Chevrolet Truck Exhaust Install - Cool EGT = Better ET

4. Only one cut was needed to get the shorty exhaust free. The stock exhaust system was intact all the way up to the performance muffler.

5. Our '02 GM truck's stock 3-inch downpipe has a sharp bend and is slightly flat on one side. This doesn't lend itself to good flow, which is one of the reasons RBP's Turbo Back exhaust system replaces the tubing all the way to the turbo, hence the name Turbo Back.

6. This is the typical flanged clamp used for sealing the connecting joints of a turbo's pressure system. The threaded link flips over to the opposite side of the clamp and attaches the two ends of the flange clamp together. A small 10mm nut sets the tension on the seals to keep the pressure in.

7. RBP's Turbo Back exhaust system uses the stock turbo clamp by welding on a flared 3-inch section of tubing. From there, the exhaust opens up to 4 inches to provide good flow.

8. The beginning section of the new exhaust uses the stock hangers. The stainless construction will prevent rust and corrosion from attacking and changing the performance of the Turbo Back exhaust system.

9. Once the beginning segments of the exhaust are in place, the clamps are cinched up to prevent the system from moving. After everything is in place, the tubing is tacked together preventing it from coming loose.

10.Our Duramax must have been one of the first quad cab, longbed Chevys to receive the center-exit section. You can see the four rear shocks would have prevented using an exhaust that's routed the same way the stock exhaust is.

11.After mocking up and marking the center exit S-tube, it was cut for fitment. If you are cutting any stainless tubing, make sure you wear protection. The stainless tubing requires more friction to cut than standard steel. This creates more heat, and the particles that come from the cut are significantly hotter than steel.

12.With the freshly cut piece held in position, the center dump section of tubing is tacked into position. We found out the hard way; it's a good idea to cover anything you don't want welding slag permanently attached to. This is especially true of the shock shaft. The slag will slice and tear the shock seal, if the slag on the shaft passes in and out of the shock body. Bryan (aka Shrek), or Shrek the Tech, at RBP turned the welder down and blocked the slag with his welding glove to ensure our components were safe from the molten metal.

13. Shrek cranked the welder back up and made quick work of fusing the section of tubing together, this time with the correct bend degree.

14. Again, a quick tack was made to fit the finishing touches to the RBP Turbo Back exhaust system. The 18x5-inch exhaust tip is in the perfect perspective for the big truck.

15. No stone left unturned, we can definitely see RBP has a greater concern for finish and fitment, compared to the exhaust system that was removed. The entire tip edge was welded to the exhaust tubing.

16. Overall, the fitment of this kit is well-thought-out. If you have a $400 MIG welder and some basic handtools, installing this system in your driveway is a 30-minute job. If you don't have these resources, your local muffler shop won't be disappointed, because this kit is simple, uses stock hangers, and may or may not require cutting the dump pipe.