I am going to change exhaust systems soon and would like to know what the differences between MagnaFlow catback and Flowmaster catback systems. The F150 i have is a 1999 with a 5.4

 

Performance wise...I'm not even going to open those can of worms! Basically, Flowmasters are a bit louder in my opinion. Not so loud as to be annoying on the highway, just nice and throaty at idle and when you lay on them. My buddy did Magnaflow and I did Flowmaster, so we've been able to compare side by side.

 

Thanks for the info. Its nice to hear from someone that has direct experience. I will keep this in mind at installation time. It looks like i will go towards flowmaster.
Thanks again............Rick

 

I have a Magnaflow SISO catback system (model 15609) on my truck ('01 SuperCrew, 2x4, 5.4L) and love it. The sound it makes is just right (not too loud, not too quiet). My brother did a Flowmaster setup (Series 40 mufflers) on his truck (Dodge 1500 2x4, 5.2L) and the system is annoyingly resonant in the cab throughout the entire RPM range. After having both seen and heard the two, I'll stick with Magnaflow. I've got a couple pics in my gallery of the final installation of my system if you're interested. Good luck.

 

Magnaflow will give you a nice mellow sounding system, that will give you a hp/tq increase. Flowmaster will give you that Flowamster sound, and you will probably loose low end and gain a little high end. If yo uwant performance and a real nice sounding sysytem get a Magnaflow. If you want to be like everybody in the worl, ge ta Flowmaster is you want the sound and dont mind loosing some power. I have had both setups, and the Magnaflow is a night and day difference.

 

If you are talking about the full kits, the Magnaflow is all stainless, and the Flowmaster systems are aluminized. Masgnaflow systems are designed for performance with a good tone and Flowmaster are just designed with its signature sound and maybe some performance if you're lucky.

 

Flowmaster now comes with a Stainless (304) system. Flowmaster also does increase performance by leaps and bounds above stock. The Magnaflow system comes with aluminum pipes, too, in some cases. The only difference is the Flowmaster baffels that some people say impedes exhaust flow and loses a minute amount of torque. Like I have said before, any change of the stock system will increase HP and torque, but Magnaflow will give you faster exhaust flow.



THOSE OF YOU WITH A MAGNAFLOW SS system, do you weld, or is Magnaflow a bolt on system?

Thanks!

 

The Magnaflow #15609 system is 100% stainless, according to an e-mail that BigDeal received. Magnaflow is bolt up and can be done in your driveway if you wish, or welded.

 

I have the Flowmaster 2 chamber style on my truck. Sorry, don't know the model number. That was the first mod I did to my truck back in late 2000. I could tell a difference in how the truck ran after I did it. I don't know if its the best choice, but I have been real happy with mine.
Mike T. with Performance Products might be helpful in making the best choice. He had commented on my exhaust in a post on the computer chip section. He said it was not the best choice with my other mods (see signature). Apparently they have done alot of testing and have determined which products work best together. You might want to get his opion if you are planning on doing other mods like a computer chip. You will be able to find his email and number on many of the post in the computer chip section.

Hope this Helps,

 

No flame intended here, but this is not an accurate statement. I read an article some time back (wish I could remember where so I could post it here) where an independent source did some testing of different exhaust systems on the same truck (believe it was a Chevy 5.3L). Their results showed some systems increased HP but lost torque (Flowmaster in particular), and others (Magnaflow, Bassani in particular) actually increased both HP and torque. I actually based my purchase decision to buy the Magnaflow system to some degree on this article.
-Mike-

 

Then, I stand corrected. The difference in feeling must have just been the HP increase, then. As I mentioned above, some have noted a loss of torque as a result of the Flowmaster system (baffle design). Don't know if this is true with Ford trucks.
Thanks!


Regardless, I'm goign to be switching to Borla, Bassani or Magnaflow sometime this summer. I don't want my exhaust system to rot out from under me.

 

sorry!!! Can't delete.

 

flowmaster, friend has his dynod after his was installed also and had hp AND tq gains, i like the sound and with an intake there is much better low end performance....

 

I have the delta 50 series, too. I feel the difference, but everyone else thinks we're nuts!

 

I just saw a custom SS Magnaflow true dual system installed on a truck today. It was done with an X pipe, and exits behind the rear wheels. They used 2.5 pipe, and it was a 5.4. I had ridden in the truck a few times before the install, and it does feel quite a bit stronger than the stock 2.5 single. The sound is great too, not the annoying raspy sound associated with Flowmasters usually. Please understand that this is just my opinion of Flowmasters. Alot of guys love them, but I guess I'm getting up there now I don't appreciate the loudness like I used to, unless it's a stereo system. I will be doing the same system, but 2.25 pipes. I'm also not sure if I want to buy the SS system. $620 was reasonable, but I really don't need stainless that badly. Not much salt around here,,,,98