Magnaflow FAQ

Are All Your Cat-Back Systems Made With Stainless Steel?

Yes, all our Cat-Back Exhaust Systems are completely made from stainless steel. Everything from the pipes, hangers, clamps, muffler and tips. *Tips, mufflers, and resonators (where applicable) are "mirror finish", polished stainless steel. Stainless steel is better looking and more durable than aluminum.

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What Does The Cat-Back Exhaust System Include And Can I Install The System Myself?

Our cat-back exhaust systems are COMPLETE. Everything from the pipes, hangers, clamps, mufflers and tips are included and stainless steel in construction. Tips, mufflers, and resonators (where applicable) are "mirror finish", polished stainless steel. They come with everything needed to bolt up in place of your factory system using basic tools. The majority of MAGNAFLOW products do not require welding, cutting or bending, however, select applications may require additional welding for optimal installation. While our systems are designed with consideration for “Do It Yourself" installations, we recommend professional installation. Typical installations take about 1 hour.

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Does A Dual Cat-Back Exhaust System Perform Better Than A Single?

In most cases a single exhaust will give you better torque and horsepower. The exception would be a heavily modified engine.

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Will I Get Better Gas Mileage With Magnaflow Performance Exhausts?

YES, a better performing engine uses fuel more efficiently, if driving conditions and tendencies are similar. However, it is not a guarantee. Our mufflers were designed as performance mufflers. *MagnaFlow's diesel exhaust for trucks will see the biggest gains due to our systems' dropping EGT's over 150 degrees

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How Much Horsepower Can I Expect To Gain?

It's different for every car, but typically expected gains are in the average range of 10%. Replacing the muffler/exhaust with a MagnaFlow will help your engine increase power by being able to expel exhaust gases quicker. This creates less workload for the engine, makes it run more efficient, and results in better power

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Are Magnaflow Performance Exhaust Systems Legal?

YES, all of our Cat-Back Exhaust Systems comply with most state and federal laws with the exception of the Magnapacks. (Please note, local laws may vary. Contact your local law enforcement for specific guidelines.) Our products are designed and tested to meet legal sound level limits; however, when used in conjunction with other products (such as air intake systems or exhaust headers), the overall combined effect might cause particular vehicles to exceed the allowable limits. A new law (27150.2 VC) does not require police to use a sound meter to test for excessive noise. A citation is now based upon the officers judgment. Cited violators may have testing done at a smog referee station.

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Difference Between Magnaflow Performance, Magnaflow Xl Performance, Magnaflow Pro Performance, Magnaflow Direct-Fit Muffler Kit.

MAGNAFLOW PERFORMANCE diesel systems are our premium line featuring a POLISHED 100% stainless muffler and mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing with a DOUBLE WALL tip.

MAGNAFLOW XL PERFORMANCE is our mid-level performance diesel system featuring a 100% stainless steel muffler and mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing with a single wall tip.

MAGNAFLOW PRO PERFORMANCE is our entry-level performance diesel system featuring a 100% stainless steel muffler and mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing. Optional 5" diesel tips are sold separately.

MAGNAFLOW DIRECT-FIT MUFFLER KIT If you want to get some of the sound, looks and performance of our full cat-back systems, but are working on a budget, consider Magnaflow's all new 100% stainless steel direct-fit muffler kit.

*All four lines are 100% stainless steel AND backed by a lifetime warranty.

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Why Is Magnaflow The Best Exhaust System?

Nothing performs better, looks better, or sounds better than MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust. Our Research and Development Team invests many hours to ensure our products stay competitive and perform the way they should. Our systems feature straight-through flow designs for the ultimate in unrestricted horsepower and torque for big power while maintaining exhaust efficiency. The internal MagnaFlow muffler is designed of stainless steel perforated core, stainless steel wool, and an acoustical absorbent material -- superior to fiberglass (which many other manufacturers use). No baffles, chambers, or louvers. No restrictions at all, just straight-through, wide-open performance with a smooth, deep tone, and each MagnaFlow stainless muffler has a highly polished mirror finish for a show car look. Our systems give a 20% reduction in bends over your O.E.M. system to provide the power you demand.

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Why Isn't A Bigger Pipe Always Better?

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 back pressure, 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.

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What's The Difference Between Stainless Steel And Aluminized Steel?

The main difference between the two is pricing and the outer shell of the mufflers. Stainless Steel cost more than Aluminized Steel. The Stainless steel mufflers have a polished stainless steel shell and are 100% stainless construction. Nothing looks better or lasts longer than stainless steel. The aluminized mufflers have stainless internals and necks but have an aluminized outer shell. Also, the aluminized steel has only a protective coating that, if scratched off, may rust. Both mufflers have identical internal construction and materials and both offer you a lifetime warranty and will give you that Straight-through Wide Open Performance with no restrictions. No restrictions equals better flow, and better flow equals more horsepower.

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What Discolors Tips? How Do I Fix It?

No matter what your tip is made of (chrome, stainless steel), eventually, it might discolor. During the final polishing process, the compound that is used to polish the metal (which is actually comprised of other metals ground into fine particulates) becomes embedded in the microscopic pores of the tip. Eventually, these fine particulates from the compound oxidize and change color, giving the tip a yellow/gold appearance. This is accelerated with heat and with exposure to harsh climates. In some cases, the tip may turn blue. This is from heat. Some vehicles, especially modified vehicles, see increased exhaust temps as a result of their modifications. Even if the vehicle is not modified, some vehicles simply produce more heat than others and single walled tips are especially susceptible. However, eventually, all tips can change color, even Stainless tips (note the name: StainLESS…not StainPROOF)

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Does The Tip Affect Performance Or Power?

No. There is virtually no affect on power, no matter what tip you use. There are some tips that feature “resonators" built in, which amount to little more than some additional louvers in the inside of the tip. This may help to reduce noise, but only slightly.

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Do You Offer A Warranty On All Your Products?

Yes, we offer a lifetime warranty on all our MagnaFlow Products with the exception of our XL series mufflers/exhaust, catalytic converters and our titanium performance exhaust, which offer a limited warranty.

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Will It Void My Factory Warranty?

NO. It's also illegal for a dealer to deny you the OE warranty because you have changed the exhaust system. This is an often asked question. But you will need to be armed with some basic information.Under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act of 1975, 15 USC, 2302 and Clean Air Act 42 of USA code 7541, you have rights.

This legislation basically states that:

In order for a dealer/manufacturer to deny a warranty on a claimed part, they must PROVE that the part YOU installed/had installed DIRECTLY caused the failure of the part on which you’re claiming the warranty.

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