MagnaFlow's Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Why ISN'T a bigger pipe always better?

Answer: Don't be fooled! Bigger is not better! Many people think that having the biggest diameter pipe is the best way to make power.
Not true. Due to a variety of factors, extensive testing is required. We've dyno'd extensively and our systems yield optimum power increases. Some manufacturers claim even higher horsepower numbers.

It is a fine line to reduce backpressure while maintaining good exhaust velocity. It is not about getting the biggest pipe, it is about getting a more efficient pipe diameter while maintaining exhaust velocity.

There has to be a balanced design to enhance the maximum engine output, exhaust gas velocity, and sound. For example, imagine blowing air through a straw (comparing it to a smaller diameter pipe). This would take time to release all the air from your mouth, and you would feel pressure in your mouth while doing so. Now imagine blowing air through a paper towel roll (comparing it to a larger diameter pipe). You will relieve all your air much faster and feel little or no air pressure in your mouth because of the larger capacity of the tube. This is why it is important to get the correct size piping in order to relieve backpressure while maintaining thermal efficiency.

Use the guide below when calculating pipe size for custom exhaust work. Keep in mind that the goal is to improve exhaust flow. In most cases, just changing the restrictive OEM muffler and replacing it with the same size straight-through, Wide Open Performance MagnaFlow muffler will do the job.

To reduce additional backpressure, the OEM exhaust tubing can be replaced with mandrel-bent tubing of the same size or one size up from the OEM. As a general rule, you can enlarge the pipe diameter of your OEM exhaust system by 1/4 to 1/2-inch to increase your horsepower. However, any additional increase in pipe diameter is likely to decrease your performance; specifically, low end torque.

ENGINE SIZE HORSEPOWER MUFFLER INLET/OUTLET
Single Exhaust Dual Exhaust
150-200 CID
100 to 150
2" to 2-1/4"
2"
200-250 CID
100 to 200
2-1/4" to 2-1/2"
2" to 2-1/4"
250-300 CID
150 to 250
2-1/2" to 3"
2" to 2-1/2"
300-350 CID
200 to 350
2-1/2" to 3"
2-1/4" to 2-1/2"
350-400 CID
250 to 550
3" to 4"
2-1/2" to 3"
Use as a general guide for engine size and performance


Additional Info:
  • Wide Open Performance



  • If you didn't find the answers you needed on this page, please send your questions to us at: muffler@magnaflow.com, or call our Tech Line @ (800) 817-3930 and one of our MagnaFlow tech staff will help you.




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