Intake and Exhaust Restrictions

[Drg racr]

As I dive into my Ex more, I've found that the air box and exhaust system are both choking the life out of it. My truck runs a lot better without the inlet tube hooked up, but then it throws codes at me. So, I think I will get a K&N filter kit for it.
As for the exhaust, it looks like 2.5" pipe coming out of the cat, then it turns into 2" at the flange. I thought about cutting off the flange (it's leaking there anyway) and running 2.5" all the way back. I think I can pretty much use straight pipe to the muffler. If not, I know a shop that may bend me some 2.5" into the proper shape, then make me a tailpipe. Anyone ever done this? It's got to free up some restriction in there somewhere. I like the Flowmaster mufflers, but they are a little pricey for me right now. I'm thinking a Thrush or Cherry bomb for now.

 

[Aero540T]

why spend money to get pipes bent and everything but go cheap on the muffler? I mean really it'd be cheaper to save up for a little longer to get what you want than buy a cheap one now and a Flowmaster later. Just my opinion

 

[Drg racr]

Probably right. Maybe I should hold off and save up for the Flowmaster kit.

 

[Tbars4]

i just had a custom 2 1/2" muffler and pipe system put on mine with existing cat, solid one piece all the way out the back for 150 bucks...

 

[Tbars4]

and look at that tailpipe, one piece from the cat, and one piece over the axle, around the shock and around the tire, all the way from the muffler...i like it....i had an exhaust leak at the donut and the muffler was showing signs so i went for it...150 bucks and 45 minutes....