Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: Muffler Recommendations

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Location
    Granby, Missouri, USA
    Posts
    3,081

    Default Muffler Recommendations

    I currently have an upgraded exhaust system on the Tahoe:

    2.5" mandrel-bent crossover
    3" mandrel-bent downpipe
    3.5" pipe the rest of the way back
    3.5" Donaldson offset muffler

    I've had this system for probably 9 or 10 years now, but I'm ready for a change in sound. The Donaldson muffler is huge, and is obviously a much more free-flowing muffler than the stock unit, and gives a very slight increase in tone, but is still very quiet. I'd like to be able to hear the turbo whistle like I did on my 6.2L that had a 4" system with a straight-thru muffler design. It's been so long, but I THINK it might have been a Kennedy muffler? Not for sure now.

    Anyway, I'm looking for recommendations on a straight-thru 3.5" muffler brand... something that gives a deep throaty rumble and allows the turbo sound to come through, but not obnoxious or annoying like a straight pipe with no muffler.

    I'll check with Kennedy to see if still offers parts and pieces for the 6.5L systems.

    Otherwise, any suggestions?

    Casey
    1995 K1500 Tahoe 2 door, 6.5LTD, 4L80E, NP241, 3.42's, 285/75R16 BFG K02's; 1997 506 block; Kennedy OPS harness, gauges, Quick Heat plugs, and TD-Max chip; Dtech FSD on FSD Cooler; vacuum pump deleted, HX35 turbo, Turbo Master, 3.5" Kennedy exhaust, F code intake; dual t/stats, HO water pump, Champion radiator; Racor fuel filter

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Davenport Florida
    Posts
    268

    Default

    I have Kennedy's system on my '96. Sounds great, not too loud. Definitely hear the turbo.
    email rfkjr@juno.com
    07 2500HD C/C LBZ 248k
    83 K2500 X 6.2, now 390 Stroker,18.5 & 19.5x 44 TSL\'s & Boggers,5.13w/Det.Lkrs. Mud Toy
    90 ISUZU, 350 eng, 350 trans, Double xfer cases, 2.5 Military Axles, Tractor tires

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Grand Rapids MN 55744
    Posts
    1,648

    Default

    Howdy
    Myself and another 6.5 friend have used diamond eye products with very good luck. I have also had a KD system in the past that was good as well. If you go on Ebay and look up diamond eye they have MANY options. Just about any baffled straight muffler can be turned around for a different sound. I might have a new muffler laying that I would willing to sell.

    On my NON-turbo blazer I have long tube headers with 3.5 x 14 straight drag mufflers() it is probably what you would call obnoxious!
    1996 Chvy 3500 CCDWLB 6.5 Heathed, NO vac, marine injctrs, ARB bumper, BIG pipe, 3" lift, bright lights, bypass oil system.
    1986 Chvy 6.2 M1009 blazer RAM AIR, Headers, Custom interior
    2001 Chinook RV, V10 gas
    1974 John Deere 1530 diesel tractor
    1993 John Deere 455 Diesel lawn mower
    1967 GTO, 1989 Honda Transalp
    2009 VW Jetta TDI, flashed and piped, 6speed, fun car!
    1998 6.5 suburban, stock, daughter's
    1993 6.5 3500 CCSWLB GM8, Heathed, big exhaust, gauges, Son's

    1984 6.2 ATS turbo 3500, SCDWLB - Son's
    3 kids, 1 wife, 1 dog
    Gunsmith, Tactics Instructor, Fabricator USMC 87-93 Semper Fi!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Buskirk, NY, US of A
    Posts
    15

    Default

    I run a 3" down pipe into a 4" into a 5" Jones stainless turbine muffler and out.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Grand Rapids MN 55744
    Posts
    1,648

    Default

    Howdy
    Here is that muffler if you want it.
    60$ shipped
    4" in/out
    20" can
    Attached Images Attached Images
    1996 Chvy 3500 CCDWLB 6.5 Heathed, NO vac, marine injctrs, ARB bumper, BIG pipe, 3" lift, bright lights, bypass oil system.
    1986 Chvy 6.2 M1009 blazer RAM AIR, Headers, Custom interior
    2001 Chinook RV, V10 gas
    1974 John Deere 1530 diesel tractor
    1993 John Deere 455 Diesel lawn mower
    1967 GTO, 1989 Honda Transalp
    2009 VW Jetta TDI, flashed and piped, 6speed, fun car!
    1998 6.5 suburban, stock, daughter's
    1993 6.5 3500 CCSWLB GM8, Heathed, big exhaust, gauges, Son's

    1984 6.2 ATS turbo 3500, SCDWLB - Son's
    3 kids, 1 wife, 1 dog
    Gunsmith, Tactics Instructor, Fabricator USMC 87-93 Semper Fi!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Location
    Granby, Missouri, USA
    Posts
    3,081

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Dvldog8793 View Post
    Howdy
    Here is that muffler if you want it.
    60$ shipped
    4" in/out
    20" can
    Thanks for the offer! However, I'm wanting to stick with a 3.5" muffler for simplicity's sake. I could probably upgrade to 4" leaving the muffler, but don't see the need really. I've got a perfectly good 3.5" tailpipe and tip.

