flowmaster vs magnaflow?

**ScottWernWS6** · 02-03-2011, 07:51 PM

im not sure where to post this but i have slp headers, random tech hi flo cat and the ws6 intake on my t/a ws6, and flowmaster catbacks
i was told that flowmaster sounds nice (it does) but "chokes the shit out of the ls1 at the high end"
any truth to this? maybe some ideas and if this is true how much would it cost maybe i can just buy a magnaflow muffler and swap it out without having to get a whole new catback?

**Mr. Luos** · 02-03-2011, 07:53 PM

I wouldn't say it 'chokes the shit' outta it.
But the Magnaflow will perform a bit better. You won't be able to feel the difference though.

That said, I firmly believe the Magnaflow is the best sounding for the LSx motors.

**blackshirts** · 02-03-2011, 08:15 PM

Had magnaflow on my 99 WS6 had was super pleased with it, plus flowmasters are only good for mustangs.

**RyanJM** · 02-03-2011, 08:21 PM

If you like the sound leave it alone the minor difference won't be anything you'll feel so it's like throwing money away. I have flowmasters on my 93 5.0 and love them but when I had it on my Trans Am it sounded good, but after taking out the cats and doing the Lt's and ORY it sounded way too raspy but tried a few mufflers and honestly I never noticed any power difference just sound.

**98maro** · 02-03-2011, 11:11 PM

Magnaflow,,, I have flowmaster on mine. It came on the car. Sounds ok. But I hate it cuz it sounds like a mustang.

**justinmc978** · 02-04-2011, 02:05 AM

Originally Posted by 98maro

Magnaflow,,, I have flowmaster on mine. It came on the car. Sounds ok. But I hate it cuz it sounds like a mustang.

**AKA Speedy** · 02-04-2011, 09:57 AM

I've tried both, but then again I'm running a bassani clone True dual set up. My first set up was with a flowmaster super 40 muffler and it sounded like a fire breathing dragon, but cruising at interstate speeds the drone was too much. I ran 13.1 with it at the track. Then I switched to a similar straight through magnaflow muffler that had a 4in longer case and it quieted the car down I wouldn't say drastically at highway speeds, but noticeable to the point i can actually listen to my music without cranking the monsoon to max vol. On the track it picked up 0.1 sec to a time of 13.0 with similar weather conditions 24 hrs later. when you wamp the throttle it still sounds like a race car with the LT's.

Personally I prefer the Magnaflow and won't go back to the Flowmaster. It was mildly amusing to set 3-4 car alarms off in the parking structure at school, but that did not out weigh the abuse it placed on my ears at cruising speeds. Even with the Magnaflow I still set a car alarm or two if I run it in first the whole way, so because campus PD is HQ'd right under the structure I run it in 2nd.

As far as a difference in the feel of the car? No Difference. I only noticed it picked up because the time slip said so.

**98maro** · 02-04-2011, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by justinmc978

What is that mean?? Lol

***SMWS6TA*** · 02-04-2011, 05:22 PM

Rustmaster, uhum, I mean Flowmasters = High Rasp

Magnaflow = More of a Rumble and better flow over Flowmasters, and don't rust

**Mike0202** · 02-04-2011, 05:22 PM

I have heard the 40 series and 80 series and they are both alot louder and better sounding than the magnaflow. However I would do magnaflow with LT's and a cut out. Tame when you want and insane when you want

**INMY01TA** · 02-04-2011, 06:15 PM

I think Flowmaster sounds good on LT1s and Mustangs but weak on LS1s. Yes I had one.

**Mike0202** · 02-04-2011, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by INMY01TA

I think Flowmaster sounds good on LT1s and Mustangs but weak on LS1s. Yes I had one.

Both sound weak on a stockish car. The only catback that sounds great on a stock ls1 is the loudmouth/

**Liono9** · 02-04-2011, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by Mike0202

Both sound weak on a stockish car. The only catback that sounds great on a stock ls1 is the loudmouth/

I agree. Do it right

**nhraformula** · 02-04-2011, 06:36 PM

The flowmaster 80 i had is my favorite sounding exhaust to this day.

**pajeff02** · 02-04-2011, 06:37 PM

Very happy with the Magnaflow. Only way to explain it is that the car sounds like it should.

**justinmc978** · 02-04-2011, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

Very happy with the Magnaflow. Only way to explain it is that the car sounds like it should.

**Mike0202** · 02-04-2011, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by nhraformula

The flowmaster 80 i had is my favorite sounding exhaust to this day.

I thought I was alone on this. Nice and quite around town, mean under normal driving, and pretty loud wot.

**AKA Speedy** · 02-04-2011, 10:55 PM

I did the 80's on my car too... the super 40 2in/out sounded the same as the 80's, but immensly louder inside and out of the car. here is the vid:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrFzVs-hogQ[/ame]

I never did a video of the 40, or my current set up with the magnaflow. I guess I could get one of the magnaflow tomorrow.

**Too Fast** · 02-05-2011, 03:59 AM

Originally Posted by BrianH.WS6

I've tried both, but then again I'm running a bassani clone True dual set up. My first set up was with a flowmaster super 40 muffler and it sounded like a fire breathing dragon, but cruising at interstate speeds the drone was too much. I ran 13.1 with it at the track. Then I switched to a similar straight through magnaflow muffler that had a 4in longer case and it quieted the car down I wouldn't say drastically at highway speeds, but noticeable to the point i can actually listen to my music without cranking the monsoon to max vol. On the track it picked up 0.1 sec to a time of 13.0 with similar weather conditions 24 hrs later. when you wamp the throttle it still sounds like a race car with the LT's.

Personally I prefer the Magnaflow and won't go back to the Flowmaster. It was mildly amusing to set 3-4 car alarms off in the parking structure at school, but that did not out weigh the abuse it placed on my ears at cruising speeds. Even with the Magnaflow I still set a car alarm or two if I run it in first the whole way, so because campus PD is HQ'd right under the structure I run it in 2nd.

As far as a difference in the feel of the car? No Difference. I only noticed it picked up because the time slip said so.

That's fun. I used to have a loud as hell muffler before I bought my Hooker Aeroflow. The parking lot guy would jump when I started Too Fast! Used to think the Hooker was too quiet, but a drive behind my car convinced me otherwise. And 0 droan on the highway, only somewhat louder than stock even with my LTs/ORY.