cadetreacy

Ok so I grew up in a family where when your vehicle needs something you take it to somebody. And now I want to learn how to do everything for myself. So not trying to sound nerdy but I spend hours just reading through these forums and watching YouTube videos. But in my journeys I am left with a few questions that are left unanswered.

So question number one. Obviously the stock exhaust diameter is proper for an engine with no mods so could I just cut out the old muffler and weld in a new muffler with a bit of pipe for better sound?
Question two is can I bend exhaust tubing? I've read about using sand as to not crush the tubing and I live on a farm so I do have quite a bit of tools available to me. And I guess I can ask how I would go about doing that. Because I've seen online where you can order the tubing in four feet increments but never see any bends. Thanks for everyone that helps me!

Nikkin86

Welcome to the wonderful world of automobiles.

1. You can do it this way. I've had a few friends do this with cars and trucks through a proper muffler shop. I was never a fan of this method. Typically, new exhaust kits help increase flow etc to get the HP gains. Adding a new muffler will change the sound but it won't do a ton in the performance arena since it is at the end of the system.

2. I've only seen pipe bent properly with a bender. A friend of mine makes his own exhaust kits but its all welded and bent with the proper tools. It is not something I would try without but I'm sure there is a few people on here who have had great success with creative methods. I'm not a pro there haha.

FordFrenzy72

In regards to the bend, I went to my local Exhaust shop to get my roush exhaust put in and he explained to me the bending.




The typical roush exit is straight out the back to the right of the hitch. I didn't like that look and we talked about how we wanted the stock exit location. He explained that he would need to do what's called a Mandrel Bend to the material. This keeps the same inside diameter throughout the entire pipe. If done incorrectly can lead to weird backflow and awkward sounds in revving.




















My only advice is to investigate that beforehand and see what you can do to make sure the inside is consistent.

Z7What

Aftermarket catback exhaust does very little as far as power goes. So if you want exhaust, want it for the sound and not power increase. With that being said, swapping out just the muffler and keeping the OEM piping is fine. The stock system is stainless and 3" so you don't have to worry about it rusting away, just make sure the muffler you install in place if the stock muffler is stainless also.

This is the route I'm going. Pretty sure i have decided on the Banks Monster 3" muffler.

If going with a custom exhaust vs a store bought aftermarket system make sure you use piping that's mandrel bent. Most exhaust shops do NOT have mandrel benders!

Wayne

cadetreacy

Thanks guys. Seems like everyone has almost the same opinion and thanks to everyone for all the new knowledge.

panamah_r3d

I am all for trying things on your own, BUT bending your own piping is difficult.

I'm not saying I'm an expert or anything but I did my true duals myself. Just orders 2 10' section of pipe, the mufflers, and had a harbor freight (I know I know lol) bender. Literally laid under the truck for a couple hours just trying to get my head around how to do the bends and what not.

Came out fine, sounds great, and I can now say I did it myself, but it was far from easy. And it took me about 4 days to get it done.

As other people say you can't make hard bends with the bender or it will fold the pipe. So you have to do gradual bends to get what you want. And you'll definitely need a second set of hands to wrangle the pipe around the bender.

My buddy went the other route and just went to a muffler shop and bough a bunch of 90's, 45's, and straight runs and did his exhaust like that. Both work but one has more welding.

Good luck!