Cat Back Exhaust Options?

[Davemc1963]

Hi Guys.
I'm quite a new owner of a 93 Ty. and am trying to get it to run right. I've got a few issues to sort out, vac lines for one and new MSD HT wires, cap and rotor to fit, fuel filter, timing check, a cracked exhaust manifold to sort out etc.
But one area that I dont seem to be able to get a clear direction on is on a new cat back. The existing one is perforated in places and the muffler is held together with bandages and large hose clamps.
The Ty appears stock, as far as I can see, I checked to make sure it had a std. chip at weekend and it does. I plan on keeping it that way for the most part at the moment, but I suppose that could change in the future, when I get bored.
I was looking at a 'stock replacement'. I found someone listing a part number and a price for a stock GM Ty replacement. Quite pricey though and not that much cheaper than the RPM 3" stainless one. These are probably the two I am considering off the shelf so to speak.
Like I have mentioned above, I am trying to get the thing running right at the moment, and will be tackling that first, but I really need to consider the exhaust soon, from a safety standpoint as much as a performance one.
So I suppose I am asking for some of your comments on which way I should go. How much will the RPM 3" give me over the 'stock' replacement? Even if its a mileage increase, that is a big + point for me considering gas is $10/gallon over here. I am also assuming that there is actually a stock one available and it is not a listing that is out of date.! What downsides are there if any to fitting the RPM one. I have I believe the stock CAT. and would choose the muffled option. Does the stock tune cope with this? I haven't found any posts to say otherwise, but thought I'd ask you guys.
Another consideration as the Ty has 88K on it is the CAT.
Does a high flow cat and the RPM 3" cause overboost issues? - Is there any point to this with the stock downpipe?
Being in the UK as I am, often poses problems with shipping and I believe RPM do ship overseas. I haven't contacted them yet on this, but have seen GP posts that seem to infer this is true.
Thats probably too many questions on a very drawn out post, sorry for that, I'm still on a learning curve with this one.
Would anyone care to share their opinions and experience, it would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Dave

 

[James Thomas]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

Welcome! As far as a performance increase goes, a cat back really isn't going to provide all that much on a bone stock truck, it will sound better though! I think Mike / RPM is the only one doing any exhaust for our trucks right now (some body hop in here if I'm wrong?) and if the cost of his is even close to the stock replacement you found... just go with Mike cause it's stainless and will set you up for the future mods that will make power!

___________
James

 

[Davemc1963]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

Welcome! As far as a performance increase goes, a cat back really isn't going to provide all that much on a bone stock truck, it will sound better though! I think Mike / RPM is the only one doing any exhaust for our trucks right now (some body hop in here if I'm wrong?) and if the cost of his is even close to the stock replacement you found... just go with Mike cause it's stainless and will set you up for the future mods that will make power!

___________
James

Thanks for your reply James, sorry for the delay in responding sooner, I was kind of hoping for more feedback on the subject.
Regarding the 3" RPM cat back, I searched and read that there were some fitment/clearance issues with the RPM TY system, were these ironed out eventually? Anyone have one who isn't happy with one ? From the GP threads when I searched, most who posted thought the quality was great but there was a post like I mentioned above, that inferred that there was a clearance issue on his TY. I suppose that all depends on whether the TY is at standard ride height or not. Mine is, well sort of - It has conventional shocks on the rear with the ride levelling equipment disconnected. The shocks are Monroe. Not sure if these are good, bad or ugly! It looks like it may actually sit a touch higher than some I have seen. I realise shocks are for a different forum, but thought it prudent to mention here for the obvious reasons.
Thanks Dave

 

[James Thomas]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

I think Mike's exhaust is one of if not the best that has been available. I also think that minor production variances on the trucks and any mods (even ones that may have been done years ago) play into this. Either way the quaility is tit's and if you do have to do a minor tweek, it's well worth it. Give Mike a call and talk it over with him. I think you will be glad you did. Nolan, Mike, George, Hood, Waller, E- Rue Jeff and all of the vendors here stand behind their products to the extreme!

____________
James

 

[SY2455]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

Welcome to the site, As James has already said above there are minor production variances on these trucks. That being said I will tell you that Mike used my truck when he made the exhaust kit for the Syclones and his attention to detail and quaility was at the top. Having dealt with Mike prior to him making the exhaust and seeing how he conducts himself and his business, I didn't hesitate to offer up my truck as the one he used for the Syclone system.

 

[Davemc1963]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

Thanks guys, For the input and the welcome. I kinda thought that when reading all the posts, but wanted to ask in a way I might get some feedback whilst not trying to be negative about a product. From the threads on the RPM system, it does seem (and looks like) a top quality system and you get a feel from 'Mikes' posts that he cares about what he sells and what people think. That says a lot about a person to me.
My main concern is the cost of the shipping to the UK, possible damage in transit and our dreadful taxes, although I'm sure when I manage to get the Ty running right, I will sound out Mike on his system. I've got to get a new filler neck welded onto the CAC hopefully this week, so that will be another job done. Dave

 

[pbrito28]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

Hey Dave, I also live overseas and I'm changing emails with Mike about the exhaust. Mine is gone and I cannot travel with the truck because of the noise. No cat, no muffler so I have to be very carefull to not overboost.
Well, I will order from RPM, dealt with them before with no problems at all!!
I have a question though, can I use the cat and the cat back without the muffler?? Is there a chance of overboost if I use it this way?
Sorry to steal your post hehe.
I will order the exhaust next week so I can give you a feed back in a couple of weeks.
Pedro

