Flowmaster or Magnaflow
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Flowmaster or Magnaflow
I have a very stock 81. I don't want a bunch of cabin rumble. Thanks for your help. I hope this doesn't turn into a manufacturer preference but which one actually sounds better with the 190hp stock engine and exhaust? Before the (do a search guys) get here, I did and got a can of worms.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
I happen to like the Flowmaster sound better, and I can't tell you from first hand experience on Magnaflows. but I'd bet you'll like Mangaflow better if you don't want a lot of cabin rumble. Actually on the Flowmaster side, it depends on the series. I have 50 series flowmasters on my 79, wiht true dual exhaust and headers. 50's are the quieter series, but I like the flowmaster sound so much, I just picked up a set of used 40 series flowmasters for mine. I don't think the extra noise will bother me.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
I happen to like the Flowmaster sound better, and I can't tell you from first hand experience on Magnaflows. I'd bet you'll like Magnaflow better if you don't want a lot of cabin rumble. Actually on the Flowmaster side, it depends on the series. I have 50 series Flowmasters on my 79, with true dual exhaust and headers. The 50's are the quieter series, but I like the Flowmaster sound so much, I just picked up a set of used 40 series Flowmasters for mine. I don't think the extra noise will bother me.
Last edited by boeing46; Jul 18, 2012 at 08:54 PM.
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
I just prefer the straight through design of the Magnaflow that allows for more breathing room. I've read a couple of articles that deal with these two different mufflers, and the Magnaflow always outperforms the flowmaster, with Borla being one of the best performing exhaust systems out there. I have a pair of Magnaflow mufflers sitting in my closet ready to be droppen into the Vette
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 23
From: Washington, D.C.
I have flowmaster 40's with dual exhaust on my 76 and ir sounds incredible. it rumbles nicely around 1700 rmps and screams at 4500. it sounds like a racecar and there isnt much cabin noise with the windows rolled up. some with them down
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Droning or no droning can change with RPM so the internet videos won't do you much good. It also sounds different depending on whether you're inside or outside the car.
All things considered, I'd put the most stock in what somebody who actually has them on their car and has a respectable amount of seat time with them actually has to say.
As for flow, don't worry about it with a stock motor.
All things considered, I'd put the most stock in what somebody who actually has them on their car and has a respectable amount of seat time with them actually has to say.
As for flow, don't worry about it with a stock motor.
Last edited by Ricknhis69; Jul 19, 2012 at 02:16 PM. Reason: grammer
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
That sounds good. to me. When I go to shows I am going to ask what kind of exhaust system people have. I will ask them to fire them up. I love the sound of the Flowmasters from the outside but fear the deafening rumble. Thanks for all the replies.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
I've heard that sound on a Cobra and like the sound. Decisions decisions, OH I have to be patient. I drive the car so seldom these days I may go with the Flowmaster 40s. It's not like I'm driving to Frisco from LA. Thanks again yawl. Will they sound good on stock exhaust?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 23
From: Washington, D.C.
Droning or no droning can change with RPM so the internet videos won't do you much good. It also sounds different depending on whether you're inside or outside the car.
All things considered, I'd put the most stock in what somebody who actually has them on their car and has a respectable amount of seat time with them actually has to say.
As for flow, don't worry about it with a stock motor.
All things considered, I'd put the most stock in what somebody who actually has them on their car and has a respectable amount of seat time with them actually has to say.
As for flow, don't worry about it with a stock motor.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
I have the Magnaflows. At first I was a little dissapointed with how quiet they are, but after a little mileage I think they may have gotten louder. Either way, they are certainly not loud, and offer a little more authority than a stock muffler.
With the windows up and radio off, you can hear the note pretty well, but its not overpowering....HOWEVER, at certain highway speeds there is some drone. More than likely I suspect it has alot to do with the distance of the mufflers from the cabin, ie probably any non stock muffler will drone somewhere.
If you are considering flowmasters, the magnaflow will probably not excite you very much...however, after your first long cruise you may appreciate the magnaflows
With the windows up and radio off, you can hear the note pretty well, but its not overpowering....HOWEVER, at certain highway speeds there is some drone. More than likely I suspect it has alot to do with the distance of the mufflers from the cabin, ie probably any non stock muffler will drone somewhere.
If you are considering flowmasters, the magnaflow will probably not excite you very much...however, after your first long cruise you may appreciate the magnaflows
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
There is no deafening rumble to fear with the Flowmasters, just a very nice tone. I'm the original owner of my 1980 and my stock exhaust lasted about 15-16 years, then I put the Flowmasters on. They've been on my car for now for the second 15-16 years, the longest trip I've taken was about 3 hrs one way and then back again at the end of the same day. The flowmasters didn't bother me in the least on the highway and certainly love them around town.