So I've searched but can't find any definite answers. I just bought an 02 7.3 and it has a 4" straight pipe. My main objective is to plow with the truck but it's way to loud. Problem one, the truck has no cat and the inspection station believes it may have had one from the factory and would like to see one reinstalled. Problem two, the exhaust that is on it is way too loud for plowing residential areas late at night, it's fine for me in the cab but I feel sorry for my customers. Is there an aftermarket turbo back or cat back that's less restrictive than stock but is as quiet? I'm probably trying to have my cake and eat it too but you guys would probably know more than I would.
yeah you shouldnt have to have a cat on any diesel older than an 07 it did come with one but it is not required equip leave the 4" and just put a muffler on it
Correction, he shouldn't have a powerstroke diesel with a CAT any older than 2003.5-ish. I believe the last 7.3's had one, and all the 6.0's had one AND an EGR. Anybody wanna tell me I'm wrong just to be sure?
Totally FALSE!!! You may be able to get away with it now, but it is still illegal to remove any emissions equipment that came on the truck from the factory. I don't know where the OP lives as I wasn't aware any states are requiring emission testing yet on diesels, but I promise you it's coming and states like CA. will lead the way!! My local guy says by 2010-2012 emissions on diesels will be required on diesels in NC. The first part of the test is a visual inspection, no cat, or muffler on a truck that came from the factory with one is a automatic fail!! Some PSD's had them some didn't, running the VIN should tell you.
Back to the OP. Here is the problem, the most quite muffler will be a offset design, but this causes restriction and raises EGT's which you don't want. A straight shot muffler like the Walker BTM from Napa ( $45) won't raise your EGT's and are not that much louder than stock. I know the BTM is available in 3.5 and 4" . As long as you have a muffler I can't see how they can say anything but I am curious what state this is in and if these restrictions affect you because you are commercial?
NCH
ok well as of the 2007 model year on all diesels nation wide they are required by federal emmisions laws to be equped with particulate filters and smog equipment and by 2009 all diesels model years 2007 and newer will have to go through i&m smog or deq smog
So I just called a California dealership and they only asked what year it was. The tech said that 02 didn't come with a cat and they only look for a muffler to pass inspection. If it'll pass in cali without a cat, it should pass here. I really appreciate your information though, this is a great forum!
Just a quick update. I finally go the truck inspected without a hitch. The original owner never replaced the downpipe and it clearly didn't have a cat so I was good anyway. However, I did spend the money and go with a banks turbo back. My customers will be much happier with this exhaust when I'm plowing at all hours of the night. Thanks a million for all of your help.
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