I want to get an exhaust upgrade and had a question about the difference in some of the manufacturers and cost.


Is there a big difference between say the Banks Monster exhaust and the Magna Flow exhaust? The Banks would run around $700 while I can get a Magna Flow exhaust on Ebay for around $400. What justifies the difference in cost?


Any comments or help would be appreciated.


Keith

Aluminized versus stainless for one.

Why is aluminized so much better than stainless?

visa versa. Stainless is better then aluminized. Mostly for corrosion.

I got a Magnaflow Stainless system for $420...

Magnaflow = drone...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


Maybe that's okay with you, but it was high on my priority list that the system not drone nor be excessively loud. I'm aware of one individual who put another muffler on his in addition to the Magnaflow just to get rid of the drone.


I left the CAT on mine to see what results I'd get since we've got diesel emission testing around here. I'd be hard pressed to tell you the system is any louder in the cab than the stock stuff and definitely no drone...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


I'm sure the above will generate some flames, but that's my experience.


edit info:


Just in case you don't notice my sig, I went with Banks.Edited by: Zeeb

I have no drone in my TTS system. At 90 mph, radio playing, air on, I can talk to people in my back seat. Tried it saturday at 110 mph, person in the back seat asked why I was driving this fast, mind you , air was on, radio was on, 5 people in truck. I answered " I need to know for sure that I can". I backed off right away.


mike

Mike, what is the TTS system? I have not heard of that one.


Zeeb, are you happy with your Banks system? That is the way I am leaning but I was told that I would be paying alot for the name. I wasn't sure if I could get a system as good for less money. Did you get any other banks options? The guy at Banks I was talking to was really pushing their air filter too. I am not sure if I will get it or some other air intake set up.


Keith

I've talked to quite a few people here while on the road, cruising, and using my cell phone hands free...

Zeeb, are you happy with your Banks system? That is the way I am leaning but I was told that I would be paying alot for the name. I wasn't sure if I could get a system as good for less money. Did you get any other banks options? The guy at Banks I was talking to was really pushing their air filter too. I am not sure if I will get it or some other air intake set up.


Keith





Well I did quite a bit of searching for information on the various manufacturers and whether or not they used 304 or 409 stainless. I've an aquaintence who has a full ATS system including removing the CAT from and LLY.


I basically narrowed the search down to ATS, who is local by the way, or Banks. I didn't really like the ATS tip, but the sound and everything else is good. It really came down to price, ATS didn't want to talk and Banks cut me a deal that beat ATS by a pretty good margin.


The system went on without a hitch and seems to be very well made. Be aware that both Banks and ATS as well as a number of other manufacturers use 409 stainless for most of the system. Some folks complain about the 409 rusting, it doesn't, but it will corrode a little and look like rust. There are pluses and minuses for each material depending on what you find most important to you and I won't comment on them since those discussions get long and hard. Do a few searches and talk to some of the manufacturers, you'll be able to figure out which one works best for you.

Just my experience but drone is dependant on 1 of 2 things although cab configs/config of car can play a bit of a role.


Were your exhaust is dumping(shouldnt be a problem with any of the systems out there unless you have duals pointing out the back pointing right at your trailer.


The type of muffler. If you get a system and dont like its sound and you cant send it back I would just swap muffs till you get something you like, no need to add multipul muffs. I have a JK 4"-5"exhaust and with the muffler on there was very little noise at a cruise. Oddly enough though there is a wee bit less noise inside the cab with the windows up at a highway cruise with the muffler off. I'm happy with my system from JK but I am looking at getting my tail chromed. I want a bit more "bling"http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif

Oh....and to actually answer your question, its like anything you buy. Part of it is materials and sometimes you pay a few extra $$$ for the name.


My aluminized system dosnt have any corrosion after about a year and 1 illinois winter(I plow and my truck eats alot of salt)


And try to listen to some differnt systems. I didnt get a chance to but lucked out and got one with a tone I liked. Sound is subjective and everbody has a different oppinion. Edited by: ratlover

Thanks for all the information guys.

I have the 4" Magnaflow XL Performance System (which like I said was $420). The entire system is 409 Stainless. The only thing I don't like about it is that they mis-advertised. They call it "down-pipe back", but it's actually cat-back, which is from the 4-bolt flange back.


Since I don't have a cat, I wanted a true "down-pipe back" system, but the extra pipe probably wouldn't make much difference unless you have 600+ HP. The main reason I got it was to lower my EGTs. I've heard that the stock muffler is the biggest restriction by far when it comes to temps. The Magnaflow muffler is a straight-through design and it lowered my EGTs around 100 degrees or so.


The XL system also does NOT come with a polished tip. You can get their more expensive system which comes with a polished tip and muffler, but then the price is near Banks and you still don't get the extra pipe which bolts to the downpipe.


The fit was perfect. It took me twice as long to get the factory system out. For the money, it can't be beat in my opinion.


I have a 2001 CC SB and there is no drone in the cab while cruising. You can hear it when you get on it, but I don't think it's much (if any) louder than stock in 5th. I just pulled my 7# boat 500 miles through the TX hill country and heard the turbo more than anything else.


And the best test... my wife doesn't think it's any louder http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif