Not too mechanical savvy, give me electrical and ill eat it alive, mechanical not so much.
Will this http://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Bomb-30.../dp/B0018GSVQA
fit my 04 QC 5.7?

 

I do not have experience with this particular exhaust but it looks like it should. It shows 2003-2008, 5.7, All wheelbases. You should be good to go!

 

I read about catbacks and HP loss... true or?

 

You can build your own exhaust for cheaper if you know a good shop. Catback kits are a waste of money

 

Yes it will fit.

I don't know where you read that cat backs lose HP but ANYBODY who makes that "blanket" statement is an a$$hole! It solely depends on how the kit was made. If it uses mandrel bent tubing and the muffler is less restrictive than the stock one, then it has to benefit performance.

I ain't too sure of that, didn't we just have a post around here yesterday where guys were paying around $650 for cat backs + labor at their local shops?
I can't say as I agree that cat-back kits are a waste of money, even though I tend to build my own, there are still some benefits to them. The only thing I'm not a fan of is that to make these kits installable by the average guy, in the driveway, they make all of these kits as clamp ons. I just don't like a clamped exhaust and if buying a kit would still weld it together myself or take it somewhere to be welded.
I just haven't seen a clamp on that didn't leak exhaust at some point after installation...

 

Yeah, if you want a catback I also suggest just buying a going to some local shops and ask them how much to weld everything up with you bring your own muffler and tips (assuming you want tips)

 

I would never clamp on, I have a shop that will install for free.

 

I would prefer welded as well. but why does the factory think it is ok to use clamps. Granted, it does make it easier to pull the gigantic muffler out, but still, if welding is so much better, why doesn't it come that way from mother Mopar.

 

Factory exhausts have plenty of hangers and specialized mounts to keep them put. This allows pieces to be removed by mechanics to access transmissions, t-cases.etc for larger jobs that need additional access. It also provides replaceable parts to the consumer. If everything was welded from the factory, mechanics would have to cut pipe for certain jobs and charge would be much greater out of your pocket and their pockets for warranty coverage. Just think about OEM catalytic prices, and if you had to replace the entire exhaust rather than just the hear-midpipe section with the cats. Just as an example.

I purchased a Catback kit because i wanted all Stainless. You cannot bend stainless. it needs a special process to be bentm, so local shops only have mild steel. That's no good for me in NY.
So, i went with a clamp-on DIY in my driveway catback from Magnaflow. I clamped it secure where everything needed to be and then put small tack welds on each clamp where the pipes meet one another. I tack welded spots that i could access with my grinder so if I ever needed to take my exhaust off, I'd grind 2 small tacks at each pipe and everything will come apart.

 

The shop thats doing my my catback exhaust system is only charging me 175, that includes a y pipe($25) after the cat n then run strait pipe ($35x2) back to in front of the passenger rear tire then Chrome tips ($40x2) n its all welded together n they said it would take 2 hours to build/install. If u do the math I'm only paying for parts, n no I don't know anyone at this shop.