1990 b2 - are these trucks naturally on the loud side?

[oneway]

so i picked up a 1990 b2 for $685. Nothing really wrong, just needed a complete brake job (only the front left worked) and of course the 140k mileage. She starts everytime, idles fine normal v6 idle....rides smooth

the headers are rusted...the cat is rusted...the pipe is rusted...but i can't see any holes or cracks....but when i give it gas, it does seem like there is an exhaust leak. I haven't pushed it past 55mph. When I'm on the gas...it's sorta loud...but when I'm off the gas...it's as quiet as a church mouse. Should I just replace the cat or pay a shop to check the exhaust system? Obviously I'm not wanting to dump a ton of money in it. I've seen cats go for $181 on jcwhitney.com. I'm prepared to spend some money on it...just not a ton.

I love the truck.

[tekatlarge]

I would look for exhaust leak between the hedder flange and the head.

[oneway]

thanks i will check that out. There's a gasket between the header and the block right? Could that need changing? I've been on motorcycles for about 2 yrs...so this is all relatively new to me.

[RClem]

I believe all headers need gaskets.
If I had to pick a place to look first, it would be at the right rear, near the heater box.

Ray

[oneway]

thanks. I get the truck back from Midas on Friday (all new brakes - when I bought it, only the front left was stopping the truck ) I will check it out then. One thing I did notice though...it's only loud when moving...if it's in Neutral and you blip the throttle or roll on it....it sounds good as hell...but then u get in it and go...it's loud.

maybe i'm used to my girl's 4 cylinder honda coupe

is there a way to test for exhaust leaks besides a compression test/leak down?

[scotty boi]

i had close to the same problem with mine but yea they are pretty loud i just cut mine off at the headers n ran straight pipe right back and put a glass pack on it and all together it cost under $40 it sounds pretty damn good but good luck with yours