Great info on Magnaflow ( and all other exhausts systems) on the board. After reading, I decided on Magnaflow becuase I do NOT want a very loud emission.

The installer, California Concepts, will install dual pipe with a Magnaflow exhaust for $400 with my choice of Stainless tips. (Please do not remark on the price, I live in the SF bay area and EVERYTHING is over priced!)

Here is my question...they will not install the kit that everyone talks about. Instead, they will simply install the muffler and then bend their own pipes to complete the set up. They do not have a Mandrel bender. I talke to Magnaflow 800# tech and he said they send 3" pipes in the Kit. I think California Concepts uses 2.5" (aluminzed steel??? guaranteed for 3 years) pipes. IS THIS OK???

I would get the kit, but I want dual pipes....I did read that Mangnglow will release a dual pipe set up, but I am anxious to get some sound.

 

When I spoke with Magnaflows tech before I installed my set up he said that dual 3" pipes would be a mistake for my truck(Stock '03 Screw 5.4).
The dual 3" set up would cause too much back-pressure loss and reduce low end torque. Since I love that off the line snap, and I also use mine for towing, losing any low end was not an option for me.
If you race your truck and spend alot of time with the motor wound up high, then maybe. But for general all around driving you want to keep that bottom end.
I ended up with a 3" single in / single out that I like very much.
I was going to use dual out 2 1/2" pipes (which Magnaflow said would be OK) but my guy said the fuel tank and the spare would have made that difficult.
He custom bent the pipes in his shop and it turned out fine.
I don't think you'll find too many shops that can Madrel bend pipes. I think the equipment needed is very expensive. I doubt there is much of a difference when using a mostly stock set up anyway.
And I LOVE the sound of the Magnaflow!

 

Great reply...Thank you very much!

Anthony

 

So, after more reading, I am exploring simply changing the muffler and leaving the stock pipes in tact. The cost of this is only $160....


I am not doing this for the look of dual pipes, although very cool! I really want some more sound. NOT a lot, just an increase from stock.

Thoughts...

AC

 

A muffler only replacement is good for several reasons. It adds performance, tailors sound, saves money, leaves the factory stainless steel tubing in place, and works fine on a stock engine. That sounds like alot more than what you want; sound. Magnaflow is a good muffler, but whatever you get, install a stainless steel muffler.

 

Fireman-P -> I was interested to read your msg on your Magnaflow system and what your installer had mentioned to you re: the pref to stay w/a single system vice going to a dual. Which Magnaflow system did you have installed? Also, you indicated you love the sound, but I'm wondering how you'd rate the internal sound (of the muffler) while driving at highway speeds? How loud is the drone (if at all)? Thanks.

 

I used 3" aluminized pipe (standard at many exhaust shops) and the Stainless steel Manaflow 3" si/so muffler. I'm not sure of the exact part #.
The tech I called was from Magnaflow tech line (800) 817-3930
They seemed well informed and were pleasant to deal with.
As for the sound, it quiets down nicely on the freeway. It makes most of it's sound under excelleration and when pulling up a hill.
It's not loud inside the cab, just noticable. Real pleasant for freeway cruising. No "drone".
But when you lay down the law, it sounds real mean.
Hope that helps.

 

Fireman-P

Just had mine done your way - looks and sounds great. Thanks for the info. I used Magnaflow muffler #14259 and tip #35116. My installer also used 3" aluminized pipe. Heads are already turning when I go by...

Thanks again.

 

Cool, Sounds sweet doesn't it?
I wish I knew if it helped my mileage any, I cant keep my foot out of it long enough to find out!!

 

in birmingham alabama to install the magnaflow stainless muffler--he used the 3" aluminum dual pipes the other guys spoke of--but he gave me a lifetime warranty on pipes as long as i own the truck--of course the muffler also came with the same warranty thru magnaflow--i have pics attached of the install--


https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=4118

 

Well, this thread has gone in it's own direction, but I figured I would give and update.

I went to the shop with the intention to replace only the muffler. While waiting for the sales rep, I wandered around and saw an F150 with dual pipe coming straight out the back...I was DONE! I needed that look.

I did not want to spend 400+...the sales rep told me that he could save me some money if he used my existing pipe.

They installed a Magnaflow #12588 SI/DO. I think this is a fairly large Magnaflow (not their loudest-I did not want to create too much noise. I did however want to know that I had a 5.4L V8 working for me.). They used the existing pipe and bent it to fire straight out the back. They then fabricated another pipe to fire out the other side....They then put on 4" SS Tips.


IT IS PERFECT sound...If I had 10 F150s, I would do this exact same thing to all 10 of them, no question, no variation.

Not sure about MPG as I have not filled up yet. No noticable perf gain...could be, but I cannnot tell.

Magnaflow description of my muffler *12588:
The 5"x11" oval body MagnaFlow was designed for Trucks, SUV's and RV's with larger engine displacements. These mufflers provide maximum flow and sound suppression.

 

acastell -

Glad to gear you're totally pleased with the direction you went, and it sounds like you were shooting for excactly what I am: lower $$ with nice sound and look change. However, you're the first person I've read that mentioned having a shop actually bend their existing pipe. Did you have a chance to discuss what they planned to do BEFORE they started bending the existing pipe?

By the way, I looked up the 12588, and it's a rare DI/SO configuration, not SI/DO as you had thought. I hope they didn't assume it was a SI/DO and install it backwards on your truck...

Anyway, what did the shop charge you for their labor (and new fabricated pipe), and what did you pay for your MagnaFlow set-up - if you don't mind me asking?

 

Yes, I am lovin' the sound!

The total cost was $312...but this is the SF Bay Area and everything is expensive....

The original plan was to remove the original pipe and fab a new one. That would have been $412...

Wow, you had me there for a moment on the muffler! I looked at the site just now and the 12588 is Single/Dual. I would have a heck of a story to tell if they installed the muffler backwards!

Hope this helps...

Anthony

 

I just had a Magnaflow installed yesterday. I have a 2004 Lariat Screw and all I did was have a muffler put on. They cut off my stock muffler and installed a universal Magnaflow. It took about 40 min. to complete. They had to add about two foot of pipe and fabricate two hangers. The rest of the exhaust system stayed stock. It cost me $110. out the door. The shop did a real clean job. It really sounds great.