I read just about everything that has been discussed about this system using the forum search and found mixed reviews. I decided to buy this system because I had a Flowmaster system years ago on a 88 Mustang GT and loved it, so I guess I took a leap of faith.

I had the system installed last night and all I can say is wow, compared to the stock system the Flowmaster is 100% better. The sound is exactly what I was looking for. I’m not just saying this to justify the money I spent, I really love the sound and look of this system.

I’m not sure why this system has had some bad reviews but my only guess is that the people who had them may have had other modifications that affected the sound. Prior to this exhaust my truck was 100% stock except for a K&N air filter and a bed cover. If anyone with a stock truck is looking for a reasonably priced system I would definitely recommend the Flowmaster cat back.

I had a local performance shop install the system because I knew that after six year of being on the old exhaust would not come off easy. I was right, it took the guy about 30 minutes just to get it off. I also had the system completely welded on, the guy did a great job.

All together it cost $400 installed. I bought the system from Summit for $300 with free shipping and the install cost me $100……well $120, I gave the guy an extra $20 because it was so late. For a total of $420 I am extremely satisfied with what I have.

I took my wife for a drive last night and I scared the cr*p out of her when I went WOT. At idle the system is about the same as the stock but as soon as you start giving it gas she wakes up. At WOT it sounds like a freaking NASCAR.

If anyone has any questions I would be happy to answer them.

Thanks,

Pete

 

Sound hasn't been a real issue with the Flowmaster, performance loss is the main problem. On a stock or lightly modded truck it's not too bad. The more mods the bigger the loss.

 

Oh ok, that would make sense I guess. I didn’t see any loss in performance, actually it seems a little more powerful because the tires break loose easier. Usually this time of year with the heat the truck sticks like glue to the road, last night it was consistently breaking the tires loose at WOT starts.

 

trust me, a cat back exhaust on a stock truck won't make enough difference in power good or bad for you to feel or see. glad you like the sound.

 

I don’t know man, maybe my subconscious mind is making me think that the truck is slightly more powerful so that I can justify the money I spent. All I’m saying is that after over three years of driving this thing 100% stock it feels a little more powerful.

Not looking to be argumentative, I just know my truck.

 

Congrats on the new exhaust man! I have the same setup and I love it.

 

Giddy up

 

Remember the phrase "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"?? In exhaust systems its "sound is in the ear of the beholder". Different strokes for different folks. If YOU like the sound of the flowmaster, thats all that counts. I had them and didn't like them. At idle they sounded great. When I got on the gas they sounded like a jet engine. I now have the s.s. bassani catback and love the sound. It has a nice deep tone both at idle and when on the gas.Also at crusing speed there is no resonance in the cab.

 

Performance loss? From a MUFFLER?

 

Yes that is true Ken. I think something may have been wrong with your setup though, was it fully welded? I can’t imagine what caused the jet engine sound, maybe leaks in the exhaust? Could added boost cause a jet engine sound?

Well for what it is worth the guy who installed it and four guys that were standing around the shop all thought it sounded awesome. I didn’t buy the kit from the guy so I can’t imagine why he or the other guys would lie.

I guess my only point here is that on a completely stock Lightning this system definitely sounds awesome, and that is not just MY opinion. I would hate for someone to be scared away from this system because they thought their truck would sound bad.

How much was you bassani installed?

Thanks,

Pete

 

Everyone has their own opinions... I didn't like the sound of the Magnaflow catback when I had it, but everyone else seemed to like it.

 

I allways loved the sound of flowmaster_ but i just dont think i could have any thing but a stanless system_Just a pez of mind i guess_

 

I agree with LA here!

I had the flowmaster set up on my truck with no cats and loved it! I have the Magnaflow header back system with LFP LT headers and think the truck sounds to wimpy. With my Flow master set up I could set off every alarm system with in 50 yards of me.

 

I've got the Flowmaster catback with Random Tech stainless hi-flow cats... sounds mean as hell, sets off car alarms easily...