Y pipe vs. dual

Jwithing · Mar 30, 2017

Hey guys, sorry for another exhaust post, but I searched tons of the old exhaust topics and couldn't find an answer. When buying LT headers, does it make a difference in performance for going with y pipe vs. true dual? I'd imagine yes and maybe it's a stupid question lol. Looking to pickup some arh soon or stainlessworks soon!

Casper · Mar 30, 2017

Jwithing said:
Hey guys, sorry for another exhaust post, but I searched tons of the old exhaust topics and couldn't find an answer. When buying LT headers, does it make a difference in performance for going with y pipe vs. true dual? I'd imagine yes and maybe it's a stupid question lol. Looking to pickup some arh soon or stainlessworks soon!

Even true duals have to have an X or H cross connect as a pressure/flow equalizer. Stock Ram's don't have true duals. As you know the Y pipe brings the exhaust together. What you need to consider is the single-in, dual-out muffler acts as a pressure equalizer before splitting again.

There are some arguments about whether true dual allows (or needs) a narrower pipe diameter to preserve proper back pressure. But even if you put a cat and muffler on both sides you still will need a pressure equalizer. :burnout:

R/T_Fire · Mar 30, 2017

True dual vs single in dual out will pretty much just give a different sound to it. Depending on set up (which parts used) on the dual, it will most likely be more aggressive sounding than the single to dual.

Just have to remember dual is more cost in fab and parts, I plan on it with mine bu that is also after the fuel tank has been relocated and I can run a balanced (equal length) system with a X-pipe

Jwithing · Mar 30, 2017

Great responses from both of you, much appreciated. I think to help with costs, I'll probably end up going arh to single with maybe a carven progressive kit.

jag1886 · Mar 30, 2017

As long as the system is large enough to do the job I wouldn't thing there would be much difference. I know from experience it's way easy to over size an exhaust system using duals.

Jwithing · Mar 30, 2017

Another quick question (probably stupid). I have a 6 inch BDS lift, would arh LT and remaining exhaust still be bolt up or would I possibly need custom exhaust work? I'm a truck/lift noob, bought a week ago.

Thanks guys!

powderbrad · Mar 31, 2017

If you look at some mufflers they're pretty much straight through.

Duals in the 60s and 70s...sure. on new vehicles like the ram I'm not convinced it's that much better if any.

1 basically hollow muffler vs 2 mufflers. The gas flow cv can't be that much smoother with 2 mufflers. If 2 mufflers, then headers back had to be designed around all that with proper back pressure and diameter vs the head flow provided. Do all this and your needing tunes to rid cats and 02s. Think Double the money.

Easier, cheaper to stick one on there. (100$) They look the same out the back anyways. Longtubes optional and costly. (Worth it!)

Just my opinion.

RAMTRPR · Mar 31, 2017

The setup I'm leaning towards is going to be right at about $1000. JBA 1-3/4 LT's + Stock Cats + Custom 3" Y-pipe + 3" Thrush Rattler + 3"-to-6" Tip Exiting between rear tire and the end of the side step.

My only question is the 3-6" tip, too big?

It's going to be loud and awesome

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BeanRAM · Apr 1, 2017

BigRam1411 said:
The setup I'm leaning towards is going to be right at about $1000. JBA 1-3/4 LT's + Stock Cats + Custom 3" Y-pipe + 3" Thrush Rattler + 3"-to-6" Tip Exiting between rear tire and the end of the side step.

My only question is the 3-6" tip, too big?

It's going to be loud and awesome

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

You going to cut out your stock cats from the factory y pipe? They are built into it, so I assume if youre having a custom y pipe made you'll more then likely go with some high flows and not the factory cats.

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RAMTRPR · Apr 1, 2017

Well I have to pass smog here in California so it has to be a cat that is CARB legal. It is cheaper to weld in the old cats

. I am looking around though to see what I I can get away with as the LT's also are an automatic visual fail.

If I do high flows I just need to make sure the truck will pass numbers wise, then find a shop that will ignore the visual.

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R/T_Fire · Apr 1, 2017

BigRam1411 said:
Well I have to pass smog here in California so it has to be a cat that is CARB legal. It is cheaper to weld in the old cats . I am looking around though to see what I I can get away with as the LT's also are an automatic visual fail.

If I do high flows I just need to make sure the truck will pass numbers wise, then find a shop that will ignore the visual.

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You may or will have a hard time passing smog in CA with a modified ypipe prior to cats.... you can split the pipes after the cat and not raise any eyebrows.
CARB legal cats for a 5.7L size motor can get expensive. If you find a CARB legal cat make sure the EO# includes the size of the motor and weight.

Since there isnt room to run a true dual mirrored system cause the gas tank is in the way, you can split the y pipe where it comes together on the passenger side and run it to a x-pipe and then to two mufflers and to where you want from there.
I was quoted $500 for this being TIG welded in with V-Band clamps so i can swap in and out a set of long tubes and have it match my system at smog time if my smog guy couldnt do it

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RAMTRPR · Apr 4, 2017

Anyone have pics of LT's with cats attached? I just want to see where I'm at location wise under the truck. I will do a custom Y after the cats

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Bobbo · Apr 4, 2017

BigRam1411 said:
Anyone have pics of LT's with cats attached? I just want to see where I'm at location wise under the truck. I will do a custom Y after the cats

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I plan to put mine on tomorrow. If I do, I'll take a picture of it.

RAMTRPR · Apr 4, 2017

Bobbo said:
I plan to put mine on tomorrow. If I do, I'll take a picture of it.

That would be amazing. Install pics are always nice to have on here for us that have to do custom work. So simple when not in Ca, just bolt up LT,Off-road-Y,exhaust and done. Thanks again in advance and good luck on the install.

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powderbrad · Apr 5, 2017

Cats are right behind or In front of the trans cross member. At least on drivers side.

Bobbo · Apr 6, 2017

BigRam1411 said:
Anyone have pics of LT's with cats attached? I just want to see where I'm at location wise under the truck. I will do a custom Y after the cats

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You can see the driver side is under the transmission pan. Passenger side is just behind the crossmember. With both downstream O2s just behind the crossmember as well.

Ignore the downstream O2 wires, it's temporary.

R/T_Fire · Apr 6, 2017

Bobbo said:
You can see the driver side is under the transmission pan. Passenger side is just behind the crossmember. With both downstream O2s just behind the crossmember as well.

Is that 2.5" or 3" pipe?

Bobbo · Apr 6, 2017

R/T_Fire said:
Is that 2.5" or 3" pipe?

3" pipe. Stainless Works system.

Y pipe vs. dual

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