Magnaflow vs. Flowmaster

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Feb 14, 2003 | 03:57 PM

toughf1

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Magnaflow vs. Flowmaster

I have an '88 F-150 4x4 with a 5.0. I am going to replace the entire exhaust, with headers, a dual in, dual out high flow cat, and i am debating whether to go with a dual in, dual out Flowmaster 50 series or a Magnaflow. I was wondering which one would perform better and sound better. What kind of headers should i go with? I am looking to increase power all around, but where i really need it is top end. Any help is appreciated.
Thanx,
-Shawn-

Feb 14, 2003 | 04:15 PM

DeKuma

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Joined: Jan 2003

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From: Covington USA

Magnaflow vs. Flowmaster

I had this same dilema while deciding which way to go; Magnaflow or Flowmaster.
After much research and talking to racers and exhaust techs, I opted for the Magnaflow.
This is a sampling of my reasoning:

Price: Magnaflow is just as well built, for less money
Performance: Several racers (drag) I talked to could not find any quantifiable dyno proven difference between the two
Sound: The Magnaflow sound was a little deeper and less "tin-ny" than the comparable Flowmaster
Uniqueness: Around here, everyone has Flowmasters, and most all of them sound like the same truck.
Availability: Most of the exhaust techs I spoke with had Magnaflows readily available, but some Flowmasters were back-ordered
Installation: The place where I eventually had mine done runs magnaflows on their own vehicles as well as both of his Drag cars (72 El Camino, 53 Lincoln) and likes them. His sugestion was Magnaflow.

I could not be happier with the results. It does not sound like the Flows everyone has, and sounds deep. A little quieter at idle than I expected, but really wakes up when you are on the throttle. A perfect compromise for those early morning start-ups. My neighboors are happy with it. I have had one guy at the gas station as me what kind of Flows I had on my Bronco because it sounded really healthy. I laughed and told him it was one of them Magna ones. He said he has never heard of a "magnum" flowmaster. I just laughed and explained it to him.

That is my tale, hope it gives you some help. I studied long and hard before making my choice. You should do the same. Do not get me wrong, I would have gladly used a Flow, but my research told me this was the best option.

Feb 16, 2003 | 12:09 PM

toughf1

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Magnaflow vs. Flowmaster

Thanks a lot, that is some good info. I think that i will probably go with the magnaflow, my exhaust guy said that they perform better too.
Thanx,
-Shawn-

Feb 16, 2003 | 01:10 PM

Diesel_Dummy _

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Magnaflow vs. Flowmaster

www.goravin.com

Feb 20, 2003 | 10:43 AM

thrushranger

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Joined: Nov 2002

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From: Western Carolina University

Magnaflow vs. Flowmaster

mufflers are overrated, go with 2 hi flow cats, about 12" ones, and use 2.5" piping and 4"X24" stainless steel tips, my friend has the same setup and it sounds awesome, but it is really loud like it is straight-piped but does not sound raspy, has extremely deep tone. if u want to hear a clip that sounds exactly like it, go to www.exhaustsoundclips.com then go to sound clips then ford then the 5.4 Bassani Lighting with the hi flow cats. sounds exactly like his.

Feb 22, 2003 | 12:21 PM

optikal illushun

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Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 3,545

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From: Coal Region

Magnaflow vs. Flowmaster

what about a magnaflow on a straight 6? i have seen a very people runnin them and they said they lost that raspyness over the flows they used to run and it was deeper...anyone else run mags on a 300/6

Feb 22, 2003 | 01:34 PM

kiksomepoo

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Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 97

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From: Ausitn USA

Magnaflow vs. Flowmaster

The best thing I have heard for a straight 6 is Ravins... They produce LOTS of low level sound and filter out all the higher ones. A friend has it on his straight 6 with 3" pipes and it sounds good.