Magnaflow vs. Flowmaster
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Durham NC
Magnaflow vs. Flowmaster
I'm looking to replace the stock mufflers on my 88 to get a boost in power and definitely sound.
I think I have narrowed it down to Magnaflow or Flowmaster, but I wanted to get some opinions.
Of, course if I was going all the way, I would get headers, etc, etc. But with babies to feed, clothe, etc for the next 18 years, mufflers will have to be it. For now.
I think I have narrowed it down to Magnaflow or Flowmaster, but I wanted to get some opinions.
Of, course if I was going all the way, I would get headers, etc, etc. But with babies to feed, clothe, etc for the next 18 years, mufflers will have to be it. For now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,474
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From: 1
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,678
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
NEITHER! I HAVE NO MUFFLERS! the sound is amazing! but if you really want to have mufflers i would go with the magnaflows, i hear more good things about them than any of exhaust for the c4. I hear borla is too quiet and too expensive and flowmasters are too cheap and people complain of the drone. best of luck with ur choice
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
I have magnaflows and like them. That being said, my advise would be to go to a corvette show or gathering and listen to both systems. Picking a favorite exhaust system is like picking a favorite fruit. Some will say Apple, others will say Orange. 
Who is right and who is wrong is all based on personal taste. Power gains should be about the same. 
Who is right and who is wrong is all based on personal taste. Power gains should be about the same.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
That was a GREAT sound, but I want to be clear on some things: First, what was the year of your car, did it have all the catalytic converters in place (mine is an '89 and I have the 3 cat set-up) and were there any other modifications to the car?
Thanks!
/s/ Chris Kennedy
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
I've listened to Flowmaster on a couple C4's and I think they're garbage all-around. I even hate them on Mustangs.......No, I hate Flowmaster, period. I suppose if I was 12 or 13 yrs. old, I'd think Flowmaster was really somethin'.
Magnaflows are much better looking & sounding.
Magnaflows are much better looking & sounding.
Last edited by Red Tornado; Apr 26, 2007 at 11:46 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 0
From: bakersfield cali
a magnaflow is nothing more than a polished glasspack. it's a tube with a lot of holes and fiber packed around the holes. this is sixty's technology. it looks really nice though.
i like flowmonsters! can be beaten for the price and horsepower you get out of them and they never blow out and the sound is unique.
all other mufflers are copies of each other, like the borla's, magnaflows, and glass packs, you are just paying more for the polishing. and yes i have had all others installed on my 86 cat less c4 with full length headers.
i agree with 93ragtop, go to a show and ask some owners to rev up their engines and pick the one you like.
i like flowmonsters! can be beaten for the price and horsepower you get out of them and they never blow out and the sound is unique.
all other mufflers are copies of each other, like the borla's, magnaflows, and glass packs, you are just paying more for the polishing. and yes i have had all others installed on my 86 cat less c4 with full length headers.
i agree with 93ragtop, go to a show and ask some owners to rev up their engines and pick the one you like.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,474
Likes: 1
From: 1
That was a GREAT sound, but I want to be clear on some things: First, what was the year of your car, did it have all the catalytic converters in place (mine is an '89 and I have the 3 cat set-up) and were there any other modifications to the car?
Thanks!
/s/ Chris Kennedy
Thanks!
/s/ Chris Kennedy
-1993
-Exhaust stock except mufflers
-Mods: Hotcam & Ported Heads
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
b4 installing my 40 series flowmasters...i listened 2 the magnaflows on my exhaust....magnaflow didnt have the 'muscle' car sound that flowmasters had....i prefer the more aggressive sound from the 40 series flowmasters
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,678
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
I knew a guy with borla stingers on a C5 and was loud as ***** but ive never heard them on a c4 and thats just something ive heard from others. no personal expierence with them on a c4
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Orland Park area IL
Flowmasters are the era correct high perf muffler of the early 90's. These are completely personal preference. Either you like them or you don't. But you will notice a positive difference with flowmaters installed over stock mufflers.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I'm looking to replace the stock mufflers on my 88 to get a boost in power and definitely sound.
You will get a nice sound increase with new mufflers but not much power gain. Your stock front Y & cat are the big restrictors.
If you want a little extra push try these cheap mods:
-remove the frisbee from the WP pulley
-install a 160deg T-stat & fan switch
-do the cut lid with K&N mod
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Carriere Mississippi
I love the way flowmasters sound on mustangs but, they sound like crap on chevy's of anykind for some reason. I have magnaflows on mine and they have a smooth deep tone. I have heard Borla on several lt1's and ls1's and they sound damn good also. But, I dont think you can beat the Magnaflows on a chevy