Ok, So I need a little help here.

I want to get a 5" exhaust system for my 3500. I've probably posted a few threads about that already . But I've looked around a bit more and noticed a lot of discussion about the catalytic converters, and whether or not they should/could be remove legally or not. I'm not sure if it is illegal to run without a cat here in North Carolina, can anyone tell me?

Second, if a cat is required, is there one for a 5" exhaust system that could be installed? Thanks,

DFO

 

It would depend on your county. If you just have to go through safety inspection, cut it.

 

Of course removal of any EPA required device will make you eligible
to receive absolutely FREE a $10,000 fine if you get caught.
Just because Diesels aren't being Smog inspected today,
does NOT mean they won't be required to pass an Emissions Inspection tomorrow.

 

It has always been illegal to remove cats , mufflers , etc. It's just that most governing bodies having been paying attention to us , yet...

 

Are trucks are smog exempt, but I think they are supposed to do a visual inspection.

 

So if I were to remove the cat and muffler, and install a 5" exhaust with its own muffler (I think a straight pipe would be a little too loud for me right now), then it wouldn't pass inspection correct?

I live in Durham.

So if I am required to have a cat... is there such a thing as a 5" one?

I just want to make sure that by the time December rolls around this year I'm not in a panic because I have absolutely no way for my truck to pass inspection, and I'm running around looking for the pieces to the old stock exhaust that I probably threw away.

 

Its good to have friends that do inspectons.

 

Does the 96 have a cat. stock? My 99 didn't have a cat. just a resonator. I've been through inspection a bunch, never once did they look under the truck. When they see a diesel truck come in with gauges and such they are more interested is knowing what I've done and how much HP it has..

 

I'm pretty sure that none of the Cummins powered Rams had Cats until 04.5, just resonators. If there was never one on there to begin with then you have nothing to worry about.

 

Is the resonator what that cone-shaped thing is before the muffler? I thought it was a cat but maybe I'm wrong...

 

yes its the cone thingy before the mufler.

 

Ok, great, now I don't have to even worry about it .

Thanks for the help guys.

 

The '96 comes with a cat. The only 2nd gen 12v that doesn't have a cat is the early 1994 models. 24v's don't have a cat. I'm kinda iffy to put an exhaust on without a cat as well. Especially if I run a straight pipe, it might be loud enough to attract the attention of fellow police officers. I looked around and couldn't find a 5" diesel cat. Well at least for a reasonable price. I think I found one but it was $350 or so.

 

Are you sure? I got the impression from those who posted above that the '96s don't have a cat, the thing in front of the muffler is the resonator.

 

I got the info from here:

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/Facts/epa_changes.htm

Which reads:



The 1994 "Killer B" diesel (begins January 1 1994)

1994 models built from July 1993 to January 1, 1994 DO NOT have catalytic converters.

Improvements to meet Jan 1, 1994 EPA standards

* Inline Bosch P7100 injector pump for higher injection pressure an more precise timing
o 52 pound pump required stronger and wider gear housing for support
* Fuel lines redesigned for higher injector pump output
* Fuel filter relocated from a head casting to an intake manifold bracket
* Piston rigs moved up - top ring changed from 14 mm to 8 mm from piston top to reduce "dead space" and cut
* Piston pin bore and connecting rod bushing reduced to tighten piston / pin / rod clearance
* To withstand increased load from valve train:
o Camshaft material changed from chilled iron to chilled ductile iron
o Cam lobes widened, lobes machined for finer surface finish
o camshaft tappet faces hardened
* Wastegate added to H1C turbocharger (WH1C), 12 cm turbo housing replaces 18 cm housing
* Filter Minder add to indicate intake restriction
*Catalytic converter added after Jan 1, 1994
* Clutch weight reduced and clutch engagement improved
* larger harmonic balancer used on 175 hp crankshaft
* prop shaft damper added to reduce drive train pulses

1995 engine changes (begins July 1994)

* Holset HX35W wastegated turbocharger replaces the WH1C.

1996 215 HP engine changes (begins July 1995)

* Piston rings lowered so that top ring is 14 mm from piston top
* CA engines rated for 180 HP and use EGR valve