http://www.classifiedflyerads.comClassifiedFlyerAds.com Feedhttp://www.classifiedflyerads.com/images/headerlogo.gifhttp://www.classifiedflyerads.comDiesel Exhaust Systems can be one of the easiest ways to give your Diesel Truck a performance boost.  They are designed to unleash that hidden power by allowing your truck to release gases more efficiently.  This guide is intended to educate the consumer about the ins and outs of purchasing a Diesel Exhaust System.  We at Greyhound Performance have over 20 years of experience in dealing with Performance Auto Parts and would like to share some of our knowledge with you.  Below you will find a stepbystep guide that will walk you through the process of understanding what a Diesel Exhaust System is, how it can help your trucks overall performance, and finally what you need to know in order to purchase one for your specific Diesel Truck.  We will also throw in some other helpful information along the way.   1) What Is A Diesel Exhaust System? A Diesel Exhaust System is the combination of many parts that are designed to move the gases from the engine to the rear of the truck into the atmosphere.  Depending upon the truck, your exhaust gases will flow through one or more exhaust pipes, a cylinder head and exhaust manifold, a turbocharger, a catalytic converter and a muffler. 2) Why Upgrade to a Performance Diesel Exhaust System? High quality after market Diesel Exhaust Systems, such as those made by MagnaFlow will increase HORSEPOWER, TORQUE, and FUEL ECONOMY, as well as lowering the EGT's (exhaust gas temperatures) which is important when it comes to diesel powered vehicles.  This is done through the use of larger diameter pipes, mandrelbent tubing (keeps its shape throughout the bends with no reductions or kinks thereby eliminating Back pressure), high quality stainless steel pipe, and a straight through Performance Muffler with no baffles and/or restrictions. 3) What To Look for Before Purchasing? You want to buy a system that has the following features: Stainless steel mandrelbent tubing OEM barbed hangers (for ease of installation) Straight Through Performance Muffler with no baffles and/or restrictions Polished Diesel Tip  (does not come with all Diesel Exhaust Systems ). 4) 4 Types of Diesel Exhaust Systems! Whether you have a Duramax , Powerstroke, or Cummins these systems come with or without a down pipe, in various tubing sizes.  That being said, it is important to understand what is the difference between the two different types of Diesel Exhaust Systems. Make sure to find out which one works best for you and your vehicle. CatBack This type of Diesel Exhaust System bolts up to the outlet of the Converter (or if the truck comes without a converter) to the down pipe and runs all the way back to the final vent out into open air. TurboBack The down pipe bolts directly onto the OEM flange coming off the turbo.  It eliminates flat spots and is usually larger in diameter then the OEM pipe (3.5" or 4"), depending upon the application. The systems come in both 4" and 5" diameter pipe (after the down pipe), as well as single or dual outlets.  Use when a few engine modifications are planned. DPF Back (Diesel Particulate Filter Equipped Systems) These systems consist of a Catalytic Converter and a DPF, which is essentially a soot trap, and a variety of EGT (exhaust gas temperature) sensors.  When the sensors see that the trap is full, it increases the EGT's by adding fuel to incinerate the trapped soot.  This process is called regeneration.  During this process, the tailpipe temperatures are nearly 2.5 times higher than normal.  It is ill advised to remove either the Catalytic Converter or the DPF. Rumors have been flying that replacing the exhaust can effect the factory warranty.  However, an aftermarket exhaust system that is properly designed, extensively tested to work with the DPF system, and made by a reliable manufacturer, can supply the look, sound and performance you want, and will NOT effect your warranty.  (See Magnuson Moss Act Below) For Example:  MagnaFlow has developed a dual exhaust system for the new 6.4L Super Duty.  Because of heat issues they have chosen to route it into the stock position through a single 4" pipe, splitting it into twin 3.5" tail pipes and exiting into twin 5" intercooled tips.  These tips provide the necessary cooling during the regeneration process.  Testing has shown that they actually cool 1015% more efficiently that stock. Congress passed the Magnuson Moss Act (15 U.S.C.2302C) to protect the consumer form a manufacturer who denies them the right to purchase aftermarket products unless it can be proven to cause damage. DFit If you want to get some of the looks, sound and performance but are working on a tight budget, consider purchasing a stainless steel directfit muffler kit, that replaces the restrictive OEM muffler that came with your truck.  