lq9crew

Thanks for looking and for the input guys. I know an aftermarket muffler is cheap, even for a nice stainless muffler. But the way I look at this, it will be less work to do as i described above, than to put a new muffler on. Let me explain.... To do what I have in my mind would require a rectangle to be cut out of the skin for that chamber, about 6 in by 4 in should be PLENTY if position is correct. Two cuts through the pipe with a recip. saw and weld the rectangle removed back in. The exhaust could stay on the truck. To replace with an aftermarket, 4 pipes to be cut, and 4 pipe welds to be made at minimum. Not to mention extension pipes if the muffler is shorter.

Pic taken from this tread @ performancetrucks.net Look in the middle chamber of the five chambers. I If were to remove the pipe in this chamber, won't this thing flow as well as most DI/SO aftermarkets? It would have two perforated inlets leading into a chamber with the single tailpipe flowing away. It would keep the built in resinator and be absolutely like factory. Anybody think this would work? How would it sound? How would it flow? Am I crazy? I'm going to try it.

Guys, I am looking in to my options for a muffler replacement on my 2006 VortecMax, and don't want to spend the money on a catback as the pipes stock on the truck are pretty stout. The muffler is dual in/out just like the SSS and Denali. Are there any direct fit mufflers in STAINLESS that could be welded in after the original is cut out? I found the Flo-Pro through this site, which claims to have a direct fit, but are only sold in aluminized steel . I live where the roads are white in winter (SALT) and don't want to have to worry about rust for a long time. Besides the direct fit, what else has been done for mufflers and keeping the stock pipes? Here is how I see my options, in now particular order.... -Flo-Pro...why can't these be stainless? I'd have one on already! -Two seperate mufflers with extensions to fit in the stock location? -Dual In/Single Out with new tail pipe? -Universal Dual In/Dual Out with stock pipes modified to fit? -Quit being a cheap ass and buy a catback? I have read on here or on another site that the stock muffler only flows out one of the outlets, and the other is a built in type of resinator. Is this true? Would it be possible to open a stock muffler and make it flow out both of the outlets? Who want to donate there take off to me? I know its a long post, but please fellow LQ9ers, give me some guidance!!!!!!

Nice trucks everyone!!!

Just returned from dealer. I talked with the service manager and showed him the correct picture (Thanks again Mike!) and the picture of the work that was performed at his dealer. The manager told me the clamp in question is the approved replacement type and there is no "band clamp" available from GM. I told him I would not be satisfied and would do whatever it takes to get it returned to factory specs. (Who do you report to?) He disappeared while I talked with the service advisor and came back to tell me he found an aftermarket clamp, and would order it today and install at my convenience. I'll wait until I see this clamp before I decide if this issue is over or not.

Thank you for the replies! Vortec Max-That picture is perfect! I am truely grateful!!!! Going to dealer tomorrow to get this fixed right. I don't care who says what, this clamp they supplied me with is garbage and this will be fixed correctly. Thanks again guys!!!!

I need help!!!!! My truck went to the dealer to fix a leaky trans. They had it two days. I start it up the next morning when cold and hear an exhuast leak. I crawl under to see this. WTF were they thinking? I need a picture of this area, the way this left the factory so I can get it fixed correctly with as little trouble as possible. I'm afraid of going in, and their repair will be torqueing the clamp down making it impossible for me to separate these two pipes in the future. If anyone has a picture, a parts diagram, a part number, anything to help me, I will be truely grateful!!!!!!! PLEASE HELP!! P.S. Truck is a 2006 Sierra, 1500, crew cab, 4x4, 6.0L, 4L70E, 4.10's, 9.5" 14 bolt rear. I think the HD's have a similar exhaust setup as well as the Sierra Denali and the Silverado SS.