Magnaflow Muffler
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA. US.
Magnaflow Muffler
OK, I've made a expensive experiment with my 5.4L Xpedition, that also has a Superchip and Airaid intake. I went to this Muffler shop and ask for a Magnaflow for my X and they put on #12289(offset center). The performance was felt right away. But the muffler had a drown at 2200rpm or 78mph. So I did alittle research on there Web site and found out I didn't have the SUV muffler that I thought I had #12579.They even had a broucher of the SUV muffler there. So took it back and had them change it. Well,lost low end power, sluggish before it kick in, like stock. The tone was very mild to OK. And still had the drown. So I can live with it but not the lost of power. Well found another muffler shop and changed out the SUV muffler(which was center center) to Magnaflow #12279, which was the same as the first one but center center. Well the performance is back and I'm happy. Well I can say that the 5.4L likes to flow for torque too. I would recomend the SUV muffler to anyone that wants alittle more sound and performance. And the 12279, for more sound and more performance. Also, this muffler shop said that the packed mufflers don't last because the converters burn the packing up within a couple of years. The baffled chamber one's last longer. That's what he said. Anyway hope this ordeal can help someone.
Forgot to mention it has a 3" in and out.
I guess I should mention that the SUV muffler is a single in, single out but that it Y's inside through the packing then back to single. The other one I mention is a straight through.
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99 Expedition XLT
5.4L
4X4
3.73LS
17"AT/S
Airaid Intake
Superchip
Custom Edlebrock shocks
Magnaflow 3"
Helwig Sway Arm
Polk speakers
Forgot to mention it has a 3" in and out.
I guess I should mention that the SUV muffler is a single in, single out but that it Y's inside through the packing then back to single. The other one I mention is a straight through.
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99 Expedition XLT
5.4L
4X4
3.73LS
17"AT/S
Airaid Intake
Superchip
Custom Edlebrock shocks
Magnaflow 3"
Helwig Sway Arm
Polk speakers
Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clarita, CA
Good post!
I purchased the Magnaflow cat-back after looking at the Flowmaster, Gibson, Dynomax, Jardine and the magnaflow. In the Expy, unlike the F-150, interior resonance is a big factor in the buying decision for me. The Magnaflow seemed the only ones i talked to tha actually addressed the interior noise level issue and still had great performance to boot. The Magnaflow uses a large muffler. If the muffler is smaller, sound will tend to be louder-it's that simple. The Dynomax, Flowmaster and Jardine all use a samller muffler than the Magnaflow.
I stayed away from the Gibson because I did not like the sound on my 89 Bronco, plus it really made little improvement on it. I switched to a Flowmaster on the Bronco and the drone was so bad I thought my teeth were going to come loose. Plus it began to rust out after only 2 years in a mild Southern California environment.
I am very happy with the Magnafow; the sound, performance, fit, finish and the awesome-looking 4" OD, 24" long stainless steel resonated tip. For around $250, it was well worth it. I did feel a gain with their cat-back which uses the SUV muffler #12579: http://www.magnaflow.com/parts/ford/s15608.htm
Perhaps their other mufflers do give more power. Comparing the SUV muffler to the stock Ford muffler, there is a noticable difference-especially with the entire cat-back system. But the SUV muffler sounds so nice with little or no drone inside, plus with their mandrel-bent 3" piping, I am getting a nice advantage over the stock Expy piping which is 2.25-2.5" dependiing on your year. I think Magnaflow is currently making the best thought out cat-back for the Expy IMHO.
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98 Expy EB 5.4 2wd
Magnaflow cat-back
WMS Velocity Tube
Superchip
275/70/16 Bridgestone HT's
I purchased the Magnaflow cat-back after looking at the Flowmaster, Gibson, Dynomax, Jardine and the magnaflow. In the Expy, unlike the F-150, interior resonance is a big factor in the buying decision for me. The Magnaflow seemed the only ones i talked to tha actually addressed the interior noise level issue and still had great performance to boot. The Magnaflow uses a large muffler. If the muffler is smaller, sound will tend to be louder-it's that simple. The Dynomax, Flowmaster and Jardine all use a samller muffler than the Magnaflow.
