Exhaust Pipe

[Valerie Phythyon]

Today I found half of my RV's exhaust pipe laying in the gutter. This piece is entirely intact. The piece still attached to the camper has rusted out on the bottom. Is this an expensive repair? What do you suggest? I need to pass the Maryland Emissions Test. Thank you!

[Russell E Johnson]

This is one of those things that I would leave to the experts as there is probably more of the exhaust system rotted out than just that pipe.  You may even need the entire system replaced, including the catalytic converters.  It will be expensive, but since you have to pass an emissions test it will have to be done.  I had my system replaced because it was rotted out when we bought it, so I had headers installed at the same time and went with 2.5 in pipe and free flow mufflers.  FWIW, did not help the mileage much, but made a big difference on the amount of power for moving that 31 foot beast and the toad.

[John "T" Nordhoff]

  Unfortunately, this likely isn't a fix it yourself project. In our area we have several small mom n pop muffler shops, that's where Id take it NOT to any RV or Truck dealer. Check your local Yellow Pages for Muffler Repair etc. If its just in need of a pipe or one to be reattached that isn't too expensive, and Id consider either a LARGER diameter single pipe or even dual larger pipe exhaust while under there. Of course, that's all subject to any Catalytic Converter(s) configuration and those can get pretty expensive.

 As a buddy used to say, its nothing that money wont fix grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

 John T 

[Rich Thomas]

Greetings Valerie, More than likely your pipe rusted off at or, near the catalytic converter. Most likely the converter is fine. One of the main byproducts of the conversion is water and it lays in the exhaust pipe and rusts from the inside out. Your converter housing is stainless and unless your unit has been throwing codes or check engine lights your converter is most likely okay. It's not very difficult to replace a cat-back  system but, if your like me you might just want some one else to do it. Take it to a reputable muffler shop or two and you should be fine.

[david craft]

I had a 86 21' with a 350 chevy motor. No cat on it that I remember. I agree with the dual exhaust but I would add an "H" pipe and glass packs if I planned on traveling. I got over 9 mpg if I drove easy and stayed at 55. Just do the whole system from the manifolds back. A good mom and pop exhaust place for sure and get their recommendations since they are knowledgeable and got the hands on...good luck

[John "T" Nordhoff]

 Yep if the RV is old enough it may NOT even have a catalytic converter which can be expensive and can become somewhat restrictive. Regardless, oversized dual (preferably) exhaust piping, say 2 1/2 inch, and free flow mufflers (don't necessarily have to be so called glass pack) can improve performance. Add to that a performance air filter, have the engine well tuned, keep her under 60 MPH and you should do fine.

 John T 

[david craft]

Johns right..they dont have to be glasspacks...i just like the sound and they are old school. Too loud for some people, can be annoying on long trips. Flowmasters are probably better than reverse flow turbos...either is a good choice. Most 454s are on the class A type P30 chassis. Something Ive learned about them is most came with No manifold gaskets between the head and manifold.

[John "T" Nordhoff]

  Yo David, looks like were on the same page. Bottom line noiser = less restrictive and quieter= more restrictive. Yep those "glass pack" had that more sweet more bass sound which I love. When I replaced an exhaust if at all possible I re routed the pipes so they werent near as long like all the way back 30 feet to rear of RV but instead may out the side back of the steps etc. LET EM BREATH

 John T

[Lakota Wolf]

If you have a 454 big block,, Cats are not installed due to the excessive heat and they would blow out within a few thousand miles,, Thats why they quit installing Cats on Big block engines.

A mom or pop or reputable muffler shop should be able to fix you up, and never go to an RV/ Truck service shop,, they are on average 40% higher on cost and they usually end up sending it out to a mom and pop shop anyways and still charging a higher cost over the mom and pops shops price.   A good standard 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 pipe is sufficient to let the engine breathe.