Help me decide on a muffler

[rex450se]

Since I just got all the cats replaced and the truck is running better than when I test drove it I am wanting to get a new muffler installed and can't decide. I've watched I don't know how many youtube videos and in one I will like the FlowMaster 40 series and in another I won't. Same with the MagnaFlow. I know there are a bunch of threads on this with plenty of videos, but again, without hearing it in person I don't know how accurate it is. So I am hoping I can tell you what I want and you can help me decide which one will work. I am wanting to hear a little bit of a rumble while it sits there idling with a fairly deep tone throughout the rpm range. I don't mind hearing it a little inside the cab. I am looking at a Flowmaster 40 Series and a MagnaFlow that I don't remember the model of. Another problem is that most of the videos of Expeditions are with the 5.4L motor and I have the 4.6L. Thanks in advance.

Victor

 

[rex450se]

I don't know how accurate this video is but I like this sound. And I guess thats my problem, I don't know how accurate these videos are.

Ford Expedition Magnaflow - YouTube

 

[Big Red Monster]

the flowmaster 40 series will rumble at idle and when you hit the gas it sounds mean as hell, the magnaflow is going to be quiet at idle and when you hit the gas it will have a quiet rumble. if you want sound get the flowmaster 40s, and if you removed the rear cats ur really gonna like the sound it has, when i rev up my whole truck shakes, it sounds throatier then a mustang with an x pipe

 

[FordandPolaris]

I like my glasspack haha. It is pretty loud though. But it sounds oh so sexy.

 

[Captain Morgan]

How close are your neighbors?

.

 

[RockyF150]

I plan on going with Magnaflow. My buddy has one on his 4.6 explorer and it sounds amazing. A very deep low rumble. At WOT it's loud enough. Loud enough for myself atleast.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

Had the Flowmaster 50 SUV series before & wore it out over time; now have the 40 series. if you're running a two-into-one, it's the trick IMHO.

 

[toms89]

I think the magnaflows have a deeper tone to them and are essentially glass packs in design. Flowmaster have a signature metallic sound to them which I believe is due to the lack of any sound absorbtion packing material. Flowmasters use baffles which split and remerge the sound waves.

IMO flowmasters have a unique sound as compared to most other muffler designs and is easily identifiable when heard. If you are just looking for a deep exhaust note the magnaflows would probably work well for you. But I believe the flowmaster have a nicer tone to them overall... if your ok with the volume level.

The rest of the exhaust, whether its stock or modified will have a large impact on the volume level.

I have complete custom dual 3" exhaust with high flow cats and 1 5/8" shorty headers with a magnaflow dual in and out muffler. The larger exhaust with the magnaflow muffler has a very deep tone to it. I had to go back and have resonators installed because it was way too loud for me. It also had a terrible drone at cruise but was eliminated with the addition of the resonators.

What I would do if I was you is listen to direct comparison to the two (same video). Use headphones so you can hear the lower frequencies. When I listen to my videos with headphones on its fairly accurate to what I actually hear in person.

Obviously the best way to decide would be ride in a vehicle with each muffler design. You need to pay attention to in cab volume and drone if any. Maybe post your general locations and see if any other members are in the area that has one or the other?!

Mustang GT - Magnaflow vs Flowmaster - YouTube

 

[Canadian Expy]

My only worry about flowmasters was the drone inside the cab. So I went with Magna flow dual in and out 2.5" nice rumble outside the expy.

 

[toms89]

Here's a video of mine in cab at idle and w.o.t. (In stereo!!) lol... You can hear an open exhaust drag car drive by in the staging lanes.

Magnaflow and a few other minor "bolt-ons"

In Cab view of expy/lightning 1/4 mile pass - YouTube

Another shameless video plug...

 

[tallsville]

as always i suggest spintech mufflers. Nice sound to them. can set off alarms in parking structures. but can also be barely heard in cabin at cruising speed. Sounds great at WOT. unfortunately videos can never do justice to exhaust.

and tom next time you go to the track take a friend and and have them sit in the stands and take a video

 

[Big Red Monster]

Magnaflow and a few other minor "bolt-ons"

Minor bolts on? dont give us that CRAP lol

 

[Big Red Monster]

was quoting tom in my last post btw lol

 

[BlimpinDave]

Well he did bolt on the supercharger....

I thought about Flowmasters but after the video Im not so sure. It is a SUV, not a muscle car or Pickup.

 

[RockyF150]

I've had loud, I want more of the deep rumble now.

btw tom, one word for u...beast.

 

[rex450se]

Okay, so now that I've kind of decided on which muffler, what setup should I use? I know I want just a single in, but do I want dual out or single out? Should I keep just the stock position of exit? I was thinking maybe dual out the back, straight out under the bumper. If I go that route should I just do a y pipe after it goes over the axle or do a dual out muffler and try to fit maybe 2-2.25" pipes through there? I could also do duals out both sides behind the rear wheels or both out one side. How much difference in sound will there be? I've removed the spare tire and am prepared to leave it off if I go with duals. The one thing I am sure about is that I want to keep it a single inlet. I just had all the catalytic converters replaced and am not yet ready to hack up that pipe. Thanks in advance.

Victor

 

[sgtowing]

Who can hear anything over the wine of the supercharger

Sent from my Galaxy SIII Using Tapatalk2

 

[tallsville]

if you are going through the trouble of changing the exhaust the best option is to get rid of the restrictive factory y-pipe.

 

[rex450se]

Flowmaster 40 Series 2003 Ford Expedition 4.6L - YouTube

Here's what I ended up with. I just replaced the original muffler with the 40 Series Flowmaster. I am happy really happy with the sound.

Victor

 

[Irwin]

I had a dual kit made by a shop near me- Flowmaster 40 1 in 2 out. Not too loud, but enough to make me smile like a teenager when I take off from a dead stop.