You guys getting the drone do you have the 4.6 and the 18" magnaflow or the 5.4? I have the 5.4 and am looking at magnaflow but cant decide between the 18" total length or the 24" total length. Also is the aluminized coating ok against rust I live in Florida so no salt or anything on the roads except at the beach?

 

Explorer,
Go with the 24 inch. That is what I got and I also have the 5.4. It has the growl at low end (like redneck says) and not a lot of drone at the higher end. I am totaly satisfied with the sound and the gain. As for the aluminized issue, they are lifetime warranty including labor (according to my warranty) so if it ever does rust out, you get a new one.

 

I had the 18" put on and yes I have the 5.4 as well. I've heard that if you do not want as much drone at highway speeds, to go with the 24". I'm not to worried about the coating 'cause like someone said, "its got a lifetime warranty". It should last a few years either way.

 

I just put on magnaflow part #12259 its 24inch, aluminized. I have the 5.4 and just love this muffler. If your worried about drone go with the 24 over the 18. You do hear a little at 70mph but nothing you can't live with. Under full throttle it sounds like a mean V8. Can't wait to get intake.

 

so on the 5.4 the stock exhaust size is 3 inch piping?

 

What is the average price everyone is paying? I can get the 18" Magnaflow with single in and dual out installed with 2 pipes out the back for $225. I can also get the Flowmaster with the same setup for $190. What route is everyone taking with the pipes? stock or straight out the back? I think I am going to go in the stock position setup to resemble the Lightning.

 

Explorer,
No, the stock piping size is 2 5/8. I went with a 3 inch tail pipe since the Magnaflow inlet and outlet is 3 inch.

 

Hey Pylda, If your looking for a great exhaust setup, I had a flowmaster cat-back exhaust system installed on my 2004 F-150 STX 4.6. It sounds awesome. It's part #17403 it comes with all the hardware, 3 inch pipes w/ a 3 and a half inch stainless steel flowmaster embossed tip and the 50 series SUV/Performance muffer. I had it delivered direct to my house and then installed at a local muffler shop. It fits all WB's and is for a 4.6 or 5.4 engine and gives it a great mean sound when you hit the throttle but stays very mellow when your at highway speeds.

 

The piping size should be 2.5 inch. I have 5.4 screw 4x4 that's what mine is. I just orderd a magnaflow muffler in stainless 4x9x18" off internet for less than $65.00. It will be installed W/stainless pipping to fit. Hope it"s not to loud.

 

I just had the magnaflow aluminized steel 14" put on and it is very mellow, sounds excellent giving a nice v-8 rumble without being loud at all inside.

 

I was wondering what performance differences there were between doing an entire catback exhaust replacement and just replacing the muffler. It seems that there are some that mention replacing the muffler but don't mention if they did anything else to the exhaust when discussing performance numbers. I have an 04 scab w/ the 4.6L and I would like a throaty rumble and am expecting 1-2 mpg increase and maybe a small increase in HP as well. I was hoping to be able to do this by just replacing the muffler. Is it possible? Or will the muffler shop suggest I do an entire catback exhaust and muffler? Thanks!

 

There are varying opinions on this, Truman, so I can only go by my experience. First I did a thorough research on this site about exhausts and mufflers. Then I followed it up on other websites including google. I've come to the conclusion you can get better hp, nice sound, better running engine, and slightly better MPG with a freer flowing muffler. Check the Magnaflow FAQ for good descriptions but keep in mind they are trying to sell a product. My experience is I did replace stock with the Magnaflow and did increase hp, torque, and MPG very noticeable. From the research I've done the entire catback exhaust system is best if you use turbo or super charge systems and may give you more hp/torque/mpg, but not significant over the muffler alone if at all.

 

bwep / ExplorerSP0084,

Could you post the model number of the mufflers you purchased. There are so many folks here buying different mufflers, that it would help me to identify them, and decide based upon each individual description.

Thanks in advance.

 

I believe my part number is 12226. Did alot of driving today and absolutely love it, glad i didnt go with the 18" as the 14" is almost too quiet. Dont know what kinda diff in mpg it will make but it doesnt seem to take as much throttle to get er going now.

 

I'm really confused...

I hear "go with the 24" if you don't want too much sound. "Glad I didn't go with the 18" as the 14" is almost too quiet."

I was under the impression the longer the muffler, the more quiet it would be. There's got to be a missing variable in here somewhere, but it almost sounds like conflicting information.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying anyone is wrong or dishonest, but I am simply confused as to the direction to take.