Q:
I recently bought a '98 Chevy Z71 short wheelbase, extended cab 4x4. I'm starting to do some power modifications and was going to start with the exhaust. Upon close examination of the exhaust system, I learned the '98 Z71 has dual 2-1/4-inch exhaust tubes, dual catalytic converters, and a single muffler with a single outlet. If I switch over to a performance muffler and tailpipes, will it affect the computer? I'd like to install a dual-outlet muffler with a deep, aggressive tone. Do you have any suggestions?
Cody Blake
Round Rock, Texas
A:
Cody, for the answers to your questions, we talked to Mike Jones, Director of Product Development at MagnaFlow Performance. As to your computer question, your Z71 is equipped with an OBD II computer system, which isn't noticeably influenced by exhaust changes. The OBD II diagnostics will compensate for the increased flow of a good aftermarket exhaust system; however, when you have any MIG-welding done on the truck, disconnect the battery's negative cable to avoid sending electrical spikes to the OBD II computer.
Due to your truck's driver-side fuel tank location, installing a single performance muffler is the way to go. Jones recommended MagnaFlow's Stainless muffler (PN 14568) for your application; a low-cost muffler is PN 12568, which is MagnaFlow's aluminized steel muffler. Both mufflers are oval-shaped and sized 5x11 inches in diameter, and both are 28 inches in overall length, including the inlet and outlet pipe nipples. The MagnaFlow mufflers use a true dual inlet and dual outlet design; inside the muffler's body is an X-shaped crossover tube that equalizes pressure between the two tailpipes.
You'll also need a pair of performance tailpipes to route the fumes out of the muffler. Get MagnaFlow PN 15022 (left) and PN 15023 (right) for the maximum in sound and performance. Speaking of sound, Cody, you said you wanted a muffler with a deep tone, and that's precisely what the MagnaFlow muffler delivers, although Jones warned that the new muffs would produce an approximate 5-decibel increase in sound.
The MagnaFlow muffler and tailpipe combination has been extensively dyno-tested by the manufacturer and has shown an 8 to 12 hp gain at the rear wheels. Contact MagnaFlow Performance, Dept. OR, 22691 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. (800)990-0905, www.magnaflow.com, for more information.
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