    Casey
    1995 K1500 Tahoe 2 door, 6.5LTD, 4L80E, NP241, 3.42's, 285/75R16 BFG K02's; 1997 506 block; Kennedy OPS harness, gauges, Quick Heat plugs, and TD-Max chip; Dtech FSD on FSD Cooler; vacuum pump deleted, HX35 turbo, Turbo Master, 3.5" Kennedy exhaust, F code intake; dual t/stats, HO water pump, Champion radiator; Racor fuel filter

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Feeniks, Aridzona
    Posts
    1,114

    Default

    I was very happy with the sound of a Magnaflow on mine. Pretty much silent from inside. Outside you could hear enough to know it wasn't a stock muffler. And you can hear the whistle.
    1987 Jeep Grand Wagoneer...new 6.5 in process...diamond block, 18:1's, other goodies...


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Location
    Granby, Missouri, USA
    Posts
    3,081

    Default

    Thanks guys!

    John Kennedy says he can still get his 3.5" mufflers, so I'm waiting on confirmation of price and availability. I'll probably go that route.

    Casey
    1995 K1500 Tahoe 2 door, 6.5LTD, 4L80E, NP241, 3.42's, 285/75R16 BFG K02's; 1997 506 block; Kennedy OPS harness, gauges, Quick Heat plugs, and TD-Max chip; Dtech FSD on FSD Cooler; vacuum pump deleted, HX35 turbo, Turbo Master, 3.5" Kennedy exhaust, F code intake; dual t/stats, HO water pump, Champion radiator; Racor fuel filter

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Location
    New Hampshire - Live Free or Die
    Posts
    6,057

    Default

    I had one of those on my '95. It sounded pretty sweet! I think I mounted in the "quieter" orientation, but I'm not sure. It was at least 15 years ago...
    The Constitution needs to be re-read, not re-written!

    If you can't handle Dr. Seuss, how will you handle real life?

    Current oil burners: MB GLK250 BlueTEC, John Deere X758
    New ride: MB GLS450 - most stately
    Gone but not forgotten: '87 F350 7.3, '93 C2500 6.5, '95 K2500 6.5, '06 K2500HD 6.6, '90 MB 350SDL, Kubota 7510

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Boissevain, MB., Canada
    Posts
    187

    Default Muffler recommendations

    I also have Kennedy's system on my '95. was a easy install and sounds good. I think I did it in 2006 .
    '95 GMC K2500, "Bullet"Ex. cab short.4X4, 377,000kl on truck, 177,000kl on AMG engine, auto. 3:73 Ltd. slip, FSD remote mount, OPS relay,AFE air IN, Kennedy 3 1/2" OUT . '83 F250 HD3/4 " Robert The Red Ford"4x4 460, 3:55'posi . 2005 GMC : G WHIZ" crew short box, 5.3, 4:10. , '88 Bronco II 4X4, '95 141,000kl Ford F150 EX. short box, '92 "Toy" 4 runner 273000kl ,'63 Mercury 45000miles !!!! Auto insurance co. is my mistress !!!

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    In the North
    Posts
    700

    Default

    muffler,.??

    straight pipe for the win,..!!
    1999 chev suburban C2500
    300,000 mi

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Location
    Granby, Missouri, USA
    Posts
    3,081

    Default

    I ended up going with Kennedy's 3.5" muffler:

    https://youtu.be/cZ2J57p8_MA

    Thanks John! It fit great.

    I'm surprised how quiet it is inside, but at least I can hear the turbo now. I actually ran it for a bit without the muffler, and was surprised how quiet it was at idle. Under load was a bit obnoxious, though.

    Casey
    1995 K1500 Tahoe 2 door, 6.5LTD, 4L80E, NP241, 3.42's, 285/75R16 BFG K02's; 1997 506 block; Kennedy OPS harness, gauges, Quick Heat plugs, and TD-Max chip; Dtech FSD on FSD Cooler; vacuum pump deleted, HX35 turbo, Turbo Master, 3.5" Kennedy exhaust, F code intake; dual t/stats, HO water pump, Champion radiator; Racor fuel filter

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •