Re: Dual exhaust: what say you?
Exhuast upgrades are overrated on newer engines...carb'd engines were a different story, but today's motors don't usually benefit as much, but I agree they might benefit a little bit. A true straight-out dual is usually not the best system. You want some type of tuned crossover that mixes the sides AT THE RIGHT LOCATION to take advantage of scavenging effects. For this very reason, you'll find that the most expensive well-tuned systems that produce the best flow are generally NOT dual exhaust...they come out at one pipe. Usually duals are a cosmetic thing much more than a performance benefit for those who like to red-neck-ify their rides. Nothing wrong with that if you like the look, but don't necessarily expect any performance improvement. Pipe diameter is also critical...too small AND too big a diameter will detract from flow characteristics and necessary backpressure. Every motor flows different and you need to know the flow characteristics of your motor to choose the correct system.<br /><br />For a modern engine (most anything with fuel injection), you'll usually get a WHOLE lot more bang for you buck if you invest the cash in a performance chip or computer re-programmer and keep your stock exhaust. <br /><br />But if you need a new exhaust anyway due to rust, etc, it's a good time to upgrade to something better. You get what you pay for...as a general rule the more expensive tuned systems ($500 and up) have dyno testing, flow testing, and professional design behind them. The cheaper hodge-podge ones in the $200 range will just make the truck loud, be difficult to install properly, possibly cost you performance, and they'll come loose, rust, and/or fall off in a year or two.
