MagnaFlow Installed

Austin05Silverado · March 25, 2005

Just returned from my local Midas shop where I had them install an 18" MagnaFlow 3" Single In/2.25" Dual Out Muffler with MagnaFlow 18" Stainless Steel Tips.

Picture of the Tips

Like many others, I didn't want the highway cruising drone I associate with FlowMasters, so after doing some research here, I went with the MagnaFlow. I'm DEFINITELY glad I did. Nice low rumble on start-up with a powerful sound on moderate to hard acceleration. Somewhat reminiscent of a big-block 70's cruiser. When your foot is off the gas, there's barely a whisper to be heard from the back.

Since I've got less than 500 miles on the truck itself, I haven't gotten into it too much to tell if there's an SOTP performance increase, but the powerful sound alone is worth the $300 total cost I spent.

The Midas shop *really* tried to push the Ravin muffler on me, but after hearing it on one of the employee's trucks, I passed -- too raspy for my tastes.

Many thanks to the previous posters on this forum who's advice and opinions steered me in the right direction.

Now I've got PCM Tuning and an AEM Brute Force Air Intake on my mind.....

Elwood 2000 · March 25, 2005

I have your same exhaust set up but a 22" Magnaflow, the AEM and a Westers and it drives like a new/better truck.

Austin05Silverado · March 25, 2005

Thanks. It's good to know that adding those two other components will make a difference as well.

I had heard that the 18" MagnaFlow was just a tad louder than the 22" so I went with it for a little more sound.

Would you recommend the PCM Tune or the AEM next?

firefighteremt3100 · March 30, 2005

Theres a shop here that used to hook up your vehicle to different systems to let you listen to the difference before you selected one to buy. Unfortunately they dont do that anymore. Do you guys by chance have a recording of what it sounds like at idle, in-cab, and drive-by? I know maybe a weird request but I had flowmaster I believe 40Series on my 99 4.8 Silverado that sounded really good. Just want to check a few options before deciding on what to put on my 2004 Silverado with the 5.3.

ethomass · March 30, 2005

I'm also still undecided on which exhaust system to go with. I have the flow 40s on my mustang, i think they maybe a little to loud for everyday crusing done in my truck. Many of you that have Magnaflow seem happy with them, I think i may go for those.

MCourson · March 30, 2005

Love my MagnaFlow.

Austin05Silverado · March 30, 2005

You can go here:

MagnaFlow Videos and Sounds

to see and hear trucks with the complete MagnaFlow system on them. I think the 22" is a little quieter than what they're sampling on their Web site.

The first few days the exhaust sounded louder, but I think its one of those things that you get atuned to and after a couple of days it really grows on you.

Elwood 2000 · March 30, 2005

Austin05, I would put the AEM Brute force on next, then get your tune with that addition. I don't know much about PCM Tunes, but Westers should know about your exhaust and intake as well as other things like larger tires, etc. when he tunes it.

Austin05Silverado · March 30, 2005

Thanks for the advice Elwood. Any idea as to who has the best price on an AEM right now -- including shipping?

Thanks.

Elwood 2000 · March 31, 2005

Not currently. I bought mine off E-bay, brand new in the box from a "power-seller" or something like that who had an "ebay showroom". At the time, he was the cheapest.

Do an ebay search on "AEM Brute Force" and there will be plenty on there.

Also might check with a sponsor of this site and see if they give a membership discount. Not sure if they do, but worth the try.