I stayed away from the Gibson because I did not like the sound on my 89 Bronco, plus it really made little improvement on it. I switched to a Flowmaster on the Bronco and the drone was so bad I thought my teeth were going to come loose. Plus it began to rust out after only 2 years in a mild Southern California environment.
I am very happy with the Magnafow; the sound, performance, fit, finish and the awesome-looking 4" OD, 24" long stainless steel resonated tip. For around $250, it was well worth it. I did feel a gain with their cat-back which uses the SUV muffler #12579: http://www.magnaflow.com/parts/ford/s15608.htm
Perhaps their other mufflers do give more power. Comparing the SUV muffler to the stock Ford muffler, there is a noticable difference-especially with the entire cat-back system. But the SUV muffler sounds so nice with little or no drone inside, plus with their mandrel-bent 3" piping, I am getting a nice advantage over the stock Expy piping which is 2.25-2.5" dependiing on your year. I think Magnaflow is currently making the best thought out cat-back for the Expy IMHO.
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98 Expy EB 5.4 2wd
Magnaflow cat-back
WMS Velocity Tube
Superchip
275/70/16 Bridgestone HT's
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 344
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore, MD
hdlouie-
I came off my thread to post here about the Jardine cat-back installation. It looks great and my mechanic said it was a breeze to install. I purchased the cat-back system directly from Jardine for $225.
As for the sound, I just drove it for the 1st time; about 20 highway miles into work. There is some interior noise at cruising speed (70mph). And you can hear it when you nail the gas! :-)
The problem is I don't have anything to compare it to other than the OE exhaust, which was quiet. I love the deep throaty sound; but, I'm not sure if it's right for the Expy.
My plan is to drive it for a couple of weeks to determine whether I love the constant sound or it bothers the crap out of me. I got turned onto Jardine by Mike (Superchips), who highly recommended them and their systems. By svosho's post, it sounds like the Magnaflow has everything w/o a perceptible level of interior noise.
The whole problem with this process is buying\returning cat-backs until you find the right one (lots of $$$ in shipping costs!). I'm sure there a noise increase with any change to the OE system.
Is it a matter of how much increase one can tolerate?
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2000 Wedgewood Blue Expy XLT 5.4L
535 Towing package
comfort\convenience group
beige leather
captain's chairs
6 CD Changer
Ford Bug Deflector
Superchip - installed 3/11/2000
Airaid - installed 3/23/2000
Edelbrock IAS shocks - installed 3/23/2000
I came off my thread to post here about the Jardine cat-back installation. It looks great and my mechanic said it was a breeze to install. I purchased the cat-back system directly from Jardine for $225.
As for the sound, I just drove it for the 1st time; about 20 highway miles into work. There is some interior noise at cruising speed (70mph). And you can hear it when you nail the gas! :-)
The problem is I don't have anything to compare it to other than the OE exhaust, which was quiet. I love the deep throaty sound; but, I'm not sure if it's right for the Expy.
My plan is to drive it for a couple of weeks to determine whether I love the constant sound or it bothers the crap out of me. I got turned onto Jardine by Mike (Superchips), who highly recommended them and their systems. By svosho's post, it sounds like the Magnaflow has everything w/o a perceptible level of interior noise.
The whole problem with this process is buying\returning cat-backs until you find the right one (lots of $$$ in shipping costs!). I'm sure there a noise increase with any change to the OE system.
Is it a matter of how much increase one can tolerate?
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2000 Wedgewood Blue Expy XLT 5.4L
535 Towing package
comfort\convenience group
beige leather
captain's chairs
6 CD Changer
Ford Bug Deflector
Superchip - installed 3/11/2000
Airaid - installed 3/23/2000
Edelbrock IAS shocks - installed 3/23/2000
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 0
From: Allen, TX, USA
Hey guys,
Just my experience as a late-model hot-rodder...there are very few, if any, that REALLY don't create some sort of drone at cruise speeds (tends to be worse ~2000-2300rpm). The exhaust note gets to one "octave", stays there, and for some it can get quite annoying.
I've tried a lot of different mufflers out there on my Mustangs and other Ford vehicles.
The ONLY one I could recommend for lowest cruise noise level (and pleasant sounding at that), but good full throttle sound is the Borla kits. I had a Borla cat-back on a '94 Lightning I had and it was fantastic.
