what type mufflers to use
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,997
Likes: 9,887
From: Rio Rancho, NM
This is a timely thread as I'm hoping to be able to take my truck to the muffler shop sometime after the first of the year to have an exhaust system made.
I'm looking for a nice deep rumble, not too loud or too crackly (is that a word??)
Bobby
I'm looking for a nice deep rumble, not too loud or too crackly (is that a word??)
Bobby
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
I was just checking out Flowmasters site, its pretty cool you can read about a certain muffler and click on a button to hear the differences
www.flowmastermufflers.com
www.flowmastermufflers.com
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 3
From: okla
I have Flowtech Afterburners on my 53 with 302. I like these real well, not as loud as Flowmaster 40's, somewhat louder than 50's. I also have these on my 46 Coupe with 302. Although I like these on both vehicles, they do not sound the same. It points out that differences in where they are mounted and tailpipe configuration makes a difference in sound level. These sell for around $40 each, and are aluminized. The ones on my 46 are about 6 years old and are still sounding about the same. I just bought Flowmaster Hushpower mufflers for my 40, but it will be a while before I know how they sound. If I don't like them I will be very dissapointed because they were expensive. but they sure fit good. Joe
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Glendale, AZ
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,005
Likes: 2
From: Santa Clarita
I'm running Magnaflows with 2.5" pipe. Personally, the Magnaflows are too quiet for my liking. Mine are cut off before the rear axle with turndowns, and it's slightly louder than my wifes Nissan Maxima. I prefer more sound and enjoy hearing the sound of my engine, so I'm probably going to remove them and put Flowmaster 40's on. At the street rod hangout I attend, most guys seem to be running Flowmasters on their street rods.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,997
Likes: 9,887
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Originally Posted by imlowr2
I'm running Magnaflows with 2.5" pipe. Personally, the Magnaflows are too quiet for my liking. Mine are cut off before the rear axle with turndowns, and it's slightly louder than my wifes Nissan Maxima. I prefer more sound and enjoy hearing the sound of my engine, so I'm probably going to remove them and put Flowmaster 40's on. At the street rod hangout I attend, most guys seem to be running Flowmasters on their street rods.
Thanks
Bobby
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Ditto on what Fenders said. I have Flowmaster 40's with 2 1/4"side dumps. The sound is great at idle and WOT but at around 2000-2500, very loud inside.
I changed my setup for volume when I added 18" glasspacks after the Flowmasters (to let the neighbors sleep in). Sounds pretty good. I get lots of compliments. But the interior resonance was unaffected. Can't hear the radio on the freeway.
I changed my setup for volume when I added 18" glasspacks after the Flowmasters (to let the neighbors sleep in). Sounds pretty good. I get lots of compliments. But the interior resonance was unaffected. Can't hear the radio on the freeway.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 895
Likes: 1
From: OK
I have 2 1/2 pipe with a h-pipe and two 40 series Flowmasters that dump before the axle. Creeping up my dirt road (Maybe 5-10 mph) there is a lot of resonance, but I have no interior insulation or sound deadeners. Cruising down the highway is just fine, I can carry on a conversation and hear myself think. At idle and WOT the sound awesome. The only thing that would make them better would be if I had a performance cam.
hotrod48
hotrod48
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I think Joe Gaddy made a good point about location and and tailpipe configuration. To add to that. I have found that both moving the muffler rearward and/or running tailpipes out the back makes a muffler system quieter if all else is equal. I am running a stock muffler on one side and a glasspack on the other with the exhaust pipes exiting just in front of the rear wheels. I haven't heard the engine run yet, but I have used this approach in the past with good results. It's just loud enough to hear the engine but not loud enough to cause resonance or other problems. My entire exhaust system was made up of stuff I had laying around in the garage. The stock muffler is off a 75 Malibu and the glass pack is off a 65 Mustang I once owned. Both are in new condition. I just like using what I already have when I can...plus, I'm cheap! 
Vern
Vern
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 5
From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
I have a 302 with duel Smithy's, (glass packs) (I thought they were called smittys, but not sure)
The PO put them on, and I like the sound, has a classic rod sound. Price is not too bad either.
The PO put them on, and I like the sound, has a classic rod sound. Price is not too bad either.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,005
Likes: 2
From: Santa Clarita
My Magnaflows are quiet on the highway and even with full acceleration. I can hear the radio just fine and even the rattles coming from the bed. Actually, my mufflers are fairly inset. The end of the muffler exits about a foot past the cab. I think I'd rather have the great sound at idle and deal with resonation on the highway. Nothing like a great sounding truck! The reason I went with Magnaflows is because I didn't want the gear drive in the engine to be drowned by the exhaust noise. Trying to find a medium here.