ok here's the deal: i need to replace the cat on my '98 Ram 1500 318 2X4.
(no cat = NOT. AN. OPTION... i know it would be sweet though, thanks.)

i was thinking while i'm at it, instead of just replacing the cat, why not replace the whole exhaust system, and go for some type of high-flow/dual exhaust.

what do you recommend?

i'm not rollin in the dough just yet, so i'd like to keep it close to the cost of just replacing the catalytic converter... which, i'll guess would be around $175-$275..?

could i redo the entire exhaust system + cat. for under $400-$500?

(also DYI isn't really an option for me, i'm not real experienced. i have some friends with pretty decent experience.. still basic though.)

 

There are reasonable kits on ebay.
With converter,under $400-$500 is possible.

 

exhaust isnt hard really, i would leave your stock headers..if you break a bolt off in the engine, its a pain in the ball$ to get out....i messed with my exhaust and im only 16 yrs old, im in the process of taking the muffler off, and puting a 90 degree bend pipe right out the side before the back tire. mine is held together by flanges or something in between all the connections, so its real easy to take apart.