I'm not saying other systems aren't tolerable, and that you can't enjoy them...you can. I run Dynomax stuff on my LX and wouldn't trade that for anything. But, for an SUV "cruiser" many people are going to get tired of the noise level.
Just my $.02.
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Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--586rwhp/587rwtq
96 Cobra (12.63 @ 114.5)--390rwhp/441rwtq
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.3)--365rwhp/444rwtq
00 Expedition XLT 5.4
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fst/index.html
Just my experience as a late-model hot-rodder...there are very few, if any, that REALLY don't create some sort of drone at cruise speeds (tends to be worse ~2000-2300rpm). The exhaust note gets to one "octave", stays there, and for some it can get quite annoying.
I've tried a lot of different mufflers out there on my Mustangs and other Ford vehicles.
The ONLY one I could recommend for lowest cruise noise level (and pleasant sounding at that), but good full throttle sound is the Borla kits. I had a Borla cat-back on a '94 Lightning I had and it was fantastic.
I'm not saying other systems aren't tolerable, and that you can't enjoy them...you can. I run Dynomax stuff on my LX and wouldn't trade that for anything. But, for an SUV "cruiser" many people are going to get tired of the noise level.
Just my $.02.
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Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--586rwhp/587rwtq
96 Cobra (12.63 @ 114.5)--390rwhp/441rwtq
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.3)--365rwhp/444rwtq
00 Expedition XLT 5.4
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fst/index.html
Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clarita, CA
hdlouie:
You are correct when you say, "I'm sure there a noise increase with any change to the OE system.Is it a matter of how much increase one can tolerate?"
The Magnaflow does sound different than OE. It is a lower note, slightly louder, and can be heard at a 70mph cruise. It can be heard, but it is by no means an annoying drone and is very tolerable. I had great experience with the droning Flowmaster on my Bronco, so I am a decent judge. I thought the Flowmaster sounded great the first two weeks, then as time went on, all I wanted to do was rip it off the truck.
As a benchmark, I never told my wife I got the Magnaflow cat-back, just to see if she'd notice. She drives it 80% of the time anyway to haul the kids. It has been over 4 months and I haven't heard her mention it once. She did notice the nice chrome tip and asked what it was. I simply stated I bought a pretty chrome tip. So, it passes the wife test OK. I actually think the WMS Velocity tube created a bit more drone, as I have just installed that. I think it is because it creates the drone under the hood which is closer to one's ears than the muffler or exhaust tip are. We'll see if she notices!
:-)
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98 Expy EB 5.4 2wd
Magnaflow cat-back
WMS Velocity Tube
Superchip
275/70/16 Bridgestone HT's
You are correct when you say, "I'm sure there a noise increase with any change to the OE system.Is it a matter of how much increase one can tolerate?"
The Magnaflow does sound different than OE. It is a lower note, slightly louder, and can be heard at a 70mph cruise. It can be heard, but it is by no means an annoying drone and is very tolerable. I had great experience with the droning Flowmaster on my Bronco, so I am a decent judge. I thought the Flowmaster sounded great the first two weeks, then as time went on, all I wanted to do was rip it off the truck.
As a benchmark, I never told my wife I got the Magnaflow cat-back, just to see if she'd notice. She drives it 80% of the time anyway to haul the kids. It has been over 4 months and I haven't heard her mention it once. She did notice the nice chrome tip and asked what it was. I simply stated I bought a pretty chrome tip. So, it passes the wife test OK. I actually think the WMS Velocity tube created a bit more drone, as I have just installed that. I think it is because it creates the drone under the hood which is closer to one's ears than the muffler or exhaust tip are. We'll see if she notices!
:-)
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98 Expy EB 5.4 2wd
Magnaflow cat-back
WMS Velocity Tube
Superchip
275/70/16 Bridgestone HT's
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 0
From: Allen, TX, USA
SVOSHO,
Which distributor did you get your Magnaflow system from? Pricing?
TIA,
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Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--586rwhp/587rwtq
96 Cobra (12.63 @ 114.5)--390rwhp/441rwtq
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.3)--365rwhp/444rwtq
00 Expedition XLT 5.4
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fst/index.html
Which distributor did you get your Magnaflow system from? Pricing?
TIA,
------------------
Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--586rwhp/587rwtq
96 Cobra (12.63 @ 114.5)--390rwhp/441rwtq
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.3)--365rwhp/444rwtq
00 Expedition XLT 5.4
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fst/index.html
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA. US.
