2000 e150, 4.2 engine.

I think it's time for a new muffler. Thinking about going aftermarket. Any suggestions for something that might increase the power over the factory muffler but Not be too loud?

Thanks.

 

I have a 4.9 had 2 Magnaflows and didn't like either, too quiet. I went with a cheap Thrush muffler from Advance cost me like $40 now it sound a little more like a truck but not loud at all at least not on my 4.9.

Magnaflow gave me my money back on the first muffler after I installed it and didn't like the sound. Sent me check with no questions asked. Tried another Magnaflow but still didn't like it. Replaced it with the Thrush when my tailpipe rusted out.

 

If you go online & search "muffler flow test", you will see numerous muffler flow test-

 

I had a big magnaflow on my '82 E350 w/400 & headers. While not as loud as previous FlowMaster 50 series, it was still too loud for my tastes (prolly due to my headers and total lack of soundproofing in the cargo van). Anyways, i still have it in case anyone's interested (PM me) . It's their big 3" in/out unit with center in/offset out (can be reversed). magnaflow part # 12589 (http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/s...e=main&id=8041)

 

Less backpresure will increase power, but only in the high rpm ranges. And less backpressure may actually reduce torque at lower rpm's...seems like with the 4.2 you want all the low end grunt you can get. (Even my E150, with 4.6, could use more low end grunt.)

Of course, we're not really talking about a lot of power gain or loss, so it's not a super big deal. I've had numerous 6-cylinder vehicles with various exhausts (including a short Hush Thrush muffler and a dump pipe on two of them) and they usually sound less than really cool when they're running. This was in the old days when I was into cheap above all.

I think the 4.2 has the same exhaust system and muffler as the 4.6 and maybe even the 5.4 engine, so if that's the case, the stock system probably has plenty of flow. But if you want a bit more sound, there is a Walker SoundFX muffler, I think it's called, that Rock Auto lists. It's pretty cheap--about $45 or so from what I recall....but it's not stainless like the original muffler, so it's only going to last 2-5 years depending on where you live. Or you could just find a universal glasspack and put that on. Again, the six ain't gonna sound that good.

Take care,
George

 

Thanks to all for the information. I appreciate the advice.

 

I agree, with my first Magnaflow I lost noticeable low end torque. I just wanted something that had a little sound but not loud the Thrush did it for me. It's tough to get very good sound out of the six's.

 

I use a DynoMax UltraFlow and have used them on several vehicles. If you look at the dyno numbers from most of the comparisons, the UltraFlo is right at the top of the torque numbers and only a few from the top of the HP numbers. Its an excellent unit.

 

Good information - I'm looking at needing a muffler in the next year or so and am stumped at which muffler I should use. Thanks!

 

Let me correct my post it wasn't Magnaflow but Dynomax that I tried and didn't like, both the Super Turbo and Ultraflo lines, too quiet for my taste and not enough backpressure. I still like my Thrush better although not as well made it sounds better and I don't lose backpressure. My Thrush is a much shorter muffler than stock it's not a stock replacement.

 

I have a 76 E350 club wagon with 460 cid. I use two glasspacks, 30" long with 2.5" pipes. Not too loud but a really nice rumble.

 

Probably sounds more like a truck, which is what I was trying to go for. Of course with an inline six it's impossible, open exhaust no muffler it sounds like an old tractor. At least I can hear mine now with the Thrush.