I posted recently about exhaust, and received tons of great advice from all of you. I think I have decided to invest into leveling kit and tires before performance parts. I was wanting to make a zoodad, maybe modify OEM air box, and install a 3.5" flex-pipe in place of my stock muffler. I have searched and searched without any definitive answer on whether or not removing the muffler will harm my engine/turbo in any way? I know that my truck does not have a cat, so I'm assuming there will not be any back-pressure at all. Does this matter on a diesel? Thanks again, everybody!
Just one opinion ?
The main issue with the stock air box is the amount of air (CFM) that can pass through the [to small], Flat Panel filter.. Modifying the box won't give you much, if any, gains in air flow, after the filter.. or into the Turbo.
The Zoodad mod will make more air available.. for future intake mods but with the stock air box & filter .. yer still purdy much at square 1.
Removing the muffler won't hurt the engine or turbo. It will relieve some back pressure, but other than the Sound... you won't get any REAL, appreciable difference in performance. Flex Pipe doesn't last very long, leaks.. But that's yer call.
Prolly not what you wanted to Hear.. but again.. Just an opinion ?
Joe
On edit: You will still have SOME back pressure without the muffler, due to the crush bends still being there. Won't hurt anything though, Diesel or Gasser..