As some of you may know I am building a 48 2 ton Chevy with a 4-53T Detroit Diesel engine.

I am thinking about my exhaust system I will build in the coming months. It will be at least 4" and probably 5", hopefully 409 stainless steel.

I know lots of people drive Diesel trucks without a muffler, and provided there is a turbo, as I have, they are not too loud.
One of my friends has the same engine in a pickup with 5" exhaust and no muffler. It sounds great, and he has no problems with the law.

I also plan to drive this truck all the time and on long trips, so I want a quiet exhaust most of the time.

And sometimes I want to make some noise, because a Detroit sounds so good under load with no muffler.

I know in most states and for sure in Virginia exhaust cutouts are not legal.
But if your truck does not need a muffler to start with is a cutout still not legal?

Right now I think I will use a good muffler. I also have a 4" Pacbrake, essentially a big butterfly valve for your exhaust pipe, I plan to use it as an air operated exhaust cutout branching off just prior to the muffler.

What do yall think about this?
Thanks,
Grigg


1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-