If you sat down and wrote out a wish list of the characteristics that a perfect after-catalytic converter exhaust system should have, you might be surprised how short the list is. It is a likely bet that every custom truck enthusiast's list would contain the same attributes of good value for the money, ease of installation, less restriction, less bad noise, more good sound, good looks, and, finally, more power. These are not outlandish requests, but few exhaust systems on the market today hit the bull's-eye in every category. One after-cat system that does get a perfect score is the MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust.
In order to get some numbers to back up our opinions, we took an F-150 Ford SuperCrew to MagnaFlow in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, for installation and testing of a MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust. The SuperCrew was bone stock other than an Airforce One intake. Before and after, dyno testing told the story.
A close inspection of the MagnaFlow muffler revealed 16-gauge aluminized steel construction, featuring true mandrel bends and lap-jointed welds for tight seams.
|
 |
I
The MagnaFlow muffler uses a straight-through design to help smooth out the exhaust flow with a minimum of backpressure. Internal construction is high temperature acoustical absorbing material and stainless steel mesh around the muffler core to prevent packing blowouts. Benefits of this free flowing setup include reduced engine heat and improved exhaust scavenging from the combustion chamber.
MagnaFlow systems use band clamps instead of welding for ease of installation. The replacement exhaust hangers are adjustable and integrate with the band clamps. Unlike lesser systems, MagnaFlow exhaust systems are true after-cat designs and mount directly to the catalytic converter flange.
As advertised, installation of the new MagnaFlow system was straightforward. The factory exhaust system on our SuperCrew was easily unbolted because the truck was relatively new and the bolts were not heat-seized yet. From there, the new MagnaFlow system was fitted together and easily installed with the supplied clamps and new hangers. After everything was in place, a stainless steel MagnaFlow tip was added to the tailpipe for that show-shine appeal.
|
The MagnaFlow system includes a wide-open muffler that features a straight-through design with perforated steel tubing without baffles louvers, or restrictions.