Jmartinb
I wanted to purchase the Jardine like mike suggested also but I went to there web site and saw the size of the muffler and decided that it would be too loud. My drone appears at 78mph or 2200 to 2500. My wife didn't say anything on a 60 mile trip so I left it on. I have to say that the off-set center was quiter than the center-center that I have now. I asked Magnaflow if there was any noise differnce between the two and they said not much. But I think it does, but I will still keep this one untill I get tired of it. I really like it and the performance is nice.
The SUV muffler will be the best all around muffler though. I'll keep you posted if I get tired of it and change it back to SUV one.
------------------
99 Expedition XLT
5.4L
4X4
3.73LS
17"AT/S
Airaid Intake
Superchip
Custom Edlebrock shocks
Magnaflow 3"
Helwig Sway Arm
Polk speakers
I wanted to purchase the Jardine like mike suggested also but I went to there web site and saw the size of the muffler and decided that it would be too loud. My drone appears at 78mph or 2200 to 2500. My wife didn't say anything on a 60 mile trip so I left it on. I have to say that the off-set center was quiter than the center-center that I have now. I asked Magnaflow if there was any noise differnce between the two and they said not much. But I think it does, but I will still keep this one untill I get tired of it. I really like it and the performance is nice.
The SUV muffler will be the best all around muffler though. I'll keep you posted if I get tired of it and change it back to SUV one.
------------------
99 Expedition XLT
5.4L
4X4
3.73LS
17"AT/S
Airaid Intake
Superchip
Custom Edlebrock shocks
Magnaflow 3"
Helwig Sway Arm
Polk speakers
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Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clarita, CA
wa 2 fst:
I got mine from J&R Custom Truck in Valencia, CA. I belive he is direct with Magnaflow. His phone # is 661-295-9085. I paid around $300 out the door if I remember correctly-not sure though. Tax is high here in CA :-( .
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98 Expy EB 5.4 2wd
Magnaflow cat-back
WMS Velocity Tube
Superchip
275/70/16 Bridgestone HT's
I got mine from J&R Custom Truck in Valencia, CA. I belive he is direct with Magnaflow. His phone # is 661-295-9085. I paid around $300 out the door if I remember correctly-not sure though. Tax is high here in CA :-( .
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98 Expy EB 5.4 2wd
Magnaflow cat-back
WMS Velocity Tube
Superchip
275/70/16 Bridgestone HT's
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 344
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore, MD
hdlouie-
My wife didn't notice the change in sound after I ran the Jardine all weekend. I told her about the upgrade and asked her if she thought it too loud. She said "No." Heck, if she can live with it, so can I! :-)
After running it for a few days, I do notice lesser low-end torque, but greater power above 2000 RPM. And the sound outside the truck is damn cool. My droning comes in right at 1900-2200 rpm. It actually lessens above 2500rpm. Go figure.
I'll keep you posted on my satisfaction level with the Jardine.
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2000 Wedgewood Blue Expy XLT 5.4L
comfort\convenience group
towing package
beige interior
captain's chairs
6 CD Changer
16" AT/S
MODS
Ford Bug Deflector
Superchip - installed 3/11/2000
Airaid - installed 3/23/2000
Edelbrock IAS shocks - installed 3/23/2000
Jardine cat-back exhaust - installed 4/6/2000
My wife didn't notice the change in sound after I ran the Jardine all weekend. I told her about the upgrade and asked her if she thought it too loud. She said "No." Heck, if she can live with it, so can I! :-)
After running it for a few days, I do notice lesser low-end torque, but greater power above 2000 RPM. And the sound outside the truck is damn cool. My droning comes in right at 1900-2200 rpm. It actually lessens above 2500rpm. Go figure.
I'll keep you posted on my satisfaction level with the Jardine.
------------------
2000 Wedgewood Blue Expy XLT 5.4L
comfort\convenience group
towing package
beige interior
captain's chairs
6 CD Changer
16" AT/S
MODS
Ford Bug Deflector
Superchip - installed 3/11/2000
Airaid - installed 3/23/2000
Edelbrock IAS shocks - installed 3/23/2000
Jardine cat-back exhaust - installed 4/6/2000