Gibson Vs. Flowmaster Exhaust System

[jkf243]

Hi everyone, this is my first post on the forum so I hope I'm not asking dumb questions. I did a topic search about exhaust but didn't quite find what I was looking for. I'm looking at different cat back exhaust systems and would like to know about how Gibson and Flowmaster systems compare. A friend of mine has the same year and model Silverado as me (04 1500 Z71) with a Flowmaster 40 system. I like the way it sounds but it's a little too loud for me so I'm looking at a 50 series muffler. I'm also interested in how a Gibson Split Rear system might compare to the Flowmaster 50 because it looks like a better kit IMO. I know it's a difficult topic to really cover online but I'd appreciate any help you can offer. Thanks in advance!

[Zembonez]

Gibson has a lower tone like Magnaflow but is quite expensive. Flowmaster has always been a little more 60s hot rod sounding in their tone. The problem with them is that darn roar in the cab at highway speeds... I can't take that. I've gone with Dynomax on my last two trucks and been quite happy.

[s-ten]

If you live where there is salt on the roads then the Gibson Stainless would be a a better choice because it won't rust through. Flowmaster only offers aluminized steel which resists rusting but will eventually rust through. I can't say about the difference in sounds because I have never heard either, although I like the sound of my 70 series Flowmaster. I have heard many times that Gibson makes a nice quality system, although they tend to be more on the quite side.

[pwall]

I have a Gibson single exhaust on my truck....this will be it's 6th Canadian winter and it's still holding up great!

Can't say anything for the Flowmaster...never had one.

 

PS.....welcome to

[xGMCx]

I enjoyed the sound from my Gibson when I had it on my `94. The only downside was at the time they only made aluminized junk and it rusted out in a little over a year. I live in northern PA so the salt may have been what killed it.

 

Now that they have the stainless option I may just try them again.

[jkf243]

Thanks for all the help everyone, I appreciate the opinions! After looking at my finances and all the non-truck related things that I have to buy I think a full cat-back system is going to be out for now. That being said I'd still like to have a better sounding exhaust. Has anyone ever just replaced their muffler with an aftermarket product (I'm probably leaning toward the Flowmaster 50)? If so, were you happy with the result? Did you have any problems or regrets? I'd appreciate whatever info you have to offer. Thanks again!