I have a 2009 Dodge Ram 5.7L "Lone Star" Edition. It's basically the step down from the Laramie and step up from the SLT. I'm trying to find the best bang for my buck when it comes to CAI and an exhaust system. It's been a pain finding CAI for the 2009 trucks. These are the choices I've come up with so far, any opinions and pros and cons would be appreciated.

For the exhaust "I think" I'm sold on magna flow with the dual cut outs. Is it worth paying someone to install it or is it easy enough to do it myself?

As for the CAI, this has been a huge pain. I've read in the forums people are very happy with True Flow XDI, but I can't find a place to purchase one online or in the Houston area. AEM and K&N don't make CAI for the 2009 yet either. I've sent them both emails asking and got a reply saying they are still in development. I found AFE CAI but back to I have no previous knowledge or experience with any of the brands rather than what I've read and heard. I was going to pick up Mopar's brand CAI but back to the problem it doesn't exist yet.

To summarize, is magna flow good? Where can I find True Flow XDI? What other good brands CAI are out for the 2009?

Any additional comments or opinions as what to do would be nice also. I'm staying simple, exhaust and CAI for now. Thanks!

 

www.autoanything.com

volant cai available

XDI went bankrupt so there wont be anymore xdis

Magnaflow isnt as loud as flowmaster but some say magnaflow has less restriction but i have seen no proof, and ive used nothing but flowmaster.

 

MinatorHemi8 what series flowmaster did you use.

 

70 series single in double out 2.25 inch with stock tips on this model

 

i would highly recommend Air Raids CAI

and if you like magnaflow check out Mufflex's option. it took me only 45 min to change out mufflers on my truck.

 

I've been doing some research.. here is a list of cat back systems/ kits i've found.

Lots of Catbacks

Fasthemis

http://www.fasthemis.com/index.asp?P...S&Category=350

Dynomax

$352

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...10002&langId=-

1&N=1574765+4294965596&Ne=1147708&redirect=false&s earchType=MkMdlYrSearch

http://www.dynomax.com/part_view.php...500&part=39480 $394


Borla - $1,184
http://www.borla.com/products/produc...rod_sku=140307

Mufflex- $239
http://www.mufflex-performance.com/m...gory_Code=DR09

AFE
http://store.newlevelmotorsports.com/afepeexsy20d1.html $588

http://afepower.com/shop/details_new...ck&&brandID=63 $628

Magnaflow $862
http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/s...ne=all&id=2798

 

Kxwhite,

Air Raid and AFE are the only CAI I found that say they have them for the 2009 on their site. I looked at volants site and they don't have anything according to their site. What is your experience with Air Raid installation and performance wise?

I was looking at the Magnaflow Part No. 16869. Seems best fit for my vehicle, but I'll start looking into the Mufflex, what's the difference?

I'm new to the aftermarket mods so sorry for the stupid questions.

 

Magnaflow has less restriction compared to flowmaster because they use different designs. Flowmaster uses chambers and Magnaflow uses a straight through design.

Here’s what the inside of a Flowmaster muffler looks like.



Here’s what the inside of a Magnaflow muffler looks like.



The Mufflex muffler is a Magnaflow muffler that comes with extensions welded in so it can replace the stock muffler without any further modification. The stock muffler is humongous, so when you replace it with an aftermarket muffler you will need to add some piping to make up for the space that was occupied by the stock muffler. Any exhaust shop could easily add the piping for you, but Mufflex solves this problem for you by already having the extension pipe welded onto the muffler.

The biggest advantage from the Mufflex system is being able to install it yourself, whereas welding will be required if you just get the Magnaflow or Flowmaster.

Here are some pictures of the Mufflex system.* Notice the extension pipes.





Straight through design.



Here’s the setup for single exhaust.



This one shows how big the stock exhaust is compared to aftermarket, which is why extensions are necessary.



Here’s the single installed.

 

To understand you correctly Bobba Booey, if I get a magna flow CAT back exhaust system I'll have to have it welded to fit on properly? I was looking at the Magnaflow Part No. 16869. From the picture and directions on their site doesn't seem like it needs to be welded but I also have no idea what I'm getting into.

After visiting Mufflex website it seems to mention I don't need to replace the tubing, only the muffler. I spoke with a guy at the dealership while I was getting my oil changed and he suggested to get the best performance was to go with CAT back entirely.

 

No, you will not have to weld the Magnaflow part no. 16889. I was referring to just buying the muffler itself, not the complete system. The system from Magnaflow looks very good, but the stock system (with the exception of the huge muffler) is also very good. The stock system is made out of 409 stainless steel and the piping diameter is fine. Therefore, there’s not much reason to get a complete catback system. The catback system, essentially, just replaces the muffler and removes the resonator.

The system is kinda expensive but it’s a good option and you can install yourself. No cutting or welding required. You also have the option to save some money by going to an exhaust shop and having them replace your muffler and remove the resonators. However, if you want a complete DIY package the Magnaflow is an excellent choice.