OK, so I am new to the diesel world but have a lot of gas engine knowledge and experience.
I want to start mods on my 96 2500 5speed 4x4 5.9L turbo diesel and I am currently broke. Soooooo
I was thinking about cutting out my muffler. My goal is more power and better mpg. I have a big K&N air filter and i just put a 6" exhaust tip on her. What will cutting out the muffler do for me and can it legally be done in Texas? And anyother cheap mod suggestions. Thank you.

 

Definitely like the performance and sound of a straight pipe.

Mufflerless is usually not allowed, but I've heard some areas consider a turbo a muffling device. Its not allowed here, but only been bothered once in 5 years - gf rolled coal in front of a cop. Now I run something that looks like a 4" muffler, but its not.

 

lots of cheap mods, k&n is not a great choice for filter. oiled filters are bad news for turbo vehicles. look up bhaf or the afe bhaf. as for straight pipe, sure. do it. you may get bugged or may not. there are lots of cheap and free mods for 12 valves. enough that essentially with a turbo swap, a 4gsk, and tuning you can reach 400 wheel horse power.

 

bhaf like stated, 4gsk, pull the plate you will be surprised