I think I've narrowed down my selection to the Flowmaster (40 or super 40) or the Magnaflow. All I'm wanting is a nice rumble--something that sounds deep, but without being obnoxious. I'm looking at just replacing the stock muffler on my '05 4X4 with a 5.4 (no complete system at this time).

Any recommendations? Also, I've seen some people ask for sound clips. Where can I hear these?

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

 

check magnaflow.com they've got the sound and video clip of our trucks with their exhaust. just remember, the smaller you go with the muffler, the louder its going to be. (i would stay away from the flowmaster)

 

I love my Magnaflows! I have a complete stainless steel Magnaflow exhaust setup on my '06 FX4 with the 5.5 bed.

You can buy the bolt on kit if you want, I went to a custom exhaust shop here in my area and I had them custom bend and weld the entire thing. I have a absolute perfect fit with really nice welds. That is what I'd recommend over a bolt on kit. No chance of any rattling or loose bolts or maybe even theft for that matter (small chance, but you never know?) For me, the price wasn't that bad considering I went with all stainless.

The sound is great, the performance is really nice. No drone at all which is a plus if you've got the family to haul around. I was on the fence for so long when I bought my truck as to go with Flowmaster or Magnaflow. I'm happy I went with the Maggies! The shop that I went to also said that Maggies outsold Flowmaster, mainly because the Flowmaster rust through so fast.

Anyway, check out my gallery for some pics.

 

Have you considered Borla? Their single in dual out muffler is very high quality with a lifetime warranty on muffler. I had mine installed on tuesday($575) and it sounds awesome. The initial start up/idle is very low mild rumbling that sounds quiet until you stomp on the pedal. Even then the sound is not "over-bearing". There is also no drone while cruising at any speed and you should consider it on your list. As far as listening to sound clips, majority of the manufacturers sites will allow you to listen to their product(sometimes vehicle specific) on-line and they all exadurate the actual sound.
Anyway, hope this helps. Laters.

 

I just got through installing a muffler only on my 98 5.4 I used the Magnaflow part # 11266. It is an 18" and sounds nice. It is fairly quiet but you know it's there by the low rumble. I am completely satisfied with it and I installed it at a cost of around $80.00 for the muffler, clamps and a piece of 2.5" pipe.

 

Thanks for the replies! I have no idea of what to actually expect in the way of sound. The last non-stock exhaust I had was in high school when I had glass-packs on my '76! I will check out the Magnaflow some more--Is there a specific model that could be recommended? I've already priced a muffler shop install, and they will do it (I provide the muffler) for $45. Does that sound like a welded job, or a clamp-in? I have no clue as to the price.

Another place quoted me as $180 installed (they provide muffler) for a flowmaster 40 series.

Bottom line is I know I could install myself, but if the price is cheap enough, why not let someone who knows what they are doing install it, right? Thanks again. This is a really great website!

Sorry dthornwa--I forgot you mentioned a model #.

 

i just got done dumping the pipes on my flowmaster 40. its sounds great, much better than with the pipes.

 

HAHAHAHAHA!!! That's awesome

 

Well Tex, the $180 is a killer deal. You wont be able to buy a Magnaflow not installed for that or installed. A Flow will get you the sound you want no doubt about it.

 

Super 40

 

Thanks for all the replies. After much reading of threads, I finally decided on the Magnaflow 12256 (5x8x18 oval). I'm having it put on Friday, so we'll see how it sounds. Hope I made a good choice.

 

Cool let me know how it sounds im looking to get a Magnaflow also. Are you just replacing muffler only? Or Muffler and pipes?

 

I'm only planning on the muffler. The quote I received (180) was for the flowmaster and pipes installed. Figured that for now, all I needed was the minimum. Plus, that leaves more room to purchase other goods! I'll post back on how it sounds Friday p.m.

 

Awesome, get a sound clip if you can

 

Update:

Just had the muffler put on. Basically, they cut the old one off, added the Magnaflow and had to add about a 15-18" straight pipe coming out of the muffler. All welded in. I am very pleased with the results. It has a nice rumble when I start the truck and quiets down nicely at idle (don't even know it's there). Then when you give it a little gas while driving, it has a nice deep tone. It really sounds good when you give it alot of gas.

That being said, because it is only a direct muffler replacement, it is not as loud as a true dual setup (which is exactly what I was looking for--less of a rumble except when under acceleration).

Oh, yeah...I didn't even turn on the radio all morning because I was just listening to the sound! I'm now a Magnaflow fan for life!

Bottom line: Very happy with my choice. Thanks again to all replies.