To toss in my $0.02 here. Assuming we are not talking about un-coated exhaust pipes (MAC are HTS coated, probably a variation of aluminizing), rust on exhaust definitely have more to do with your location and driving condition than the material. About 6 years ago, I put on a set of MorFlow stainless H-pipe and a set of aluminized Flowmaster catback, and Ford Motorsports JetHot coated shorty header at the same time. When I recently sold the car, there are no signs of any rust except for the grade 5 hardwares. OTOH, friends with *uncoated* header will start seeing rust within months.

If you live where they salt the road or near the ocean, a stainless exhaust will most likely outlast your truck. But for everyone else, a good aluminized exhaust will easily go 5+ year with reasonable care. I figure since there are no noticable performance gain from one catback to another, I might as well go with the one that sounds good and reasonably priced. I figure if I get 5 years of service out of a set of Mac catback, I will gladly replace it with a second set and go another 5 years and get a nice new shiny tip with it.

 

I'll have to go with Sal on this one.I had a set of equal lenghts on my 95 L. That "special" coating they put on is nothing more than a hi-temp baked on paint.It flaked off within a year and a half.The problem will be the chrome tips , which also from experience, will slowly form rust from the inside out over 2 years.I tried to stay on top of it but its a loosing battle.The burned hydocarbons and moisture just attack the inside unprotected steel.What to do? If you remember one thing about exhaust, it is to ALWAYS get as much stainless steel as possable...especially at the tips! BTW, there is another cat-back,which I currently own, that uses all stainless steel, has beautiful polished stainless steel tips and stainless mandrel bent pipes AND even has a polished stainless muffler! That is the Magnaflow cat-back and its about $120 more than the Mac and almost $180 less than Bassani...and I'll place its quality right there with Bassani.Yes folks, there is an alternative.

 

I have had Bassani, spintech, and now Borla. The bassani is sitting in my basement with about 20 miles on it. Sounded bad *** but too loud. I am very picky about exhaust and when i put thr bassani on i knew it was too loud nad it came off. Have no idea what i'm going to do with it. The spintech had some fitup problems but sounded bad asssssssssss. Spintech sent me a new kit and it fit incorrectly also. Worked with them over the phone for about a month. They found a problem with their fit up jig at their shop and spintech said they would send me another one. By that time i had a Borla on my truck and i am more than satisfied with it. I liked the stock sound anyway. I broke in the Borla system on the way to JDM. My Borla has a real mean growl now. I would say bassani- great sound and quality- way too much drone.
Spintech- ungodly wicked sound(not as loud as bassani)- fitup problems should be taken care of. Excellent customer service.
Borla- Just right for me sounds way better than people said.
MAC- Don't really know or care to know. I'm all exhausted out.
p.s. Was told by ron at spintech that their system lost 12 hp but gained 25trq. Little fuel curve tuning and hp would be on the + side.

 

Hey Tiamat, how much for the Bassani?

 

$550.00

 

Tiamat,have you sold the Bassani yet?I know someone that really wants one.It would be a good deal for him.

 

Something to consider, the MAC can be had for $269 and the Bassani is as much as $730 from some of the vendors, according to their published prices. If the MAC lasts only 2 or 3 years (according to some) here's the question, how long will you keep your L? Do you plan to keep it more than 2 to 3 years or will you be looking to trade it for a new one or something else? If you do still have it and plan to keep, it you could pick up a second MAC and still be money ahead. Do you really need to pay for an exhaust that will outlast the truck it you don't plan to keep it forever? Just a thought.

 

You don't have to spend $730 for a good exhaust.I spent a little over $400 on my complete stainless magnaflow with polished muffler and tips.I also have a hard time putting on an aftermarket part thats actually inferior to the factory part.Plus I would feel bad about selling my truck to anyone knowing the exhaust may be good only for another year or so....but thats just me.

 

Well the install was'nt too bad,My stock unit came off pretty easy,Provided you have a Friend to help you, which is important,when you do the install=someone to help you.
My friend GLG shook the pies while i pushed back toward the rear ,=stock came off prtty easy,the muffler was not crimmped to the pipes,also the b4 mentioned w-d 40 and grease on hangers was a must.
The install as eveyone stated is a little tricky,you do have to squeeze the stock pipes about 1/8 inch together to get the mac muffler on, Found it easier to leave tips off ,due to my lakewood slapper bars,which had to be trimmed via sawsall and ground down some ,to keep from hitting the front exhauast tip..
Another important detail is take it for a ride the system {will move on you },at least the tips will.after taking a drive ,re-adjust your tips and , RE-tighten all muffler and tip, and hanger clamps as they will loosen somewhat , and Will need re- tightened down,,

After,everything, was done and re done, I am very satisfied with the SOUND,not overbearing ,just right, Looks GOOD, Tips, fill the cutout nascar style opening very well, just hope they last?

All in all ,mod was worth the $$$$ and i doubt any performance was gained , but the big smile from ear to ear makes up for any performance gains, Anywho it sounds like it has a couple hundred extra horses and unlimited torque, sound is decieving LOL...

Would i do this mod if i had it to do over again?=Most Definetly!!!

 

I still have the Bassani cat-back. It's wrapped in toweles in the basement.

 

I bought a MAC.....$290.00 for some noise.......that sounds sweet! I wouldn't care if it fell off in a year or two.....would just buy another.....it's only money.......

 

 

Mondo-1 -

Don't be confused by GDBY-55, he's crazier than hell!

 

Tiamat

I'm not sure who NoseBleedSpeed was talking about.

But that Bassani would sound great on my truck!!

Please email me privately if it is still available. I'll get back to you within a day.

Onelfastlride@aol.com (those are L's dividing the words)


Thanks

 

Bassani , best mod to date!