I have read all the Flowmaster vs. MagnaFlow posts and wanted to see what the group thought of the Banks Monster Exhaust system. I have a buddy with a F350 Diesel that swears by Banks but I have a 2004 5.4L F150 FX4 so I am looking for ideas? I went to the Banks Power website and they make some awesome claims about backpressure reduction and flow but I didn't see anything about HP/Q gains - planning on calling them tomorrow and asking some detailed questions. Also would like to know about sound and noise levels (droning) on the Banks system... from the posts, it sounds like MagnaFlow is fairly quiet (which is either good or bad depending on what you are looking for).

Lastly, I have noticed that MagnaFlow now has a split SIDO system that dumps to the rear not out the same side/front of tire... anyone have any thoughts on that system vs. SISO? Any better performance with the Dual system versus SISO?

 

Not sure if this helps at all, but either way I thought it was an interesting story. My friend has a 2004 F350 Diesel SuperDuty and he ordered the banks monster exhaust for it. When the shop put it on for him and he got it back he said it sounded just as quiet as factory and he was unhappy. He had them pull the muffler off and said it was still wayyy too quiet. So he took the cat off as well. Now hes just got the banks straight pipe from his turbo back. I have no idea how they sound on gas trucks. Maybe he just didnt wait long enough for it to break in. I hear they sound nice on F150's though. I hear good stuff about magnaflow too. So I dunno

 

Someone else'll probably post who knows more than I do, but I'm pretty sure that SISO systems are better for performance than the SIDO, but the difference between the two is minimal, so it's mostly all about sound. Also, the thing about backpressure reduction sounds like you'd be losing low end torque, so I'm not sure why that would be a selling point .
Again, I wouldn't weigh too heavily on what I think because I don't really know what I'm talking about, but maybe someone who does can elaborate .

 

Banks makes quality products for the diesel market, so I believe the gas products would also be high quality. The only reason I didn't get the banks is because they don't offer a dual exhaust. Im getting a Magnaflow, hopefully Friday.

I've seen a "Lightning" exhaust for the 04+ trucks. It dumps out the right side in front of the rear tire. Someone will let you know where to get one.

 

I have the Banks Monster exhaust on my 2005 Scab. I like could not be happier. No drone. Nice sound. Great 5" tip. I was going to go Magnaflow except they do not make a fitament for my short bed length. I guess they just want to scoop the cream from the top.

Anyway, Banks makes a kit for each wheelbase. It is just a different inlet pipe but there is NO cutting involved as in other kits. I fit perfectly and that was pleasing as monkeying around with an exhast is no fun.

It is all about exhaust velocity when it comes to torque. The Banks has a flow through muffler. It does not rob torque like a Flowmaster.

I would get another Banks product again in a heartbeat.