If you’re considering sprucing up your diesel pickup, the exhaust system is worth another look. Most trucks can accommodate a bigger exhaust, but is it worth it? Exploring whether a 4-inch or 5-inch exhaust system helps you choose the right one for your needs.

Gas Temperatures

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooling system will benefit greatly from a 5″ exhaust since it should lower exhaust gas temperatures to restrict NOx emissions.

For instance, the 6.7L Powerstroke’s EGR cooler is notorious for breaking down. Upgrading the system will help you keep your EGR cooler even though a Ford truck only has a 4″ exhaust.

In the same vein, the Cummins 6.7 is a reliable engine. A common exhaust cooling method is exhaust gas recirculation or EGR. If your new exhaust system isn’t performing as well as it should, you may get replacement 6.7 Cummins EGR coolers online.

Improving your exhaust may not improve your vehicle’s output because the exhaust flow from the tailpipe can only be the 3″ or 4″ downpipes standard on most diesel vehicles. Adding a bigger 5″ tailpipe without matching increases downpipe diameter and wastes space and weight.

Fuel Economy

Increasing the exhaust pipe size from four inches to five may also positively impact fuel economy. The high-flowing muffler or muffler deletion combined with the straight pipe design of aftermarket pipes results in decreased fuel consumption and enhanced engine performance.

An engine’s exhaust gasses flow freely out the tailpipe thanks to the lack of obstructions that would otherwise block the path of the exhaust gasses in a straight pipe system.

An incremental improvement in MPG is possible when installing a performance exhaust. While it may not seem like much, improving your vehicle’s exhaust discharge and distribution may result in several thousand dollars in annual savings.

The Sound

A new exhaust system will completely transform your trucks acoustically. The 4″ exhaust is significantly less noisy and doesn’t generate much drone, which your neighbors will appreciate. The 4″ has a higher pitch than the standard 5″ exhaust. In contrast, the latter is much more attention-grabbing due to its booming volume, which you can hear almost everywhere.

Worth an Upgrade?

Improving your truck’s exhaust system might help you get the most out of it, but bigger isn’t necessarily better. Unless you have a big turbo with the horsepower to back it up, a 5″ tailpipe could be overkill. Ultimately, the decision depends on your preferences, but at least you know what each one has to offer.

Before you decide between a 4-inch or 5-inch exhaust system, let Blessed Performance help you make the best decision. If you need a 5.9 Cummins straight pipe exhaust for your Dodge truck, you can count on us to provide the best solution to ensure your ride is at its peak performance.