Diesel Exhaust Systems can be one of the easiest ways to give your Diesel Truck a performance boost.  They are designed to unleash that hidden power by allowing your truck to release gases more efficiently.  This guide is intended to educate the consumer about the ins and outs of purchasing a Diesel Exhaust System.  We at Greyhound Performance have over 20 years of experience in dealing with Performance Auto Parts and would like to share some of our knowledge with you.  Below you will find a step-by-step guide that will walk you through the process of understanding what a Diesel Exhaust System is, how it can help your trucks overall performance, and finally what you need to know in order to purchase one for your specific Diesel Truck.  We will also throw in some other helpful information along the way.

1) What Is A Diesel Exhaust System?

A Diesel Exhaust System is the combination of many parts that are designed to move the gases from the engine to the rear of the truck into the atmosphere.  Depending upon the truck, your exhaust gases will flow through one or more exhaust pipes, a cylinder head and exhaust manifold, a turbocharger, a catalytic converter and a muffler.

2) Why Upgrade to a Performance Diesel Exhaust System?

High quality after market Diesel Exhaust Systems, such as those made by MagnaFlow will increase HORSEPOWER, TORQUE, and FUEL ECONOMY, as well as lowering the EGT's (exhaust gas temperatures) which is important when it comes to diesel powered vehicles.  This is done through the use of larger diameter pipes, mandrel-bent tubing (keeps its shape throughout the bends with no reductions or kinks thereby eliminating Back pressure), high quality stainless steel pipe, and a straight through Performance Muffler with no baffles and/or restrictions.

3) What To Look for Before Purchasing?

You want to buy a system that has the following features:

• Stainless steel mandrel-bent tubing
• OEM barbed hangers (for ease of installation)
• Straight Through Performance Muffler with no baffles and/or restrictions
• Polished Diesel Tip  (does not come with all Diesel Exhaust Systems ).
  

4) 4 Types of Diesel Exhaust Systems!

Whether you have a Duramax , Powerstroke, or Cummins these systems come with or without a down pipe, in various tubing sizes.  That being said, it is important to understand what is the difference between the two different types of Diesel Exhaust Systems. Make sure to find out which one works best for you and your vehicle.

• Cat-Back - This type of Diesel Exhaust System bolts up to the outlet of the Converter (or if the truck comes without a converter) to the down pipe and runs all the way back to the final vent out into open air.

• Turbo-Back - The down pipe bolts directly onto the OEM flange coming off the turbo.  It eliminates flat spots and is usually larger in diameter then the OEM pipe (3.5" or 4"), depending upon the application. The systems come in both 4" and 5" diameter pipe (after the down pipe), as well as single or dual outlets.  Use when a few engine modifications are planned.

• DPF Back (Diesel Particulate Filter Equipped Systems) - These systems consist of a Catalytic Converter and a DPF, which is essentially a soot trap, and a variety of EGT (exhaust gas temperature) sensors.  When the sensors see that the trap is full, it increases the EGT's by adding fuel to incinerate the trapped soot.  This process is called regeneration.  During this process, the tailpipe temperatures are nearly 2.5 times higher than normal.  It is ill advised to remove either the Catalytic Converter or the DPF.
  
  Rumors have been flying that replacing the exhaust can effect the factory warranty.  However, an aftermarket exhaust system that is properly designed, extensively tested to work with the DPF system, and made by a reliable manufacturer, can supply the look, sound and performance you want, and will NOT effect your warranty.  (See Magnuson Moss Act Below)
  
  For Example:  MagnaFlow has developed a dual exhaust system for the new 6.4L Super Duty.  Because of heat issues they have chosen to route it into the stock position through a single 4" pipe, splitting it into twin 3.5" tail pipes and exiting into twin 5" inter-cooled tips.  These tips provide the necessary cooling during the regeneration process.  Testing has shown that they actually cool 10-15% more efficiently that stock.
  
  Congress passed the Magnuson Moss Act (15 U.S.C.2302C) to protect the consumer form a manufacturer who denies them the right to purchase aftermarket products unless it can be proven to cause damage.
  

• D-Fit - If you want to get some of the looks, sound and performance but are working on a tight budget, consider purchasing a stainless steel direct-fit muffler kit, that replaces the restrictive OEM muffler that came with your truck.  These kits are easily installed with a few hand tools and include a polished stainless steel 5" clamp on tip.  MagnaFlow makes these for most of the diesel trucks.
  

5) Other Information!

Keep in mind that diesel vehicles can be on the road for many miles, so you want to invest in a system that can go the distance.  Also in todays world of highly expensive gas prices that seem to stay on the rise, why not invest a little bit of money now in order to save at the pump later?  Greyhound Performance highly recommends the MagnaFlow Performance Diesel Exhaust System, made in America and backed by a Lifetime Warranty. 

We hope you found this guide to be informative and helpful!