CAT Back install - Diesel Forum

TimsDiesel · 11-22-2005, 11:54 AM

Hi all.......

I want to get a cat back system but am curious about installing it. Tools and mechanical ability aren't too much of an issue but space is. At best I'll be able to get the truck on stands to slide underneath and get the old one off and the new one on. My garage ceiling tops off at 8' so not a lot of room to go up.

Can a cat back be installed by one guy lying on his back on the floor of his garage? Or should I just find a good installer?

TIA

Hoarsnest · 11-22-2005, 12:41 PM

I did mine on my back in a gravel driveway, by myself. You shouldn't have a problem. Basic tools is all you'll need, plus a angle grinder or hacksaw for cutting the spool piece between the muffler and cat to length (depending on the truck you have CC/SC/RC or LWB/SWB).

Shawn

trackeer · 11-22-2005, 05:37 PM

Hey Tim,

I had a Silverline installed cat back, watched the whole install.
I was going to do mine and I am very glad I DID NOT.
First, two of the pipes had to be expanded to fit the other end, they did not come prefitted. I happen not to have a pipe expander in my garage. They had to remove and reweld several hangers as they were either in the wrong place or turned the wrong way.
Other than I'm sure if everything comes like its supposed to, and all you need to do is shorten the main pipe, sure go for it.
Course I did call silverline and reemed em out, also told them they SHOULD not say its a BOLT on system, no welding or pipe adjustment required!!!!!
Best $100.00 bucks I spent.

Goodluck

monsterpsd04 · 11-22-2005, 06:12 PM

i installed a mbrp cool duals turbo back alone with no help...and i even took the down pipe down in one piece no cutting...the money you save can go towards something else like guages...99% of these new systems are all bolt on if you spend the money on a good system... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] good luck

RLN2ND · 11-22-2005, 07:26 PM

Tim,
What Monster said! I installed the MBRP single cat-back system with my Dad's help in a couple hours. Bolt-on was very easy, removing the old system (8 months old) took more time than installing the new. Mine is a 4X4 and I didn't need to jack the truck up at all. One guy can definitely do it. I am at best a "shadetree" mechanic and I had no real problems. Hit those frame mounted rubber hangers with some WD-40 and have a new blade on the sawzall! About a six beer job [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
Let us know how it comes out,
Roger

FINE69 · 11-22-2005, 08:09 PM

Hey RLN2ND,can you really tell any difference with a cat back? I was thinking about getting one myself, but wasn't sure if it made much difference. Does it sound any better than stock? My dealer told me any aftermarket exhaust would void my warranty, does cat back count? Thanks for any help.

TimsDiesel · 11-23-2005, 10:28 AM

Thanks for the hints everyone. I'll let you know.

I guess I have to stand with 69 about the benefits of the cat back vs turbo back. Better to get the turbo back? I don't have any mod's on the engine (probably get a different intake in the future) and don't plan on any, I'm just trying to help the truck breathe easier. Should I get the turbo back to lower the EGT's if the engine will remain, basically, unchanged? She's a daily driver that pulls a modest boat in summer (damn thing doesn't even know the boat is back there!!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]) and at what I paid x term of the loan I'd like to keep her nice and healthy.

Also - does the truck get much louder? Don't need to hear any more whining from the red head sitting in the passenger seat about truck noise if you know what I mean..... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Thanks again guys.

RLN2ND · 11-23-2005, 11:20 AM

Fine69,
If you are doing business with a dealer that says after-market exhaust will void your warranty, then I would absolutely leave it stock (unless you have unlimited truck funds). To answer your question about sound difference, HUGE difference! I love the sound of my MBRP. Offroad with the cat-delete, the turbo whoosh and whistle are amazing. I first installed with the muffler, not much louder than stock. Deleted the muffler and you really hear it under acceleration above 2600 RPM's.

Tim,
I noticed very little if any more noise in the cab with the cat and muffler in my MBRP system. About the same as stock under normal driving conditions. You will hear a nice rumble when you hit the on-ramp. Also, not sure about your Redhead's tollerance for noise but my Blonde gives me a sly grin when I get on the accelerator. She knows how much I love it when my truck SOUNDS like a truck. No complaints from my passenger seat.

Roger

Mark Craig · 11-29-2005, 03:51 PM

TimsDiesel,

It's a really easy install with the MBRP as it fits well and doesn't require any special tools etc. Get the turbo back if you feel OK with your delaer, the down pipe helps and the turbo likes it. The MBRP is able to keep your factory cat totally stock and or you can get the test pipe if you want, that way the dealers are quite a bit less testy if you know what I mean. Give us a call we'll be glad to help you with questions etc.

Mark @ DPPI

redneckmba · 11-29-2005, 08:46 PM

Good news: I did the mbrp cat-back installation this past weekend. No special tools or ability is needed.

Bad news: The cat back system made no difference in performance. This comparison was done with the Edge set on #3

I only did the cat-back because I wanted to see the difference in performance. I ordered the turbo-back system (with catalyst). So next weekend I will install from the turbo to the catalyst.

MBRP goofed and sent me the turbo back system with the catalyst delete pipe (I mean test pipe [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]) I have been told that the catalyst is the major restriction in the system. I may or may not "test" that.

Red