Topic: Single or Dual Exhaust?

[bluedevil]

The question of running a single or dual exhaust on your truck has always been up for debate.
Some enthusiasts vote for a large diameter single exhaust, usually 3-inch, while others claim that dual 2-1/4-inch work much better. The benefits of a dual exhaust are that it can dramatically reduce backpressure for each side of the engine’s cylinder head. A dual exhaust can also be finely tuned, when coupled to a set of Headers and when used with an “H” pipe to equalize the pressure on both sides. Many tests by exhaust manufactures have shown that dual 2-1/4 inch diameter tubes can flow equally as well as or better than a single 3-inch diameter pipe, when coupled to a set of aftermarket headers.

However, the biggest drawback of a dual exhaust is space. Single Exhaust Systems are by far the most popular, as they are also the easiest to build. In modern trucks, there’s more room for a larger single than a dual system, in which a dual can often interfere with transmission operation and spare Tires located at the rear of the truck. Tests have shown that a single 3-inch exhaust on V-8 equipped, full size truck will flow extremely well, and help produce more bottom end torque and horsepower.

After much testing several exhaust system manufacturers conclude that using a single or dual isn’t really the question, but rather the amount of flow that really counts. If you still insist on a dual exhaust, most of the time it will have to be custom made. This also adds to the expense of the overall system. Luckily several manufacturers provide a dual-exit muffler system that gives the appearance of a dual, with the ease of installation of a single exhaust system. What ever you choose, the benefits of a free-flow exhaust system are well documented to provide a minimum of 10 extra horsepower and can help deliver as much as 25 extra horsepower on some restrictive models.

[KY_BOB]

That was a good write up.  :thumb: