I am on the verge of buying a cat-back for my '04 screw. I have researched most all available choices and have narrowed it down to two choices. Both are lightning style forward exit and both have 3.5" tips. The bassani has 2.5" pipes w/ the magnaflow having 3.5". I found the bassani on another page for $585 but I can get the magnaflow for $450.

The man at the exhaust shop says he can do the magnaflow muffler w/ his pipes for $250ish plus tips but Im scared because it seems so cheap and I want quality even if I have to pay.

I dont mind spending the money because I want something different and stainless. Does anyone have an opinion on either or any pics I could see. Also I heard its better to get exhaust welded on rather than using the clamps?

 

Clamp on is best because it is removable. If you weld it on you are commited.
Most muffler shops do not use stainless steel piping. Most muffler shops do not have the ability to mandrel bend piping.
Don't waste your $250 at the muffler shop, IMO.

 

Bassani is a very good choice and worth the extra money. Sound good, may not be as loud as Magnaflow. Very easy to install. Check out my pictures.

 

I put a Magnaflow 2.5" catback system on my 2002 last year. I had a muffler shop put the system on and weld it to ensure against exhaust leaks. My only complaint is that the Magnaflow doesn't give me enough sound. I'm thinking seriously about putting a Flowmaster muffler on in the spring. My suggestion is to see get on both websites and listen to the sounds of each. The Magnaflow is a good system, just not enough VROOM for me.

 

I have run Bassani before, and I would again (probably will run the dual setup on my 04 when $ allows). The fit and finish is top notch, and it has a great exhaust note. If you would like to hear a soundclip of my past bronco with a Bassani kit, let me know. Drop me a PM or email. I also favor clamp on to weld. Not only does it allow for modification, but it flexes a bit more than a welded unit. Whether you realize it or not, your exhaust system does absorb some rotational forces from the road.