Zelda
Newbie
Hello all,
First of all, I'm rather green behind the ears and not very knowledgeable about exhaust systems. I own a 1997 Silverado K1500 Z71, 141" wheelbase, 3 door, with a brand new GM L31 replaced last year. Did some front end work (upper/lower ball joints, upper/lower control arm bushings, tie rods, idler arm & bracket, pitman arm, sway bar bushings, wheel hubs, and half shafts, pretty much all but the steering box and rag joint. I'm 62 now and am trying to drive this truck to my grave while keeping costs down. I don't need, nor can afford, a new truck or high end performance parts and do all I can myself rather than depending on shops. Having said that, a shop did my engine and I did the front end but for the alignment. I'm pretty happy with my stock OBS and drive gently.
To the best of my knowledge, the truck has stock dual exhaust system from manifolds to tail pipes, I'm guessing the system is original. I now hear exhaust leak coming from around the muffle area and have some holes in my exhaust tips (the tips might not be original, I wouldn't know). the dual tips exit to the rear on either side of my stock hitch assembly.
Time to work on the exhaust.
I'd like to retain the benefits of a dual exhaust from the cats back. So far so good on the cats and want to keep costs down. Would like to use stainless as it lasts longer. Don't need nor want a loud system. I don't think I can afford to buy OEM Chevy parts even if they are still available so will probably have to turn to the aftermarket.
A number of questions, please.
Did my truck come original with a dual exhaust setup (2 cats and 2 mufflers, dual exhaust "tips")?
Should I go with a single, X (or H?) type muffler (2 in and 2 out) or stick with dual mufflers? I don't know enough to discern the pros and cons.
Can you recommend a manufacturer based on which muffler setup you'd recommend? I have done some cursory looking and see that Hottexhaust.com has a Magnaflow 15750 that is a 2 into 1 into 2 cat back setup for $893 (w/ possible 20% discount right now). Should I be looking at Walker exhaust? If so, which Walker kit?
If not either of those then which manufacturer would best suit my needs?
Would I be OK using a bolt on system I do myself or should I just ultimately find a reputable local shop and have them weld their recommended system? Not sure if a bolt on system is as durable over the long run as what a shop might do.
Thanks in advance.
First of all, I'm rather green behind the ears and not very knowledgeable about exhaust systems. I own a 1997 Silverado K1500 Z71, 141" wheelbase, 3 door, with a brand new GM L31 replaced last year. Did some front end work (upper/lower ball joints, upper/lower control arm bushings, tie rods, idler arm & bracket, pitman arm, sway bar bushings, wheel hubs, and half shafts, pretty much all but the steering box and rag joint. I'm 62 now and am trying to drive this truck to my grave while keeping costs down. I don't need, nor can afford, a new truck or high end performance parts and do all I can myself rather than depending on shops. Having said that, a shop did my engine and I did the front end but for the alignment. I'm pretty happy with my stock OBS and drive gently.
To the best of my knowledge, the truck has stock dual exhaust system from manifolds to tail pipes, I'm guessing the system is original. I now hear exhaust leak coming from around the muffle area and have some holes in my exhaust tips (the tips might not be original, I wouldn't know). the dual tips exit to the rear on either side of my stock hitch assembly.
Time to work on the exhaust.
I'd like to retain the benefits of a dual exhaust from the cats back. So far so good on the cats and want to keep costs down. Would like to use stainless as it lasts longer. Don't need nor want a loud system. I don't think I can afford to buy OEM Chevy parts even if they are still available so will probably have to turn to the aftermarket.
A number of questions, please.
Did my truck come original with a dual exhaust setup (2 cats and 2 mufflers, dual exhaust "tips")?
Should I go with a single, X (or H?) type muffler (2 in and 2 out) or stick with dual mufflers? I don't know enough to discern the pros and cons.
Can you recommend a manufacturer based on which muffler setup you'd recommend? I have done some cursory looking and see that Hottexhaust.com has a Magnaflow 15750 that is a 2 into 1 into 2 cat back setup for $893 (w/ possible 20% discount right now). Should I be looking at Walker exhaust? If so, which Walker kit?
If not either of those then which manufacturer would best suit my needs?
Would I be OK using a bolt on system I do myself or should I just ultimately find a reputable local shop and have them weld their recommended system? Not sure if a bolt on system is as durable over the long run as what a shop might do.
Thanks in advance.
