Exhaust system modifications

I have a 99 Yukon and wanting to change up the exhaust. I was looking below while doing my fuel tank and noticed that the system seems pretty small in diameter for a V-8 so i was thinking to run header with straight pipes and dump or what should I do?
I was thinking of picking up some headers but not sure what to get?
I am strap for cash right now so I was thinking just to get the pipes cut and dump them,but will I see any gaines?

Oh I read on here somewhere that someone said to flip your Intake box over for more air into box? I am not sure if this person was joking or not until i get my Intake system that I am once again looking for a good one but not at a outrageous price TIA

A free flowing exhaust on the 5.3 will give you more HP and torque on the upper end but you will be noticeably hurt on the lower end. Everyday driving made me wish I didn't do it although Flowmasters sure sound good.

Oh i forgot to say I have a 5.7 vortec and not sure if that is 1st or second gen?

Hi,
the 2nd gen 5.7 vortec is 96 and up. You can tell by the redline of 5,000 RPM, the old one was 4,000 RPM.
I currently have a 2001 Yukon XL K2500 with the 6 liter engine and got a free flow exhaust, a K+N cold air intake filter and a Hypertech programmer.
This was to help with towing a heavy trailer (10,000lbs).
The first thing that I reverted back to stock was the muffler, as it hurt my ears droning on for hours.
Yes, it did sound sexy at the stop light.
Then I took out the K+N air filter box, as the intake noise is quite annoying after a while.
I still have the programmer, which also firms the transmission shift points.
Now I do not mind driving on long trips anymore.

I know, this sounds kind of lame, I admit that I also do not like to be woken up at 2 AM by a 3,000 Watt boombox car, or by some hero who took the mufflers off his bike.

Your stock engine setup is quite zippy compared to the 95 Suburban that I had with the older engine setup.
Take care, Eggert Johnson :bananasmi

I put a single outlet Flow Master on my 95 tahoe, with a chip, and noticed power and economy. Sounds throaty, but not like a "hero" as one of you said. Kept all of my power band too, Stock on a 5.7l is 3 inch diameter, dont go bigger, dont go smaller, its one of the things chevy did right!!!!

just my 2 cents

Hi,
the 2nd gen 5.7 vortec is 96 and up. You can tell by the redline of 5,000 RPM, the old one was 4,000 RPM.
Wow, I guess things have changed a bit in engine and/or tranny technology on the GM SUVs--the Vortec HQ4 6.0 engine/Hydro-Matic 4L65-E tranny combo allows for a 5600-rpm redline on the NBS Denalis...