banks, the fit was so easy I could not believe, and his Tip is as Sexy as any of them.... you can check his system out and you'll be sold.





He makes 100% of the system himself, works in the shop with his guys, and is strictly focussed on Exhaust systems.... that's all he does. I bought mine from a guy on ebay and taht was auction ing one off... this guys sold my (2) buddies systems cheap as well..... if your are interested pm me and I'll tell you more.

Is there anyone here who has had experience with RBP products specifically exhaust systems?

TTT


Anyone using RBP products??

Chaps,


Just buy RBP,then you will be using it and can tell us all about it. Do you know the difference between 409SS and 304SS?

Maybe your right Bronco, I should just go for it and hope for the best but if I regret my decision im stuck with it, can't cough that kind of cash often. I must admit that I don't really know the technical differences between 304SS and 409SS just that they are different grades of stainless steel. Maybe someone here can help me out with that and give me the specifics.

I've answered a similar question on another site.


All of the other products on the RBP site were mfg'd by someone else, they merely put their sticker on it. IIRC, I told the other person that if he bought the chip, intake, propane system and exhaust from the original mfr, he'd save about $1800.


This is not to say that RBP does not make their own exhaust, but if they do, it is the ONLY item on their site that they don't just slap a sticker on and mark it up 35%.


If the other items are overpriced, my suspicion is that their exhaust system is as well. I'm not telling anyone not to go there, just that it is the highest priced site I've ever seen.

socaldmax I had noticed that there "package deals" included there exhaust and then components from other companies such as Airaid. I am only interested in their exhaust system. Their exhaust system is a bit cheaper than the Banks and is 304SS versus 409SS. While I don't know the technical differences between the two I have seen that most companies offer 409SS systems in the 600$ range and 304SS in the 700$ range leading me to assume that 304SS is a higher quality system. If this is true then would going with a RBP exhaust that is 304SS for the same price as a 409SS system be the wiser choice or is there something im missing here?


Also, what are the pros/cons of welded hangers versus clamp on hangers? And where can I find a good set of band clamps at a reasonable price? I would rather install then right off the bat!


Thanx again guys for the help

Well, here's a couple of links for you to ponder since Tim the Stainless Steel Man Mackin hasn't chimed in yet. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif





http://www.azom.com/details.asp?articleID=965


http://www.azom.com/Details.asp?ArticleID=969

I can't remember the difference between 304 or 409SS, hopefully Mackin will chime in, he knows SS like the back of his hand.


Depending on your location, SS might not be all that desirable. I had a SS system on my truck here in socal, and in a littel over a yr it was covered in a very light coat of rust, making the entire section orange/red. Meanwhile, the factory aluminized section was 2 yrs old and showed no signs of corrosion, looked new. I recently switched exhausts for performance reasons, but based on what I experienced on my own truck, I opted for an aluminized system and it still looks new.


I tow a lot, starting at sea level to 4200ft and back to sea level at my destination and returning same route, every two weeks and the EGT reductions while hitting the steep grades and adding more fuel were well worth it.


If you really have your heart set on SS, call Banks and ask if they have any scratch/dent specials. It'll save you a couple hundred and you'll never see the dents, there are plenty of satisfied Banks exhaust customers.

Chaps; outside of the quality (metalurgy) of the Stainless, there are tones of reasons why systems cost more or less. To be honest I think the other things raise the price more than the cost of the raw material being used to make the bulk of the system.





Things that cost (raise the price)


Type of hangers


Type of clamps used


guage/thickness of tubing bent


type of bending used to form exhaust


overall design and ease of installation


quality of welding


etc........


You gotta figure what is most important to you, longevity, looks, sound, performance, etc.... and then buy what's best for you. I also have a 1999 PSD Ford that I have a 5" exhaust on and it is aluminized. All I wanted was performance for yanking a trailer up and down the hils of West Virginia..... I got lowest EGT's and am happy.


What is most important to you? maybe someone can give you better advice if we know what you want most......





By the way, 304 stainless is a purer grade of steel, hence shinier and as banks would tell you more brittle, 409 is not as expensive but will grow surface rust. Yes it's also softer (more so than 304) and bends easier for the manufacturer. Any stainless system will most likely outlast your truck, longer than you'd want it anyway. If you want show and go - DO 304 and be proud, if you want life long and don't need bragging rights just do the 409 and get your girl a dinner.

Yea im just gonna have to make a decision and go with it as there are pros/cons to every system. I think I am looking into the 304 vs 409 issue way too much. I know I want the system to be a true 4 inch mandrel bent. My truck is lifted so it is alot easier to see the exaust so something shiny would be nice as long as I can keep it polished. I haven't seen banks in person but in pictures it doesn't appear to be the most attractive piping although the new muffler looks sweet. I will most likely end up cutting the exaust and having it exit in front of my rear tire so there won't be much to see except the tip and some of the muffler. I tow so getting my EGT's down is first on the list. I also want a strong tone but I can always play with different mufflers to achieve the sound im looking for.

Well, if you want pretty, get the Gibson system.





Tell Shawn you want the same system he has on his Duramax.


http://www.gibsonperformance.com/home2/chevy_beach.jpg





He prototyped his dual SS system for CC SBs on my truck. Tell him Steve says Hi, saw him duning right next to me several times this weekend in his rail, Backdraft. But bring your home equity line of credit, the system on his truck is fully polished and etched with flames on the tips.

Here are some close ups of the system.





http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/gibson_flamed_tip.jpg











http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/gibson_exh_pipes.jpg





Not a real practical truck, but it's a write off, draws a lot of attention, good advertising, and the *talent* that climbs in and out of that truck has to be seen to be believed...

I love his truck! Saw it at the Sand Sport Super Show a couple times and pictures of it everywhere but haven't caught it out at Glamis yet. I hear that their rail is pretty sweet but haven't seen it in person yet, you know what motor he is running? Maybe I can have some fun with him, our new rail for this season might make him sweat a bit.

Santas helpers or the truck? Can I have both?http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I didn't look too closely at the engine, it's either a turbo V6 (Acura?) or something like that. The car was originally built for Terry (posts as Backdraft on the Glamisdunes.com site) and he had the car done with graphics that basically shows him with a gorgeous woman, walking out of the flames with 2 cases of Corona while all of the theme characters from his buddies' cars burned in the flames. There's also a bikini clad pic of Shell, his wife, on the trunk wing. He's done it on Shell Shocked, Backdraft and his current car, Rock-it!


Shawn bought Backdraft off him and Sand Addiction mag did a feature on it in their first issue. They did no research and just assumed that Shawn had the car custom built and painted, not knowing the significance of every image on it. Nick, the publisher, caught a lot of static over that and published a poorly written retraction in the second issue.


What kind of rail and engine are you running?

Morning members,


The basic differences between T-409 and T-304 is that 304 has a higher quantity of nickel and chromium in it composition. Those higher levels add up to a much more corrosion resistant products. You can run all winter in Chicago and use hot soapy water on a 304 system in the spring and it's like new, 409 will "brown" out and oxidize. In extreme conditions 409 will rust thru as well. It's a function of how long you plan to own the truck and where you live etc. That's why we offer the same exact systems in aluminized, T-409 and T-304 stainless. We have the material that's right for each individual etc. Call us if we can help you.


Mark @DPPI

Socaldmax we drive a rawmotorsports 5 seater with a LS1 equipped with an Eaton Blowerrunning at 6.5 psi, comp pushrods, crane valve springs w/titanium retainers, LINK managment dynoed and tuned by Jim from MechTech.

OK, so it sounds to me like either 304SS or aluminized, since 409 actually looks worse than aluminized afte a short period. I'm sure 409 still lasts longer than AL, but AL would last as long as we would need and so the other consideration is appearance.





To keep this on topic, I'll go to the off-topic forum and start a thread about your rail, Chaps.

Yea thats what suprises me. It sounds like 304SS is a better quality SS and so im wondering why there are so many more votes for the banks 409SS system than the RBP 304SS when I stated they are the same price.


If anyone has pictures of their exhaust system please post them up along with how long you have had the system on the truck!!!!

chaps,


Snapped a few shots of the Banks for you. I've had it about 3 weeks and it's seen 4 snowfalls. They use mag chloride on the roads where I live and it's pretty rough on metal. The overall fit and finish of the system is excellent. No cutting required for my application. Installed it by myself in two hours (with the truck on jackstands), including removing OEM exhaust in 1 piece and drinking a few beers. Hangers are welded on and lign up perfectly. I am very satisfied with it.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/AB6_banksmflr.jpg


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/82A_bankstip.jpg


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/BD7_banksoveral.jpg


Note: the band clamps on either side of the muffler were ordered as extras by me when I got the kit. Banks includes saddle clamps for use in those locations. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.


Josh

Chaps,


Odd are there are more replies to the banks system as they spend gillions of dollars advertising and have been around since dirt, name recognition etc. If you go to the Ford site and ask about exhaust you'll get a lot more replies about us (DPPI)as we've been there forever and folks know about us and such. 409 is a good material but it won't last as long as 304 and won't stay polished like our 304 will. It just depends on how long you plan to own the truck and where you live as to what material you need to get. Call us if we can help!


Mark @ DPPI

Speaking of Sand Addiction, we are going to be doing a project Durmax series of articles.


RBP will be the exhaust we use. I will let you know how it turns out.

Chaps,


Dunu if you have ordered or not. Here is a couple of things. The only things shiny on the Banks are the muffler and the tip. These 2 items look real good. The piping is just standard. It is not a "show item persay" The higher nickle items can probally be held in a higher state of reflection with normal polishing. As far as the longjevity of Banks is concerned it will be fine. It comes with a limited life time warranty and I am sure Banks will be here to stand behind it. It is just an exaust system. The are several good ones available. You should be sound shopping more than anything else. Since you here you truck all of the time and only see the exaust once in a while! Wait untill you get to aftrmarket fuel filtering and power modules, this is where the real brain busting can start to take a toll on you. Good Luck!

Is the tailpipe too short w/o the 5 inch "bling-bling" tip that most aftermarket exhaust companys use.Edited by: mtomac

The tail pipe tip does make it possible to postion the outlet where you want it. I could however run the Baks with out the tip. There is quite a bit of overlap unless you pull the tip out all of the way.

Thanx GMCSLEHD for the pics, I am curious as to how it will look after a couple months of use under those conditions.


Mike330R I will keep an eye out for that


Thanx to everyone else that has been posting, I am gonna try to be patient, look at some more pics, try to hear some exhaust systems in person and again, if anyone has pics of their exhaust system please post them up!

chaps......Look at the poll, no one reccomends RBP, the rest are all over the Banks..... then 20% reccomend some "other". The other is the stuff you are not hearing much about. the guy that has it together is Mark Craig.... yet you don't seem to be interacting with him much. Dude; I'm from Cleveland, OH----- so take it for what it's worth:





FOR THE MONEY DPPI is the BEST system outside of the way out custom stuff like Gibson.....


Let your Wallet do the walking and get DPPI , you will not regret it.... big city boys love it!





Sorry to be an Infomercial