Yesterday I went out (mainly out of curiousity) and took a look at my exhaust for the first time. I purchased the truck used, but had always assumed that the exhaust was stock (only had 8K mi on it when I purchased) however, to my surprise, it has a Flowmaster on it!

From reading this board, I've noticed that NO ONE on here has had positive things to say about Flowmasters on the lightning. I've never really thought it sounded bad, but now I'm curious as to how a different exhaust would sound on mine (don't think I've heard any others, or at least not paid attention)- so I'd like to hear from you guys that have heard the flowmasters vs the various others that people do prefer, or just opinions in general, As well as some idea on the costs involved on replacing it-

Also, what performance difference would I notice, if any at all?

Thx guys!

Chris

 

Chris,
If ya can get a Bassani Catback, get ahold of me if you need to and I will point you in the direction of someone close to you

 

hey, shoot me an email and i'll start to send you a whole bunch of exhaust files, not so sure if i have any stock exhaust files, but i've got bassani, i've got silverbullit from jdm, i've got long tubes with bassani, and i'm not so sure, but i think i have some magnaflow sound bytes too. Also a few months ago me and rhinoslug put together a small web page with lightning sound clips on it. Been hoping to update the site soon but its been tough to get out and make more sound files, plus i've been working on an L video for some time now.

~Toast

oh yeah, i think magnaflow would be cheapest, and the good cat bak systems cost anywhere from 400-650 a pop.

 

Personally, I'd never consider anything BUT a flowmaster.

I have a three chamber dual in, dual out delta flow on right now.

It's great. Sounds great (especially at low rpm, low boost levels). On the higher RPMs/high boost times, it soundsl kinda like a tornado coming out of a lions mouth. Plus I picked up a dyno proven 12 hp and 15 lbs. of torque, when others are reporting no gains- and some have reported losses with other exhaust products.

I highly recommend them for the Gen 2 Lightnings.

But that's just my findings and experiences.


Later,

 

Bassani...!!!

Great sound and .1-.2 off my time with 1.5 more MPH at the track...

 

Hmmm maybe it is Him

--Joe

 

I LOVE my MagnaFlow!!!

 

yep you know it is
I just didn't want to post a link and step on any toes.

 

Excellent response, guys. Keep it up, need all the opinions I can get...

Interested in the magnaflow, and bassani...really the basanni until I saw the price...LOL

C.

 

Remember, good quality stuff isnt cheap. You get what you pay for....

 

Also remember that the MagnaFlows are also very high quality pieces. You can save yourself a boatload of money by replacing only the muffler instead of getting a cat-back which includes all new pipes and tips. Depends on what you're after. You can get a MagnaFlow for $120-$150 not including installation, which should be around another $50-$75. The factory pipes are already mandrel bent, and the tips look ok, so I opted for the less expensive alternative. Just my .02.

http://www.magnaflow.com/03cat-back/...nlesssteel.htm

 

Yesterday I ordered Magnaflow for my Lightning. Getting them put on tomorrow I think. I went with the 2 (14416's?) I think those are the correct numbers. Some other people on the board have them, and were pleased. Then I ordered some chrome tips, and new tailpipes. Installed, for 2 magnaflow mufflers, 2 new pipes from muffler to tips, and 2 new chrome tips it cost me $312. I thought this was a pretty good price, can't wait to hear what it sounds like. I'll let you know if you want....

Jeff

 

Those are Magnaflow's version of glasspacks, you won't be dissappointed in the sound

--Joe

 

ICULOKN- I am curious, and this is an honest question, do you feel that companies like Borla and Bassani sell a product that is (on average) 300%, or more, better than everybody else?

On most things I agree with you. Quality costs money. And you do get what you pay for. But with regards to exhaust products, I think that there are companies out there that prey on the under-informed consumer with lots of cash. I suppose that there are engine and suspension companies that do too, but not to the extent that it is visible in the exhaust industry.

Here's a good fact: John Force himself doesn't pay for his headers (TOTAL, for the full set, including the special process Jet-Hot coating and special machine work) what most people pay for one Borla muffler, or Bassani 'X-pipe'. My brother worked for Jet-Hot, that's the only reason I know this.

But the supposed 'high-end' exhaust companies DO have probably the best marketing and sales people going.

Study the 'data' that they claim their superiority from and you will see that it's smoke, mirrors, and BS. There is no way to measure why a chambered muffler (like a FlowMaster) is better, because we have yet to invent something that can measure or detect the effeciency of air pulses. Well, I take that back. We do. It's your engine. Steady state flow-bench numbers mean NOTHING with regards to automotive exhaust products. It just sells mufflers to people that think their HP numbers suck because of the 'restrictive' stock muffler.

I'm rambling. Sorry.

 

one good reason i went with bassani besides the sound is that its all a stainless steal system, still shines today when i go out to look at it. Also, i do beleive that you get what you pay for, i'd much rather have a full cat bak then just the mufflers,, now i have 4 inch wide tips and just a clean looking system underneath, i wouldn't trade it for anything and the installation was a snap for even me to take care of.

~Toast