If I remove the stock exhaust system to increase power/sound will it ruin my truck mechanicly? Bad Idea?

Question

I took it off and it is loud, very loud. Its a 2004 chevy silverado v8 and seems to be running good, but im concerned with it in the long haul? Am I do major damage to the truck...am I an idiot lol? Please Help!! Thanks

Answer 1

First, it's illegal to remove your exhaust. Second, it's sounds like sh-t with no exhaust. And if you removed enough of it, you probably removed the oxygen sensor and this will effect engine operation. The best thing to do is to buy an aftermarket exhaust system, commonly called a "cat back" , meaning you get new components from the catalytic converter to the back of the vehicle. Systems designed for your vehicle and engine will not only sound good, get better performance/mileage, but will also be legal.

Answer 2

The truck itself will probably be fine if the manifolds are still on there. Burnt valves from an exhaust that was not restrictive enough was a problem in the 1950s with the metalurgy they had back then, but it's not really an issue with modern designs. And the engine doesn't need backpressure to perform well.

The trouble is, this could do a bit of damage to you if you attempt to run the truck with no exhaust system. If you remove everything, including the catalytic converter, you will have an engine that puts out more pollution - and sends it right into your cab. Not good. Plus, you're likely breaking at least two laws, running with no cat and having an engine that's too loud.

At the very least, put on the emissions control stuff and add enough piping that the exhaust will exit *behind* the cab.

Answer 3

Did you take it off completely and not replace it at all? You cannot run exhaust right out of the manifolds or headers legally. Also, backpressure is a concern, but only to a degree. You need to remember that your truck is controlled by a computer, and that it adjusts things accordingly such as gas, air, etc. You should have something on there, if for anything, to get legal again, to create that needed back-pressure, and to tune the sound of the exhaust. The loud part isn't what makes a car/truck sound good, it's the tone of it and how well it's tuned that makes a great exhaust note.

If you plan any more upgrades, look into getting a controller or a chip for your computer.

Answer 4

Do not run the truck without an exhaust...you will create many problems. Exhaust systems provide back pressure and other enhancements to the engine. If you want sound, shop for some good quality headers and a custom exhaust, such as Flowmaster. This will give you great sound without hurting your engine.

Answer 5

The cam.computer and valves require a certain amount of back pressure to operate correctly with the emission controls.
You need at least 28 to 38 inches of exhaust pipe to prevent valve burning.
you didn't say if the manifolds are removed or the pipes at the manifolds or in front of or behind the cat. is removed.
By federal law you cannot modify anything from the catalytic converter foward.

Answer 6

you got alot of answers and i dont think they helped you much first of all you dot want to take the exhaust off it is not because of back pressure because you dont need it you need the converter if you modify the exhaust you do not need the o2 sensor the best thing to do is run new pipe go with 3 inch pipe and you do not need a muffler that is where you lose your power is in the muffler you do not need one and you can still be leagle with the 3 inch pipe you will have sound and performance but run it to the back of the truck it will give you better sound as long as there are no leakes in it you dont need a muffler to pass inspection you do need the converter if you have the exhaust off gut the converter just run a rod up inside of it and break the stuff inside of it up this will give you what you want

Answer 7

Bad Idea, you need some sort of exhaust system for back pressure, if you want it loud, put headers on it to replace exhaust manifolds or replace stock muffler with a turbo muffler, glass pack, turbo tube, thrush, etc.

Answer 8

what you need my friend is called a resonator..it helps reduce sound from your exhaust so you don't go around sounding like an Ebay fart can.
the Cops in many states will write you up a ticket for driving with an obnoxious loud exhaust note.

Answer 9

not a bad idea just cut it off right before the catallitic converters those are the things that rob most of the power and there will still be enough pipe to create back pressure! loud, more power and your happy!

Answer 10

no its not a bad idea it helps the flow of air and the better the air flow the better it will perform you just have to make sure that who ever does it needs to know to put in the o2 sensors. that will make it run bad and lose fuel milage.