exhaust changes

[gasguzzlingZ71]

Just looking into changing the exhaust in my '97 Z71. It runs dual pipes back to the muffler. Wondering if cutting out the 2 cats will cause any problems. i'm just lookin for a cheap way to increase mileage. Also, any suggestions on what kind of muffler to put on, lookin' to get a little better sound than the stock muffler.
Thanks

[J-Ri]

Originally Posted by gasguzzlingZ71

Just looking into changing the exhaust in my '97 Z71. It runs dual pipes back to the muffler. Wondering if cutting out the 2 cats will cause any problems. i'm just lookin for a cheap way to increase mileage. Also, any suggestions on what kind of muffler to put on, lookin' to get a little better sound than the stock muffler.
Thanks

Yes, removing the cats will cause problems. The biggest problem is that it will greatly increase the emissions on something that is already very high. Another problem is that it is a violation of federal law to remove one and there is a fine of $2,000 (I think, I know it's huge. I'll report any vehicle I see with one removed, I hope other people do that as well). It will also cause the SES light to stay on. At any rate, it WILL NOT increase gas mileage... perhaps a car would be a better solution?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by gasguzzlingZ71

Just looking into changing the exhaust in my '97 Z71. It runs dual pipes back to the muffler. Wondering if cutting out the 2 cats will cause any problems. i'm just lookin for a cheap way to increase mileage. Also, any suggestions on what kind of muffler to put on, lookin' to get a little better sound than the stock muffler.
Thanks

unless this vehicle is used to tow very large heavy trailers this exhaust change will do nothing but a waste of your money....

if you want to save on fuel replace all engine oil and transmission fluid with synthetic's....also clean maf with maf cleaner by crc.....

if your o2 sensors have over 100,000 mi these will also cause poor mileage...


spend your money wisely replace parts that need replacing!!!!

[jveik]

you could get a little better mileage, but nothing worth 400 bucks in exhaust upgrades, and as for performance increases, the only engines that would benefit are ones with other modifications, such as high-flowing heads and a cam with a higher rpm powerband. as for the o2 sensors the previous poster mentioned, i totally agree. my 95 k-1500 with a v-6 and a 5 speed got 18 mpg in the CITY when i first bought it, but then it started burning oil, whereupon it plugged up the o2 sensor (yes, THE, for some reason i only have 1) and caused my mileage to drop to 13 on the HIGHWAY. any attempt to replace the sensor fails a week later when it gets plugged up again