3" or 3.5" exhaust?

[NickF829]

on a 02 yukon SLT 5.3L? i will be doing some heavy towing a few times a month to car shows... but i'd like to get the most from a exhaust.. i've heard people say 3" isnt enough and others say its plenty... any opinions on which exhaust would be best for towing? or could explain why one is better then the other?

thanks alot

NICK

[tonytone]

My guess is that more than 3" w/ the 5.3L is too much, as you'll lose some back pressure with a larger-diameter pipe (not talking about the tip)...torque is more important than hp when it comes to towing, IIRC.

[Eggert]

Hi Nick,
how heavy is heavy? Do you have the 3.42 or 3.73 rear end?
What is your tow rating?
Dual 2.5" going into a 3" single is used all the way up to the 8.1 liter engine.
Here is my experience with a Yukon XL K2500, 6.0 liter engine towing a 10,000 lbs camping trailer:
I got a Hypertech programmer and recommend that. You can reprogram for more street or towing performance, with 87 or 91 Octane fuel. It also can firm up your transmission shifts.
I got the K+N cold air intake and took it off after 2 months, as the intake noise was getting to me.
I tried 2 aftermarket freeflow mufflers and reverted back to stock after 2 weeks, as the constant droning was hurting my ears. They sound great at the stoplight, for about 5 minutes. Then they get annoying.
Just my experience.
Have you thought about switching to a Denali or 2500 with the 6 liter engine?
I am going to switch mine for one with the 8.1 liter engine as the trailer probably is 11,000 lbs with all the stuff we put in it. I am afraid to put it on a scale.

Update: The trailer weighs 10,800 lbs and I will keep the 6.0 liter engine with the 4.10 rear.
It tows fine, although I don't like 4,000 RPM on hills.
A Magnacharger would be nice, but not for $5,000.
Take care, Eggert

[the blur]

Originally Posted by NickF829

on a 02 yukon SLT 5.3L? i will be doing some heavy towing a few times a month to car shows...NICK

My friend with the same truck, 2002 5.3L tows 10,000lbs. The truck is speced for 8,000lbs, but he has had no issues towing 10K.

I tow 6000lbs on a regular basis, and have no complaints...