I have only had my Dodge for a week now. The previous owner removed most all of the exhaust system. It has 2 pipes, no cats, and "Cherry Bomb" mufflers. I always thought a cat was needed for back pressure. Of course my check engine light is on because there is no O2 sensor reading. I like a good deep rumbling sound under the truck, but not if its killing my power or torque. Should I redo the exhaust and reinstall the cat?

 

I'd recommend putting the cat back into the system and getting the oxygen sensors in place -- you're paying for the absence of oxygen sensors at the gas pump and not gaining a thing for the extra cost.

As a data point rather than a recommendation, my setup is a Magnaflow high flow cat with a Gibson swept-side single behind it, and I'm happy with it. The old truck gets along just fine and sounds like I believe a streetable V-8 should. It's not really loud, but there's no sneaking around in it, and it sounds nice when the skinny pedal gets close to the floor.

 

Stick a potato in your tail pipe. That'll give you lots of backpressure


I have a slowmaster 40. Or dronemaster. Some call them "flow" masters. It sounds great but likes to drone at time.

 

Either put a magnaflow high flow cat or use non foulers for the o2 sensors. Also cherry bomb amplifies the volume of the exhaust, but magnaflow mufflers give it a nice deep tone.

 

They are both glass packs. They can only cut out so much noise. Go with a chambered muffler if you are looking for a more quiet ride.

 

I've got the Magnaflow Cat and a 3" Magnaflow muffler. I'm happy with it.