Hi I'm new with this exhaust thing so I have a couple of questions:
If I want to change my muffler for a louder one, do I need to weld the new one or can i just use some kind of clamps or adaptors?
for what I understand the cats don't let the truck sound louder, so is it possible to just remove them without getting in trouble?
And for having dual tips working do i need 2 mufflers or can I just use one?
Thanks a lot for your help

 

I've always welded mine just for that extra bit of peace of mind... I'll let someone else answer the question on cats, lots of conflicting info on those. On my truck I've replaced them with Magnaflow high flow cats. And you don't need two mufflers for two exits, you can get something like a Flowmaster 40 or 50 thats single in - dual out. (SI/DO)

 

Removing the cats is illegal on several levels (Federal, state) and depending on your state inspection requirements will get you trouble....

On the vehicle level, OBDII vehicles use multiple O2 sensors for engine management, and to monitor catalyst function and efficiency. For that reason you will have check engine light issues.
In my state (PA) OBDII vehicles must pass a visual inspection (they actually look to see if all the stuff is there...usually) and then they do a diagnostic check of the vehicle PCM. If you have even a pending code, for ANYTHING you won't pass.

It's kind of a pain...I know people who've had trans codes that don't have any effect on emissions that didn't pass.

So if you have any inspection requirements where a a PCM code would get you failed, you have to take steps to adress that situation which you WILL get if you simply remove the cats.
I have heard of bypass harnesses or dummy sensors or something like that that will fake the PCM into thinking the cats are there and functioning.

Another route I have heard is a PCM reprogram to disable those functions.

For just sound, or the minor performance gains you might get, it's simply not worth the trouble in my opinion if you have to deal with an IM inspection.

 

The thing is that I'm from Mexico, I'm just here in Washington studying a marine tech program and next year I'm going back to Mexico in my truck so down there we don't have as many problems with the emission tests as You have, I just dont know how often do I have to take the truck for those tests here, and I was reading other posts saying that double mufflers have better performance that only one with double output but I still don't know if that is something I can do by myself just using clamps or if I have to take it to a shop to get it welded
Thanks for your help

 

i bought a flowmaster 50 series single in, dual out package. it isnt too loud but when i get on it, you can definitley notice it! as far as welding vs clamps, weld it! i did my exhaust myself and just had it clamped. i then went off roading and one joint slipped out. so i took it to a muffler shop to get welded and no other issues. if you do want a flowmaster system, just remember, the 50 series is pretty quiet especially at low rpm's. good luck bro.