Let’s talk exhaust - 2000 GMC c3500 7.4L/4L80E

[Stiff_clutch]

2000 GMC c3500 7.4L/4L80E

Looking to put a new exhaust system on my truck. Not really sure how I want to set everything up yet. Anyone want to throw some suggestions out there?

I want a deep, American pushrod v8 sound. You know, like a 454 should sound. No clap or anything crazy. Will most likely do an axle dump.

Not really sure about muffler brand or type.
I also don’t really know if I need a H pipe, x pipe, true duals, fix the factory joints and just change the muffler or what to do there either.

Currently still has the factory exhaust all intact. It just leaks and rattles something fierce so why not make her sound better in the process?

 

[97prizm]

Borland is on many truck forums highly recommend. Better build quality and materials. Dynomax will drone from what I've read on automotive forums. Are you planning on a full intake header and exhaust setup?

 

[97prizm]

Sorry Borla not borland.

 

[ka9mnx]

I have the Gibson cat back system on three of my vehicles. Quite pleased with the construction and sound.
I even like the Gibson headers I installed on the Ranger.

 

[fantastic]

I want a deep, American pushrod v8 sound. You know, like a 454 should sound. No clap or anything crazy. Will most likely do an axle dump.

What I believe to be an "Axle dump" is ending the pipe right before the axle pointing downwards. I'd caution that axle dump since exhaust will build up underneath the truck & possibly make its way inside the cab when sitting idle.

 

[Egg_Head]

Flowmaster 50 series, headers would really wake up that motor.

 

[PontiacHO]

At least terminate the exhaust out the side in front of the rear wheels. As has been mentioned, axle dumps will fill the cab with exhaust especially at idle and the unfortunate times you’re stuck in traffic. I have the Dynamax Turbos and they do not drone. The previous Flowmaster mufflers did drone….badly.

 

[BobsArmory]

Once upon a time I put on an aftermarket cat back system. Loved it for a few months then slowly tired of the constant elevated noise inside the cabin. Luckily I still had the factory system and brought it back to original. Never saw an increase of mileage or horsepower. Sometimes I just wanted to listen to the radio or sneak out of the neighborhood unnoticed.
Different strokes for different folks.

 

[fsdork]

For the few years I had a '97 Grand Prix GTP with a Borla stainless cat-back, I never did tire of the sound at start-up. I don't recall that it was particularly loud during normal acceleration or cruising either - I was certainly able to hear the supercharger over the exhaust.

Keep in mind that within brands, there are different lines of mufflers. The Borla ATAK for instance, would drive me nuts.

 

[thastinger]

Long tube headers with a 3" collectors, Spiral wound cats, 3" dual pipes into the big 2 in/2 out magnaflow muffler then 3" duals the rest of the way out. The big magnaflow muffler has a crossover built into it.

 

[Stiff_clutch]

Noted on dumping before the axle, will dump in front of the rear duals.

Headers, I’m not sure on. Not many QUALITY sets to choose from that allows me to keep the egr. Those babies are up there in the price range, but the truck is clean enough to spring for them I reckon.

 

[bdcardinal]

Keep in mind that within brands, there are different lines of mufflers. The Borla ATAK for instance, would drive me nuts.

The 2014 Mustang has a Borla ATAK catback with an x-pipe and I can confirm it is loud. Louder now because the last jabronie that worked on it didn't make sure everything was lined up correctly before tightening, that would be me...

 

[crashz]

I had a Magnaflow system on a Ford years back and loved it. Nice low rumble at idle without the drone at speed. No real noticeable power increase.

I have heard that Flowmasters, no matter the series will always drone. Some worse than others. But that is old info. I haven't shopped for non-stock exhaust in many years.

 

[wtd]

I have a Flowmaster cat-back on my single cab long bed 98 K3500 with the 7.4L/4L80E. It uses a single 50 series muffler that is duel in, single out. It sounds ok but I would have liked a little more of a deeper sound. The 50 series is not very loud.