Thanks to everyone for answering my earlier questions, especially FrenicX who supplied the part numbers and sources for exhaust pipes. I finally got the parts in and installed them today. I eliminated both resonators and the muffler and replaced them with Dynomax 55255 and Dynomax 55256 and short piece of straight pipe to extend the 55255 to the shorter muffler. I chose a Cherry Bomb Turbo for that. The whole project cost me about $200 and 1 broken sawzall blade. I took the truck for a 10-15 mile road trip and was really happy with the results. It shifts at about the same places as before but all the shifts are crisper. And the downshift from overtime to the next lower one is much better. It doesn't have that "flat spot" it did before. And going by the tach, I'd say the rpms dropped about 50 at 55-60 mph and also that much at idle. The mpg before this change was about 16.
I did the exhaust first before increasing the air intake. It seems to me if you have more air in, you had better have a place for it to exhaust. So, that said, I'm adding a drop-in k& n filter next and changing to Autolite plugs. I want to keep track of the mpg for a couple of fills after each change so I can try to see what each change has done to mpg. After that, I'm hoping for Hipotek throttle body. My birthday is coming soon--maybe if I drop a few subtle hints???

 

Well I'm glad it turned out for ya, and you're welcome. Everyone around here is always willing to help. The best and friendliest forum I've ever been a part of, I myself have had a lot of questions answered and a lot of great advice givin' as well.

Be careful with your MPG calculations, you may find it to be much lower than you expect just because you like the new sound so much, that throttle it so much easier to push down...

 

We have now put 2 tanks of gas through after the exhaust mods. We picked up 1+ mpg. Its not much but for the $200 expense, its nice to have even a small benefit. On to the Hipotek throttle body that should be shipped tomorrow.

 

LOL now say goodbye to that +1 mpg

 

lol...all the stuff I have done to supposedly get more mileage...none of it has worked....just cant stay out of the go pedal.

 

yeah i stopped checking my fuel millage its just depressing

 

Agreed, I was being nice to the truck when I got it.. with my typical commute it was 15-16mpg. Now I can't seem to get past 14mpg with the exhaust and superchips.

 

what's gas?