Technical > Installation Guides
DynoMax Super Turbo Muffler and Cat-Back System Install
Get Ready To Rumble
by Steve Temple
Off-road enthusiasts enjoy a good rumble now and then. Not the “Fight Club” kind where fists are thrown, but the rumble that comes from a truck’s exhaust system. Exhaust tones vary depending on the vehicle, but the one thing they do have in common is how the tone is created.
The type and size of muffler has more influence on the tone and flow than any other part of a truck’s exhaust. While the noise coming out of the tailpipe is the actual sound wave from the burning of fuel in the engine’s cylinder, the size of the tubing and the type of muffler will dictate the amount of flow and overall sound.
Unfortunately, factory mufflers are overstuffed with baffles, absorption materials, and reflectors to almost eliminate the sound waves from the engine. Eliminating the sound usually hinders exhaust flow and, thus, takes away some of a truck’s horsepower and torque.
Aftermarket mufflers are made to flow more exhaust while producing a healthier performance tone. Some mufflers use a maze of reflectors or absorbing materials to cancel them out. Another method is to use baffles within the muffler. DynoMax has been successful using any or all of these methods, depending on the particular model.
More important, DynoMax combines an aggressive sound with dyno-proven flow advantages for enhanced performance. (Note that not all aftermarket systems do both.) Improved flow is the key differentiator of DynoMax mufflers. It’s the characteristic that determines whether you will achieve increased engine efficiency, horsepower, and torque, so that’s where the company invests most of its R&D time.
Enhancing exhaust flow helps reduce power-robbing system back-pressure. The back-pressure encountered in a restrictive exhaust system forces the engine to work harder to expel gasses from the cylinders. In some cases, these gasses can dilute incoming air/fuel mixtures, further reducing engine efficiency and performance.
DynoMax offers a variety of muffler designs engineered to provide exceptional flow and a deeper, more authoritative sound. The company’s Super Turbo muffler contains patented flow directors to channel exhaust gasses for enhanced power, along with fiberglass matting to provide a mellow performance sound. This product also is 100-percent aluminized for a bright appearance and long life. The reduced back-pressure is designed to not only increase horsepower, but also to improve fuel economy.
In picking the right muffler size for your 4x4, DynoMax’s Web site www.dynomax.com provides a simple formula: Horsepower x 2.2 = SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute) of loss-free airflow capacity. The number that results from this equation indicates the size of muffler to pick. For a dual muffler system, simply divide the result by two.
For example, if you have a 300-horse V-8 in your truck, calculate the following: 300 x 2.2 = 660 SCFM single. For a dual muffler system, the correct size would be 660 divided by 2, which equals 330 SCFM.
After picking the right size muffler, set aside about half a day or more to do the install. Wear safety glasses while under the vehicle for eye protection, as there’s lots of dirt and grime under there just waiting to drop into your eyes. Wait until the vehicle has cooled off for at least half an hour if you’ve just driven it to avoid getting a burn on hot exhaust components. Spray lots of penetrating oil before attempting to loosen bolts and tubing joints. You may also need all of the suggested tools (see list). Even though upgrading the exhaust is basically a simple plumbing job, sometimes removing a rusty system requires extra effort. But it’s all worth it when you’re done, especially when you get ready to rumble.
Dynomax products at www.4wheelparts.com.
Tools Required:
Wrench Rating:
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1. Removing the stock system is usually the most challenging aspect of an exhaust upgrade, especially on older vehicles. This particular truck was a 2x2, but on 4x4 models, you’ll probably need to remove a skidplate for |
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2. We used an electric saw to cut out the factory muffler (top). Note how much larger it is than the DynoMax’s freer-flowing Super Turbo unit. Bigger isn’t necessarily better, especially when it comes to a muffler. |
3. Where size does matter, however, is in the tubing. Note how much larger the DynoMax piece is compared with the factory piece. |
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4. DynoMax’s Super Turbo muffler features flow directors to channel exhaust gasses, along with fiberglass matting to provide a mellow performance sound. |
5. With the stock system removed downstream from the catalytic converter, begin fitting the DynoMax tubing. |
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6. Don’t tighten the clamps snugly until the entire system is in place. Having a bit of play makes fitting it easier. |
7. The DynoMax muffler slips right into place, with plenty of room to spare. |
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8. Since this system has dual outlets, do one side at a time. |
9. Check all clearances to make sure there’s an air gap between the hot surface of the pipe and any adjacent components. |
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10. The hanger straps have several mounting holes and can be bent as well to allow for correct mounting of the tubes. |
11. Be sure to use all of the clamps to secure the system in place, as it requires good bracing throughout. (We did find an extra one in the package, though, possibly for a slightly different model of truck.) |
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12. With the passenger side installed, proceed to the driver’s side of the system. |
13. The driver’s side requires careful routing around the spare tire. Don’t let it touch the tire, as the heat can melt rubber. |
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14. Here’s how the DynoMax system should look once it’s correctly installed. |
15. The finishing touch. |
