Exhaust

[armyman06]

I am looking to upgrade the exhaust system for a 2000 shortbed, with a 4.8, 5 speed. I am not too terribly concerned about power gain. I am not going to be racing it. Just somehting that sounds nice. Are there things that you cannot do with a 5 speed or just the new vortecs in general? I was wanting true dual exhuast if at all possible, and some flowmaster 40s. Also wondering if i shoudl consider headers (will they do more harm than good if im just looking for sound), and what type of headers, and mufflers you guys recommend. Thanks.

[TexasF355F1]

When it comes to exhaust systems, the possibilities seem endless. On my 5.3 I have a Borla muffler. I chose this b/c it fit my budget, i didn't want the loud, rough sound that Flowmaster produces, and I wanted stainless steel. Its really hard to go wrong with exhausts if all your looking for is something a louder. I've heard that true dual can cause engine lights to come on, but I don't know how often that happens.

As far as headers, there won't be much of a noticeable increase in sound. But you will gain a lot more hp with headers.

[jeverett]

On my 5.3 I have a single 3" inlet, dual 2.5" outlet 40 series flowmaster. If your not looking for something that just rattles everyone's windows, in my opinion this is it. It is VERY deep sounding, but it resonates in the cab quite a bit, but I wouldn't have gotten pipes if I cared. I noticed a very slight increase in mileage after installing this, but couldn't really tell of any signifigant power gains. As for the headers, I've heard good and bad things about them. I'd get them if I had the money to, but I'm about to get married so....I'm broke.

[Joshs2002Silverado]

ok well for starters...with exhaust...if you are looking for deep sound go with flowmaster, and they arent too expensive. i have a '02 silverado ext cab with the 5.3. i have 40 series flows with the pipes firing down right front of spare tire....i did that because someone kicked one of my pipes and broke a bracket...yeah but the flows alone sounded good...at idel it was quiet then when you got on it it roared...it really wasnt too loud in the cab at alll which was nice...it gave it a nice sound outside of the truck...but i wanted a little better sound so i decided to get headers...just last week i had a set of edelbrock headers installed...its great i got the headers for $295 from summit racing....the headers didnt really make the truck that much louder but it did give it quite a bit deeper rumble to it...its also a noticable hp gain and a little increase in gass mileage...well i hope this helps ya out at all.....

[armyman06]

How does it work with true duals? Should i run duals or like a Y pipe? also does a manual tranny make any difference when installing a new exhaust.