Frequently Asked Questions

DOES MAGNAFLOW MAKE A CATALYTIC CONVERTER?

YES. MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust is a world leader in the manufacturing of automotive catalytic converters. Innovative production and design techniques make MagnaFlow catalytic converters the highest quality and best-valued products on the market.

ARE ALL MAGNAFLOW CAT-BACK SYSTEMS MADE WITH STAINLESS STEEL?

Yes, all MagnaFlow Cat-Back Exhaust Systems are completely made from stainless steel (except for MagnaFlow Titanium Performance Exhaust). 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.

WHAT DOES THE CAT-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM INCLUDE AND CAN I INSTALL THE SYSTEM MYSELF?

MagnaFlow 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 MagnaFlow systems are designed with consideration for "Do It Yourself" installations, the company recommends professional installation. Typical installations take about 1 hour.

I HAVE A SPORT COMPACT CAR, BUT MAGNAFLOW DOESN'T OFFER A CAT-BACK SYSTEM FOR MY CAR. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

The "Street Series" universal mirror finish mufflers, equipped with tips, are designed for all sport compact cars in mind. For a full cat-back system you can visit your local "Pro-Installer" to custom bend a system that can be used in conjunction with MagnaFlow "Street Series" and "Race Series" mirror finish line mufflers for a complete cat-back system.

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.

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. MagnaFlow mufflers were designed as performance mufflers. *MagnaFlows diesel exhaust for trucks will see the biggest gains due to MagnaFlow systems dropping EGTs over 150 degrees.

HOW MUCH HORSEPOWER CAN I EXPECT TO GAIN?

Its 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.

ARE MAGNAFLOW PERFORMANCE EXHAUST SYSTEMS LEGAL?

YES, all 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.) MagnaFlow 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. SEMA is a trade organization of the automotive aftermarket, which has been active in protecting consumer rights.

SHOULD I BUY A UNIVERSAL OR DIRECT-FIT?

Both options will perform equally. Direct-fit parts are easier to install as they are designed to be bolt-on with zero welding required. Universal parts will require professional installation that may include cutting and welding in order to fit.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAGNAFLOW PERFORMANCE, MAGNAFLOW XL PERFORMANCE, MAGNAFLOW PRO PERFORMANCE, MAGNAFLOW DIRECT-FIT MUFFLER KIT.

Magnaflow Performance diesel systems are the companys premium line featuring a polished 100% stainless muffler and mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing with a double wall tip.

Magnaflow Performance is the companys mid-level performance diesel system featuring a 100% stainless steel muffler and mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing with a single wall tip.

Magnaflow Performance is the companys 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 MagnaFlow full cat-back systems, but are working on a budget, consider MagnaFlow all new 100% stainless steel direct-fit muffler kit. All four lines are 100% stainless steel and backed by a lifetime warranty.

DOES MAGNAFLOW MAKE A MUFFLER FOR A SPECIFIC CAR?

MagnaFlow mufflers are universal and can be installed on virtually any car with the help of a MagnaFlow "Preferred Installer".

WHY IS MAGNAFLOW THE BEST EXHAUST SYSTEM?

Nothing performs better, looks better, or sounds better than MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust. The companys Research and Development Team invests many hours to ensure MagnaFlow products stay competitive and perform the way they should. MagnaFlow 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. MagnaFlow systems give a 20% reduction in bends over your O.E.M. system to provide the power you demand.

CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT PART FITS MY CAR?

You can start your search here where you’ll provide your vehicle information, including year, make, model.

WHAT MUFFLER IS RIGHT FOR MY CAR?

This depends on many factors.

Do you need an offset muffler?

This is where your inlet/outlet pipes are located in relation to the muffler.

Do you want a stainless steel or aluminized muffler?

The main difference between the two is the outer shell of the mufflers. Stainless steel mufflers have a polished stainless steel shell and are 100% stainless construction. Stainless steel is more durable then aluminum. 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.

Sound of the mufflers?

The bigger the muffler, the quieter the exhaust.

WHY ISN'T A BIGGER PIPE ALWAYS BETTER?

Dont 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. MagnaFlow has dynod extensively and their 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"
ENGINE SIZE	HORSEPOWER	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

DO MAGNAFLOW HAVE SILENCERS FOR THEIR MUFFLERS?

The only silencers that MagnaFlow has available are already included in the muffler. Silencers are not available separately.

WHAT WILL IT SOUND LIKE?

MagnaFlow mufflers will provide a deep, throaty but smooth tone at all RPMs. At idle and cruise speeds it will not be much louder than stock in most cases. But step on it, and it will become more aggressively toned, while not becoming overbearing and keeping the passenger compartment drone to a minimum.

WHAT'S THE SOUND DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A ROUND MUFFLER AND AN OVAL MUFFLER?

There is no difference in sound between the round or oval muffler. The only reason they are different shapes is for fitting reasons. One may fit better than the other.

WHAT SOUND DIFFERENCE WILL I GET WITH A SMALLER MUFFLER AS OPPOSED TO A LARGER MUFFLER?

A smaller muffler is going to give you a much louder sound than you would normally get with a larger muffler. The larger or longer the muffler, the less sound you will get. The smaller or shorter the muffler, the more sound you will get.

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.

Stainless steel mufflers have a polished stainless steel shell and are made of a 100% stainless construction. Nothing looks better or lasts longer than stainless steel.

Aluminized mufflers have stainless internals and necks, but have an aluminized outer shell. Also, the aluminized steel has only a protective coating that is more susceptible to 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.

WHAT IS AN EFN?

EFN stands for “Engine Family Number”. It is found on the emissions control tag underneath the hood of your vehicle. This number is needed to ensure the correct part is provided for your California compliant vehicle. It is illegal to equip a registered California or New York vehicle with a federal and/or non-California compliant part.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OEM GRADE AND STANDARD HM GRADE?

Standard grade products are manufactured with the required precious metals to be compliant with a properly tuned and operating vehicle.

HM and OEM grade products are designed to function with the Engine Family Number specific designs calling for more precious metals to be used. HM and OEM grades ensure both tailpipe and engine management system compliance is adhered to, while keeping the “check engine light” off. In addition, the extra loading of precious metals will allow for proper engine management interaction and provide additional emissions conversion for vehicles which may not be running at 100%.

WHY IS MY PART RATTLING?

Depending on vehicle and weather conditions, internal components may break loose or become defective. Check out Warranty page.

WHAT IS YOUR WARRANTY?

The manufacturer warrants that all Magnaflow Performance Products are free from defects. Most of exhaust products are warranted against blowouts and defects in material and workmanship for as long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle on which it was originally installed. The warranty is void if the exhaust products are not installed properly on the vehicle for which it is designed.

More Information

WILL A MAGNAFLOW PART VOID MY FACTORY WARRANTY?

No, it will not. It is illegal for a dealer, installer or manufacturer to deny you the OE warranty because you’ve changed the exhaust system. Please refer to the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act of 1975, 15 USC, 2302 and Clean Air Act 42 of USA code 7541 for more information.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE MAGNAFLOW PERFORMANCE EXHAUST SYSTEMS MADE OF?

All of their exhaust systems use premium quality components, including 409 stainless steel, with the exception of their Diesel Aluminized product line.

I RECEIVED CODE PO420 ON MY VEHICLE. WHAT DO I DO?

By definition, P0420 code reads “bank one Catalyst Efficiency low”. A vehicle displaying this code indicates that something is causing the converter to operate out of specification. Further diagnostics and/or inspection is required before determining the part is defective.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT MAGNAFLOW?

For company Information and to learn about MagnaFlow, please visit the About Page.