Help with 98 Tahoe Exhaust Upgrade

[TCMERICK]

Hopefully I am posting this in the right area, (still figuring out the Forum).

I am planning on replacing the entire exhaust system on my 1998 TAHOE, from the heads back. I wanted to run a True Dual Setup with the piping running down the inside frame rails on both sides. I did this with my 1993 FullSize Blazer, but it does not appear to be an option with my TAHOE because the Gas tank is in the way on the left side and the Spare tire seems to be a routing obstacle as well.

I am interested to know if any Members have True Duals on their Rigs and how they did it. I am not really interested in running twin Cats and twin mufflers down the right side and then have one pipe exit to the right side rear and the other cross over to the left side rear.

Short of a True dual setup, this is my plan. I will purchase the following items from Summit Racing:

1) Summit Shorty Truck Headers (PN# SUM-G9016)
2) Magna FLO Catalytic Converters (PN# 23453)
3) Flomaster Force II Muffler dual inlet, single outlet (PN# 17166)
4) Replace all 4 O2 sensors (probably Bosch units)

I chose these items because I can bolt them on at home with no issues. Does this Setup make sense for some Mild Performance and MPG gains?

I would be interested in any feedback, and thanks in advance.

 

[cj97tahoe]

This is also my plan but instead of flowmaster im going with Magnaflow muffler 12588. Will make a little more power but not sure of any mpg gain without a Tune.

 

[TCMERICK]

A Tune is deffinitley in the future, but i have to do the the Distributor cap & Rotor, and good wires and plugs, along with a Volant cold air intake. I chose the Flowmaster muffler set up because it is a direct bolt on item, pipes, muffler and flange.

Thanks for the reply!!!

 

[clkelley]

Good questions, let me check into that for you and see what I can come up with. I may be able to save you some coin for all your stuff except for the Summit shorty headers, but I have access to other brand name shorties.

Give me until this evening to get something together for you.

 

[TCMERICK]

CLKELLEY, thanks so much for the response, look forward to seeing what you can come up with...

 

[clkelley]

Just looking at the parts you listed for comparison, I notice that the muffler is a dual in single outlet style, is that an error there? For true duals you would be looking for single in single out right?

As for the headers, I can't really compete with the Summit pricing on their headers. I can get JBA and Hedman shorties for your truck but the JBA's are almost $370 and the Hedman's retail for $702 so no comparison on price. Quality, yes, but pricing, no. If you would like to see specifics on these I can get those for you.

I can also get the Magnaflow Stainless muffler mentioned above for about $130 each.

But I am also wondering, with the Flowmaster, you listed a full exhaust kit, were you planning to install two kits to get the true dual effect so to speak? As for the flowmaster kit, I can't get it at the moment.

Now, I have to ask this, because you mentioned bolting them on at home without issues? Honestly, I don't think that will happen. Besides the headers, cats and o2 sensors, the cat back exhaust system you listed, I don't think would work like you want it to. The majority of the kit will be pre-bent to fit your truck in the stock exhaust location and when you go to install it to the other side you will most definitely run into issues with being able to simply get it in there. As you asked about in your original post, there are going to be routing issues to fabricate a true dual kit like you can that may require cutting, welding and bending exhaust tube stock being fabricated for a custom fit. If you do not have the proper tools or experience to do this you may be biting off more than you can chew with this mod, if you plan to do it yourself.

That being said, you also mentioned mileage qnd mild performance gains, you can get all the gains you need with a stock replacement system and a set of headers. That plus installing a CAI and BBP custom tune and away you go. You then have the ability to do the home install, etc.


Sorry, just making sure we are on the same page and we cover all the bases...

 

[TCMERICK]

CLKELLEY, I truly appreciate you response. I perhaps did not explain what I wanted to do very well. I was looking at the possibility of putting a True Dual exhaust on my
Tahoe, but because of the way the undercarriage was set up, that looked like it can't happen the way I want it to, so I would have to go with stock type setup.
I wanted to run pipes from headers straight down each inside frame rail (L & R) and out the back. I did that with my 93 FullSize Blazer. It does not appear that I can do duals that way with the Tahoe. I am not interested in running twin mufflers unless I can run duals my way, because I am concerned about the fact that the left side pipes would be longer overall and have balance problems between the left and right cylinder banks. That I guess left me with the solution of finding performance parts that are exact stock replacements as far as how they would mount on the truck.
So with that being said, I thought that the best alternative way to go would be to get the headers, run the Magna flo #23453 Cats, and the Flowmaster force II # 17166 set up.
This would be a performance set up that exactly matches the stock exaust location and configuration. It would not be a dual set up at all, these parts are exactly set up as stock replacements. The Flomaster #17166 is a complete (single) muffler system with two inlets and a single outlet just like stock and comes with the oem flange that bolts to the oem flange on the Magna Flo CATs, and has the single stock type tail pipe that exits in the stock location. All of those components would be a simple remove the old and bolt in the new process.
I came up with those parts because if I could not get a dual exhaust how I wanted it then I would just get performance parts that would bolt up like stock and leave the exhaust that way. I think that I didn't explain it well enough in my first post.
So, is there a way to get a true dual exhaust on my 98 Tahoe running headers to Cats to muflers and out, going down the centerline of the vehicle? If that is possible, what parts would be recommended. I understand that I would theyn have to take the parts to a performance muffler shop to get the work done.

Thanks for everything!!!

 

[clkelley]

I don't think that is really possible without a lot of custom fabrication. You CAN order say a Magna Flow direct fit cat set up, and a cat back exhaust with dual outs, but true duals is something that will have to be made. I have looks and cannot find an actual turn key kit like you are talking about.

 

[TCMERICK]

CLKELLEY,

You mentioned JBA headers, I know that the price for them is much more than the Summit ones I looked at (which are made by pacesetter), but I am curious to know what you think the benefit would be of going with JBA's? Are the JBA's made better? better material? are they superior in performance? I am willing to spend more money if there is a real benefit.

In addition, if I do a complete exhaust with headers, New distributor cap and rotor, good quality wires, plugs and a cold air intake, Could I get 18 MPG with 3:73 gears on a 98 Tahoe? I have also been thinking about a performance tune, is there any real benefit to that? Thanks in advance for your advice and opinion.

 

[clkelley]

First, JBA is an industry leader in quality performance headers. Their headers improve performance, flow, etc. They are coated to reduce the risk of discoloration or rust due to normal daily driving or racing either one. Like the old saying goes, "you get what you pay for" so to speak.

I have run Summit headers before, I had a set on an '85 GMC K1500 with a built 350 and I had to replace them within a year, they were suppose to have been ceramic coated like the Hedman and JBA's, but without offroading, etc. Just normal driving and normal exposure to the elements, etc they turned to a rust color pretty quick and looked like total crud.

As for the benefits? Like most companies they have designed their headers for the absolute best flow possible. IMHO, you couldn't find a better set of headers. That being said, if you put those headers, the Magna Flow cats and cat back exhaust on your truck as a complete kit, then did like you said about the other tune up items. I would also install a cold air intake. However, 18mpg highway would be a good estimate. With proper tuning you COULD POSSIBLY see a little better. But a lot of that of course also depends on your personal driving habits. But the combination of going through the truck like you are considering would definitely get you a LOT closer to the results you are looking for. The only draw back is that once everything is done, you MAY NOT be able to resist putting your foot in it a little more due to the sound and performance. So there is always a trade off there...lol (at least I know there is with me, when I hear a nice sounding exhaust, I tend to push a little harder on the go pedal myself...lol)

In the end, for quality and overall performance, yes, the JBA headers are the way to go IMHO, but that also depends on your budget and goals, etc.

 

[oaleystormakleyguyh1]

hey tc dont forget electric fans, they will prolly be the best bang for the buck and better fuel economy

 

[clkelley]

I agree, E-fans can add to the efficiency of the truck as well....

 

[straight axle]

Summit has some narrow X pipes and Magnaflow has some good duel in duel out mufflers.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-643125/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MPE-11379/

The extra length to get a pipe from pass. to drivers side will not have much, if any affect on the balance. I plan on using these on my Tahoe.

 

[clkelley]

Just FYI, I can usually get the same parts as Summit, not Summit brand, but I also have a price match guarantee. If you are looking for parts, and find them for less online than I have quoted, I will match or beat the price found.

I can get Magna Flow, MBRP, BANKs, Dynomax, Corsa, Borla, etc, etc, etc.....

 

[98 blue yukon]

If you are searching for Headers for your Tahoe/Yukon I suggest you contact Stans Headers in Auburn Washington. Great headers, Tri-y design. the headers are priciey but, if you are planning on spending money on your Yukon, and intend on keeping the vehicle for a long time,Buy.. Buy.. Stans Headers. First, phone and speak with Stan. You will not be disappointed. .. 98 Blue Yukon . Edmonton Alberta. Canada