haha

haha interesting. still, put up a sound clip when you get the chance!

I took some pics today of my factory exhaust system trying to figure out what I can cut and what I have to keep. You guys can probably help with this.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...ictures010.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...ictures011.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...ictures012.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...ictures013.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...ictures014.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...ictures017.jpg

The big resonator/silencer in the second to last picture is what you should change to the x-pipe. Just cut it off right where it meets the rear flanges and reuse the oem flanges.

What if I just get a set up whatever diameter pipes running parallel instead of using the x pipes? I'd probably get the piping cleaned up slightly and run them right to the mufflers, but I'm open to options also.

I've got an awesome muffler guy that has been putting exhaust systems on everything from exotics to tanks and he does beautiful work so if I know what I'm going to do when I get there, he'll just go to work and make it happen.

The problem with running straight pipes is it sounds alot less smooth, raspy even. And at the back of the truck at idle, the exhaust loping is noticably staggered left, right, left, right etc. So it almost sounds like you're running rough with slight missfiring just due to the firing orders sound through dual exhaust. The x-pipe gives a smoother sound that I personally like better.

Thats makes sense then. What if the guy take a huge 4" or 5" pipe and runs both pipes in one side and then comes out the other side and splits again. Is that basicly what the x-pipe does then? Does it matter how big and long the chamber both exhaust pipes run into and out of? Can it be 6" long or a foot or should it really be as long as I can get away with?

Also, would you go bigger with the piping at all or would it matter if a bunch of it's going to get replaced anyway?

If you put a big pipe in place of the x-pipe, that would give the exhaust a big hollow expansion chamber in the middle, effectively making it sound like a teen boys "fast and the rediculus" honda civic with the 6" pipe sticking from under the rear bumper... Not the sound I'd be going for. I'd start with the x-pipe (2.25" is the closest bigger size to the oem metric pipes) then to get louder add a quality aftermarket muffler in place of the oem ones.

And all that is if you don't want to spend the money on bolt on kits.

If you combine it all into one pipe rather than two, you begin to mess with the back pressure. The X pipe will cost you less and is guaranteed to perform well sound and performance wise. I got it on ebay for $79 and installed for $50 (cut out the resonator add the x pipe). Try it; like i said you got a V8 so this mod will make it roar. I heard it on Jose's X (twinspoppa) .

If that isnt enough then you can move on to playing around with the mufflers.

This is what I currently have done, which sounds good from inside the cabin, but has the previously described loping sound when you stand behind it.

I plan to replace the small resonators with an x-pipe, then possibly add QTP electric cutouts further back with turndowns for when I want it to be louder at the flip of a switch. (maybe tax return money...? :D)

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...129_091234.jpg