Sound Off

The sparks flew when we installed a new Gibson Exhaust on this 2003 2500 HD GMC truck.

The sparks flew when we installed a new Gibson Exhaust on this 2003 2500 HD GMC truck.

Trick Your Truck With Gibson Exhaust

Words and Photos By: Richard Holdener

There are a number of important reasons why enthusiasts choose to install a new exhaust. Number One: The factory purposefully designed their exhaust system, but since they had to cater the sound quality to the less enthusiastic group of potential buyers, the rest of us suffer.

The stock exhaust on any vehicle is the result of a number of compromises, including the previously mentioned (obviously subjective) sound quality. Other compromises include power production, as sound quality and exhaust flow often go hand in hand. The more flow, the potentially louder the exhaust, but it is also possible to have high–flow systems that offer more than just extra volume. Since cost is always a concern, the stock system may not be optimized simply due to cost.

Due in part to these limitations, upgrading the stock exhaust system has become a time-honored tradition among enthusiasts, especially truck owners.

For many of us, trucks are simply utilitarian vehicles designed for hauling oversized or heavy objects not possible with a conventional mode of transportation (meaning a car). For serious truck guys (and gals), trucks are an expression of freedom, individuality, and even America itself. When was the last time you saw a car guy sporting an American flag on the deck lid?

Performance truck owners are a diehard breed, and it is for these red, white, and blue individuals that Gibson offered serious truck exhaust systems. Whether your ride is lifted or lowered, trucks should be both seen and heard. After all, why whisper when you can make a statement?

To illustrate how to trick your truck by improving power and sound quality, we followed along during the installation of a Gibson exhaust on a 2003 GMC 2500 HD. Normally, the Gibson exhaust is a direct bolt-on situation, but since the previous owner saw fit to weld in a cheap, off-shore knock-off system, this install required a little extra work. Luckily, John Teagarden from Teagarden Muffler Service was on hand to perform the installation.

The short-bed, extended cab GMC truck used for the install featured a factory dual system feeding a single muffler and single tail pipe. The previous owner’s off-shore brand exhaust had replaced the factory system aft of the cat pipes. The low-buck system was welded in place of the factory system, so installation of the Gibson exhaust necessitated some welding. The Gibson exhaust was designed to bolt in with no welding, but we had to cut and weld out the after market exhaust and weld a portion of the Gibson exhaust on this modified truck.

John was quick to point out how well the Gibson system fit. Apparently, not all bolt-on systems actually bolt on as easily as implied in their sales brochure.

To complement their cat-back exhaust, Gibson also supplied a set of emissions-legal, ceramic-coated shorty headers. Like the cat-back, the headers were designed as a bolt-in affair. Check out the photos and caps for details of the install, but know that the Gibson offered both more power and dramatically improved the sound quality of the exhaust note. With a Gibson exhaust on your truck, all you have to do to Sound Off is step on the gas.

Sources: Gibson Performance Exhaust, gibsonperformance.com; Teagarden Muffler Service, 951.685.1155

About the author

PPN Editor

Power & Performance News is the source for news, tech and products that help you get more performance from your vehicle. If powertrain performance projects and hardcore technical content are your interest, Power & Performance News is the publication designed for you. Our acclaimed editorial staff covers all aspects of engine and driveline upgrades with a mission of presenting information that is both interesting and achievable for the “average car guy”.
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