Thanks for the responses guys. I'm really leaning towards the 6" Bamuffler, but there's a few things holding me back:
1. I really like the looks of a dual exhaust system...it's better than the plain jane look of the stock single exhaust.
2. I also want something that has a nice purr while idling and going easy on the gas...I don't want to be loud under these circumstances, but I do want a deep low rumble.
I saw that dirtydeeds (or Keith) thanked you and can only assume by now you have called him (the master mind behind these systems) and got your answers first hand. If not here is what I got from my two conversation with him about almost the exact same thing.
I wanted duals with the pipes exiting behind the rear wheels. I love that look. Keith has assured me the systems he designs for stock Tundras will perform better utilizing a single exhaust pipe and not duals. I am not an automotive engineer but I do understand a little about back pressure and air flow, and how not enough of one or too much of the other will reduce low end torque. So not wanted to reduce power I changed my thinking. I will not sacrifice the performance or sound his systems provide for vanity. And no one is more vane than me. So function over form won this time, with me.
Now, if you have other intake or exhaust mods already in place on your truck, or intend to then your dual option opens up. For this I highly recommend you calling Keith and having him design a system based on those specs/needs.
I have listened to approximately 50-75 videos so far on You Tube. To me, The sound of the single BAMuffler on a non-modified Tundra is way better than any other dual system out there. Let's be clear about something too. I do understand unless the same recording device is used for each different system there will be variations and therefore some consideration should be given on the part of the listener (be it me, or anyone else). There are just too many variables involved with sound recording. But, you can pretty much get the jist of them and know what you like or don't like.
As far as 6" vs 8" and how it will be for you. I am in the same boat there as well. My experience with You Tube (because that is all I have besides Keiths word, which for the normal person would be enough, but for me since I am odd to be kind to myself, I am still not sure) is that I love the extreme growl the 6" provides when you rev up the engine but don't want to be too loud all the time. The 8" cannot by the law of physics sound exactly the same and is a little tamer, TO ME. I have already placed an order for an 8" bolt on system but I am already second guessing my decision based on the review from another (a much younger I should add) member of the forum. Old age cannot be used to dictate how we have to live though. I am young at heart and still get off on loud heavy metal music, loud Harley-Davidsons, old and new school muscle cars with modified exhausts, etc, etc.
My fear though is two things. Well now three.
1) If I take a long trip (over 3 hours) and use my Tundra, and especially if I am towing my Trike in my 20' trailer will the 6" system bring on a migraine after the first hour. I have experienced this in the past with other trucks and super aggressive tires and the humming they make at highway speeds.
2) And this should not be a concern but it is. Do I want to have a system that will be so aggressive sounding that starting out in lower gears from stops even at slow speeds will sound like I am racing and therefore draw unwanted attention from the law. Where I live the county cops tend to be a little anxious to pull over younger drivers that exhibit this type of behavior. Again, I should not care and it should not be an issue for me but what if I do decide to have that one beer while I'm out? Nowadays all it takes is one.
3) And this is the one that might make me change my mind and go for the 6". Based on some of the video I have seen, I fear, for my taste, the 8" might be a little too mild, and because like I said I still have the heart (my wife says mind, but usually she uses the word "child") of a younger man will the milder sound, unless you are getting on it, force me to "get on it" more?! I will be forced to go faster to hear that sweet sound. Faster = not good when cops are hiding/waiting, but it also equals more MPG's in the long run.
I typically drive with the rpm's hovering around 1.5k - 2k, even from dead stops. I only get on it to pass other vehicles or a another brand truck wants to test the 5.7. hehehe I am a sucker for that......
I am going to call Keith again today and even though we talked about all this for me, if my system has not shipped I will explain some more about my concerns and possibly switch.
Other members have assured me I should stick with the 8", and I respect their opinions as well as what Keith is telling me. 100%! I just don't want to be the one customer that has any regret.
I wish I lived in Cali because I would make a point to go and spend some time at his shop during an install of both systems and then I would know for sure.
I know this is a lot to take in and I tend to ramble but I wanted to express my sentiment in full for you on this subject.
Rob