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siredward20
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6/11/2003
15:29:25

Subject: '98 5.2 exhaust
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ok, ive been reading on here about exhaust but i am still not sure which one is best for me. i have a '98 5.2 4x4 which i use mainly for driving to work and back (about 3 miles 1 way) and hauling our 5 quads on a trailer on the weekends. i want an exhaust that will boost my HP as much as possible without being too obnoxiously loud. especially in the cab. some say single in single out, some said single in dual out......which is the one i need for what im doing? and how big?? 3"? 2.5"? i already have a K&N drop in but thats it for performance mods. the local dealer here says i should get borla, but thats what they sell so of course the want me to get theirs. what do you guys think? i have the cash, but would prefer to go the cheapest route possible/most bang for the buck....you know



Turkeyhead
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6/12/2003
10:43:04

RE: '98 5.2 exhaust
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I may be biased, but take a look at Flowmaster. The 70 series and 50 series in particular. They also make complete cat-back kits, single in - single out, and are supposed to improve gas mileage and give small power gains.

I've heard good things about MBRP, but as far as I know, all of their exhaust systems are quite loud. Unless you're driving a Corvette, I would stay away from Borla. One other company I heard decent things about was Gibson, and they make a variety of exhaust systems for Dakotas/Rams.

I would suggest a 3" single in - single out setup, because you probably won't be pushing the redline while towing quads. If I'm not mistaken, the dual out systems are more more increased flow at higher speeds, or if you have a monster powerplant. Hope that helps.



siredward20
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6/12/2003
16:21:35

RE: '98 5.2 exhaust
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thanks for the reply, but everyone i know is telling me not to get flowmasters. they say that they are by far the loudest. i thought about them right away cuz they are the cheapest. one of my friends suggests magnaflow. but i cant get a price on thiers anywhere. and i still dont know what size etc...... anymore suggestions???



Turkeyhead
Dodge Dakota
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6/12/2003
18:02:00

RE: '98 5.2 exhaust
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Some of the Flowmaster mufflers are extremely loud. I have a 50 series on my '97 5.2l, and it gives a very mellow, slightly audible sound. Some of them (including the 50 series) have "Delta Flow" technology, which is supposed to reduce interior resonance and noise. The 70 series is supposed to be right about where the stock system is. I haven't heard much about Magnaflow (good or bad), so there isn't much I can add there.

Size-wise, somewhere around 5" deep, 10" wide, and 17-23" long for the muffler should fit fine. Some of the mufflers, like the Gibson, are a cylinder shape, while the Flowmasters and MBRP mufflers are rectangular.

Here's a link to the Flowmaster 70 series, just in case you're curious. http://www.flowmastermufflers.com/web10/SePerfMuff8.html



siredward20
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6/12/2003
19:54:28

RE: '98 5.2 exhaust
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im probly gonna go for a cat-back system, so which would be better for towing? the 2.5" or 3" pipe? and what about the single in single out/ single in dual out?? is there a noticable difference in power gains with your flowmaster?? and just how loud is it?? im one of those people always in a hurry when going from a stop to just over the posted speed limit. and yellow lights are a breeze with this stock exhaust cuz no one can hear me stomp down on it when the light turns yellow. seems like alot of people have flowmasters though. hmmmmmmm.......



01Motorsport
Dodge Dakota
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6/12/2003
20:03:13

RE: '98 5.2 exhaust
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I've had 70 series (also called Big Block) on my former '92 5.2 RC, and my current '01 4.7 RC. The main difference between the 50 and 70 is floorboard noise: almost none with the 70. I had a 50 for about 4 years before installing a 70 on the '92. The 50 is about 16" long, the 70 is 22". The neatest thing is that I could not tell the slightest performance difference between the two, only cab noise. The sound out the tailpipe is very similar. A single inlet/dual outlet with 2 1/4" or 2 1/2" pipes is not that difficult for a good muffler shop. About the only hitch to duals is the left pipe clearance at the spare tire. The shop I use welded a "L" bracket on the left frame rail to slightly push the spare to the right. Mopars love good air in/ good air out; you'll be happy. A step further, for 5.2, would be Mopar Performance computer, '92 or '93 exhaust manifolds, and Catco or similar high-flow cat. converter.



Turkeyhead
Dodge Dakota
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6/12/2003
23:32:37

RE: '98 5.2 exhaust
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01 Motorsport has the right idea; the only thing I would point out/relay is that the stock catalytic converter already flows a high amount, so replacing it isn't REALLY necessary. When I went from the stock muffler to the 50 series, the sound went from almost nonexistent to a nice mellow burble at low RPMs and a moderate sound at higher RPMs, with slightly more resonance in the cabin (mainly floorboard). I noticed small gas mileage gains, and a little more pep at mid-high RPMs.

Most production cat back systems that I know of, major brands included, are only available in a single in/out configuration. Eventually I'm planning on a single in/dual out setup, but that will require a little more work to fit correctly. The big issue is that the fuel tank is on the driver's side of the truck, which doesn't leave much room for a second pipe to go through. The idiot-proof, and probably most effective setup would be a 3" single in/out cat back system. They're the most widely available, and the installation would be more straightforward than with a single in/dual out setup (meaning you save $). I would ask around at exhaust shops and find out what the pros and cons are of the setups you are looking at.



siredward20
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6/13/2003
04:00:56

RE: '98 5.2 exhaust
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well my experience with the local shops is them trying to sell me what they carry in stock. not really trying to help, but trying to make another buck for themselves. thats why im here asking you guys. people with experience using the product, not selling the product. so everyone is talking about flowmaster, has anyone tried the magnaflow?? how does that compare?? i dont have experience with flowmasters but after doing a search on here it seems that most people bought the flowmaster, then switched to a better system due to noise in the cab or poor craftmenship. like i said before i want the most bang for the buck. and i do apologize cuz i know these "what exhaust is best" questions get old. just dont want to drop the cash on something i wont want later on.



Turkeyhead
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2003
11:09:26

RE: '98 5.2 exhaust
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This link is to a review of a Magnaflow setup put onto a Mustank Cobra:

http://www.mustangexhaust.com/tech/MF_muffler_test/MagnaflowMufflers.htm

This link is to a page with cutaway views, diagrams, etc., of various mufflers (it's from some muffler shop in CA):

http://www.bobsmuffler.com/current.htm

I know some people want max performance, and get parts from all over the place, often mismatching them, or simply using other methods (home made cold air intakes using PVC pipe and mesh?!?) I'm very strict with what I will or will not put on my truck, and that has worked well. The Magnaflow looks to be a straight-through design, with sound absorbing material in the muffler; the Flowmaster has no absorbing material, so it is going to be more noticeable. Judging from the diagrams, I would say to stay away from Dynomax. For your needs, the Magnaflow may be a better choice. Hope those links help.




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