These kits are easily installed with a few hand tools and include a polished stainless steel 5" clamp on tip.  MagnaFlow makes these for most of the diesel trucks. 5) Other Information! Keep in mind that diesel vehicles can be on the road for many miles, so you want to invest in a system that can go the distance.  Also in todays world of highly expensive gas prices that seem to stay on the rise, why not invest a little bit of money now in order to save at the pump later?  Greyhound Performance highly recommends the MagnaFlow Performance Diesel Exhaust System, made in America and backed by a Lifetime Warranty.  We hope you found this guide to be informative and helpful!http://www.classifiedflyerads.com/blog/Diesel-Exhaust-System-Upgrades/11837/post_details/839/2008-05-30 16:26:46There are so many options when it comes to Performance Tuners, Programmers and Flash Devices for your vehicle.  This is because the world we live in today is run on computer technology, as are the vehicles we now drive.  These aftermarket devices allow you to alter the way the factory PCM (Powertrain Control Module) functions.  For the same reason you would upgrade your hard parts (headers, intakes, exhaust, etc.), adjusting the various parameters of the internal combustion engines parameters can give you a significant performance gain.  Lets take a look at what these devices are, how they function and what they can do for your vehicle. What Are Performance Tuners, Programmers and Flash Devices? First of all, what exactly is the difference between a performance tuner, programmer, and a flash device?  They are all essentially the same thing and for the purpose of this guide we will use the term tuners from here on out.  The only difference is terminology among manufacturers.  They all offer you the ability to change the parameters of your PCM.  If you are planning to make significant aftermarket modifications to your vehicle, then these devices are a MUST to give you the appropriate control for the new configuration. What Can They Do For My Vehicle? If your vehicle is stock, a performance tuner will on a basic level, increase your horse power, improve fuel economy and extend the life of your transmission.  If you have performed certain upgrades, such as an air intake system or a set of headers, you can make userdefined adjustments that will compensate for the changes you have made on your vehicle.  Without these changes, your PCM is poorly equipped, and will certainly NOT maximize your performance gains.  This is where the decision to purchase one of these devices can become a necessity. Lets looks at some of the parameters that are user adjustable through the use of a performance tuner. Fuel Adjustments The amount of fuel to be injected into each cylinder Axle Ratio Selection Tire Size Selection Fuel Injector Size Selection Traction Control On / Off Selection Spark Adjustment MAF Meter Selection Idle RPM Cooling Fan On / Off Temperature Automatic Shift Control Some more advanced versions of these products also allow for realtime data logging which allows you to view all of your vehicles PCM parameters on a LCD screen.  They also may give you the ability to read and clear trouble codes as well as a variety of other features.  How Performance Tuners work? Without getting extremely technical we will provide you with some basic information on how these wonderful devices work.  PCM's use a microprocessor that is able to process inputs from the engine sensors in realtime.  A performance tuner can be wired in to allow you to make the necessary adjustments through the OBD port.  High quality devices will come preloaded with a dyno proven tune specifically calibrated for your vehicle. Some Additional Information! There is some important information that we think everyone should know before purchasing a performance tuner.  First off they DO NOT void your manufacturers warranty.  This is a common myth that should be thrown out.  For more information about this, please see the Magnuson Moss Act (15 U.S.C.2302C) that has been passed by congress.  Finally, should you make any more modifications to your vehicle in the future, you can easily update the tunes to work with your new configuration. Whether you are looking to get the maximum amount of horsepower out of your ride, tow a trailer with your diesel truck, or simply increase your fuel economy, purchasing a performance tuner is highly recommended.    Greyhound Performance has had great success and fantastic feedback with the SCT Live Wire and Strategy SF3 Flash Tuner.  SCT is known worldwide for their expertise in custom tuning software and hardware, and offers great customer support.  http://www.classifiedflyerads.com/blog/Performance-Tuners-Programmers-amp-Flash-Devices/11837/post_details/838/2008-05-30 16:25:23