 

[SY2455]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

Hey Dave, I also live overseas and I'm changing emails with Mike about the exhaust. Mine is gone and I cannot travel with the truck because of the noise. No cat, no muffler so I have to be very carefull to not overboost.
Well, I will order from RPM, dealt with them before with no problems at all!!
I have a question though, can I use the cat and the cat back without the muffler?? Is there a chance of overboost if I use it this way?
Sorry to steal your post hehe.
I will order the exhaust next week so I can give you a feed back in a couple of weeks.
Pedro

As long as you have a cat and the truck is running right. You will have no problems without a muffler. The truck will have a meaner sound to it. Most seem to like it.:tup:

 

[Davemc1963]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

Pedro,
Don't apologise for coming in on the thread, your input is very relative to my original question and your feedback will be great. After all, that is what forums are all about as far as I am concerned. People discussing a common interest, whether old topics or new and passing on information. Theres always new slants on any subject and asking new questions on old topics often raises new discussion points. I know some topics get repetative, but if all everyone did was to just use search functions, a lot of forums might as well pack up, because almost every subject will at some time or other been discussed more than once. However, that is a whole nother subject, and not one for here. Please carry on and let me know how you get on.
Thanks to all who have given some input so far.
Dave

 

[Andreas]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

My main concern is the cost of the shipping to the UK, possible damage in transit and our dreadful taxes

Dave, Hansen Racing here in sweden makes 3" stainless steel bolt on cat-back system for Ty's. Got one on my Ty. Were both EU's so no tax and the transport is just over the channel.

But the easiest thing would be just get the truck up and build your own catback system, you dont even have to weld it if thats difficulty for you. Clamp it with these (but stainless) http://alutech.se/bilder/klamma1.jpg

 

[Davemc1963]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

Andreas,
Thanks for that info, thats good news and a another great option for me. i looked on Hansens web site, but being challenged in any language other than English, the only system I found for a Ty was a 2.1/2" aluminised one AVG110AL, I couldn't find a price for this though. I think you had to log on and I couldn't understand Swedish. Does your 3" stainless system have mandrel bends? just wondering as the 2.1/2" above one didnt, although nice to have, isn't imperitive, depending on price. What sort of price was your 3" stainless system from Hansen if you dont mind me asking. You can PM me if you prefer. As for building my own, I would prefer one made up, I spend too much time on the truck now !
Thanks Dave.

 

[ghettosled]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

not to hijack, but if anyone has any fitment issues with the RPM exhaust please let us know. I am not aware of any installation issues, and we've sold over 50 TY kits. The cat helps control boost, and the muffler just muffles the sounds. Even with no muffler our kits are suprisingly quite inside and out.

 

[Andreas]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

Andreas,
Thanks for that info, thats good news and a another great option for me. i looked on Hansens web site, but being challenged in any language other than English, the only system I found for a Ty was a 2.1/2" aluminised one AVG110AL, I couldn't find a price for this though. I think you had to log on and I couldn't understand Swedish. Does your 3" stainless system have mandrel bends? just wondering as the 2.1/2" above one didnt, although nice to have, isn't imperitive, depending on price. What sort of price was your 3" stainless system from Hansen if you dont mind me asking. You can PM me if you prefer. As for building my own, I would prefer one made up, I spend too much time on the truck now !
Thanks Dave.

Yes I can understand that its hard to understand whats written on the sire :lol:

I guess its changed over the years from 3" to 2 1/2" but however they have their own "make-any-custom-exhaust-shop" and I'm sure they can do it in 3".
Yes my system has mandrel bends.
I'll call them up when I'm on lunch and check price and the 3" option and if they are willing to send it to you in UK. Be aware thou, they over-over-over charge every thing thats leaves that companys doors. Thats why I import my parts from US instead of dealing with them.

Later

/Andreas

 

[Andreas]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

Just talked to them on the phone.

They don't do it stainless anymore, just as ju wrote aluminised AVG110AL. But you can get it in 3".
2300sek = 170 - 180 GBP
But they dont send overseas.
I could send it with Swedish postal service but its gone be XXXXX GBP.

 

[Davemc1963]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

Thanks for looking into that for me Andreas. Was the 2300sek for the 3" or the 2.1/2"? Either way, with the postage, even from Sweden, the RPM is looking a better option all the time. Thanks for that offer by the way, much appreciated! I realise Mike from RPM has posted on this thread and by his comments, is obviously committed to ensuring his customers are happy with his service and products. I think that attitude is great and makes me want to deal with him in the future. Obviously I want to make sure things will be right for me as the logistics of me being on this side of the Atlantic make some things difficult to sort out if there are any problems. I feel confident that I would be purchasing a good product from a good solid vendor, there seems to be many posts on various topics to back this up.
I would need a muffled system though, I'm getting to that stage in life where I prefer a bit of refinement over a very throaty exhaust note. Although I appreciate any larger than stock system is always going to be a bit louder than stock, which I dont mind.
When I get the Ty running properly in 'stock' trim, then I will be looking harder into this, thats not optional, the current system is on its last legs with band aids. I suppose if I was very lucky, I might even catch another GP, although it is probably too soon after the last one - or is it??
Dave

 

[Andreas]

Re: Cat Back Exhaust Options?

No worries, happy to help

It was 2300sek for the 3" with muffler.