Choosing the Right Diesel Performance Exhaust System for Your Diesel Truck (part 2 of 2)

If you have a 2007.5-2012 6.7L Cummins, 2008-2012 6.4L or 6.7L Powerstroke, or 2007.5-2012 Duramax LMM & LML then you have a Diesel Particulate Filter “DPF” on your truck.   2011 and newer Ford Powerstroke and Chevy Duramax trucks also have a Urea Injection system.  When deciding which diesel exhaust upgrades to make for your diesel, it is important to understand your choices.

So why should you upgrade your exhaust?  Your stock DPF-equipped exhaust system has a catalytic converter and a particulate filter, which essentially acts as a soot trap. There are also a variety of EGT (exhaust gas temperature) and oxygen sensors.  When the sensors see that the trap is full, your truck increases the EGT’s by adding fuel to incinerate the trapped soot.  This process is called regeneration.  During this process, the tailpipe temperatures are nearly 2.5 times higher than normal.  The most common diesel performance exhaust upgrade for new model trucks is a DPF back exhaust system.    DPF-back exhaust systems are designed to improve exhaust flow and cut exhaust backpressure. This is the upgrade for you if you’re interested in keeping your manufacturer warranty intact and your truck street legal in most North American locations.

Magnaflow XL Series Stainless Steel 5 Inch DPF-Back Exhaust for 2007.5-2010 Dodge Ram 6.7L Cummins

Some companies like Gale Banks Engineering even make DPF Back exhausts with specifically built designs that can help lower tailpipe temperatures.  And like the majority of aftermarket DPF-Back exhausts, the Banks Monster Exhaust systems are finished off with large polished stainless steel exhaust tips.   A slightly enhanced, deeper exhaust note is another benefit of these exhaust systems. Most delete your stock muffler.  If you’re worried that removing the muffler will make for an excessively loud diesel truck, don’t worry. The turbo, catalytic converter, and DPF filter out most of the exhaust noise.  A DPF-Back system just helps your exhaust flow and makes for a better sounding truck.

Banks Monster 4″ Stainless Steel Exhaust for 2011-2012 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke

You can always contact us with any questions about the best diesel performance upgrades for your truck.

Choosing the Right Diesel Performance Exhaust System for Your Diesel Truck (part 1 of 2)

It’s widely known that upgrading your factory system to a performance diesel exhaust is a great way to increase your engine’s power and fuel economy.   Because of all the changes to stock emissions systems over the past few years, there now exists some confusion and questions among diesel owners as to which exhaust upgrade is the best option for them.   Parleys Diesel Performance wants to help you make an informed and educated choice, so let’s start by reviewing the basics.

Traditionally, light duty diesel truck factory exhaust systems were 3 inches or 3.5 inches in diameter, with crimped spots along the diesel exhaust system that hampered flow and robbed your vehicle of its true potential.   Installing a performance system to increase the diameter of your exhaust allowed your engine to expel exhaust gasses more efficiently, and mandrel bends gave your exhaust a true 4″ diameter.  Diesel trucks today come from the factory with catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters, even urea injection systems (also called SCR or selective catalytic reduction).  And 4 inch stock exhausts are commonplace.

Late Model Exhaust Diagram

So which exhaust should you choose for your truck?

If you have a “pre-DPF” diesel pickup (anything before the 2007.5 6.7L Cummins, 2008 6.4L Powerstroke, or 2007.5 Duramax LMM) the most common diesel exhaust upgrade is a four inch turbo back exhaust system.  The standard 4″ diameter will meet most people’s needs; however, if it’s your intention to upgrade your vehicle to a high horsepower level (think over 550HP), we recommend you invest in a 5″ diesel performance exhaust system. This will allow the larger amount of exhaust your high horsepower diesel creates to flow properly and keeping temperatures down.

AFE 5″ Stainless Steel Turbo Back Exhaust System for 2004.5-2007 Dodge 5.9L Cummins

In addition to figuring out the diameter of the exhaust system you want for your truck, there are also some other important choices to make.  Diesel exhaust systems come in four main materials: T-304 Stainless Steel (high-polish show finish quality), 409 Stainless Steel , Aluminized Steel (similar to your original stock exhaust), and different variations of Black Stainless or Black Aluminized Steel.   You also need to decide whether you want to have a muffler or not, and if you do choose a muffler, do you want one that is a high flow performance muffler or one that keeps your exhaust volume low.  The majority of Turbo-Back Exhausts come with high flow performance mufflers.  If you want a “straight pipe” exhaust, meaning no muffler, a popular choice is the no-muffler series from MBRP Performance Exhaust.  Their stainless steel SLM (Stainless Less Muffler) and PLM (Performance Less Muffler – this is aluminized steel)  are very competitively priced and work great.

MBRP Installer Series 5″ Turbo-Back Exhaust For 2003-2007 Ford 6.0L Powerstroke

Although less popular, catalytic converter or Cat-Back Diesel Exhausts allow you to upgrade the sound and flow of your exhaust and in some areas are necessary to keep your diesel street legal.

Magnaflow XL Series Stainless Steel 4 Inch CAT-Back Exhaust for 1999-2007 Ford 6.0L & 7.3L Powerstroke

With exhaust systems from all the best manufacturers, Parley’s Diesel Performance can help you choose the proper diesel exhaust system for your truck.  Whether you choose to install a Cat-Back or a Turbo-Back diesel exhaust, or if you just aren’t sure and would like help deciding, contact us and we’ll help you make the right decision.  In part 2, we’ll help you choose the right exhaust system if you own a DPF-equipped diesel truck.