Generation III External Engine LS1 | LS6 | Bolt-Ons | Intakes | Exhaust | Ignition | Accessories
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Magnaflow catback vs Direct replacement muffler

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 28, 2008 | 08:45 PM
  #1  
HitmanLSX's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 0
From: Lynnwood, WA
Default Magnaflow catback vs Direct replacement muffler

So I'm getting tired of fixing my cutouts and the constant issue of O2 sensor insuffficient switching codes when they're open. (QTP Cutout Y-pipe so they're about 12" from the sensor). I'm looking at just going to a ORY and a catback.

I'd love to get a GMMG but it's out of my budget right now. And I'm wondering is there any significant difference in sound between the magnaflow catback and the direct replacement muffler? I don't really care about the tips.

I will miss the wow factor of going from a lil louder than stock through the factory muffler and hitting the switch for the QTEC's. Especially with the lopey ASA cam that's in there. But I think a catback will be a good compromise in sound and flow but keeping the rest of the apartment complex happy lol.

But yeah any difference between the two?
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2008 | 09:48 PM
  #2  
jrob56's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (39)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,153
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Default

wondering this as well, the stock catback just isnt cutting it...it would have to flow less with the stock piping than the full mag catback, and seems like it would make a difference in sound but im just speculating
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2008 | 11:25 PM
  #3  
HitmanLSX's Avatar
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 0
From: Lynnwood, WA
Default

yeah I'm not too concerned about the flow eventually I will go with the GMMG and it's gotta be a lot better than the factory muffler. I just like that nice deep rumble I hear from magnaflows and hoping the replacement will do that well enough for now.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:41 AM
  #4  
krazy4's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 3
From: Yorba Linda, CA
Default

GMMG sounds great, but it doesn't flow that well.
If flow is of concern, go magnaflow.

After having the magnaflow catback, and now just a 4x9 magnaflow, I will never use another muffler.
A guy I know with a 402 (02NBMWS6) has with two magnaflow mufflers inline and makes sick power. Another is making 501whp with the catback (fifedogg), and another 445whp with a 4" magnaflow muffler (MrElectric03). They flow like mad and are still pretty quiet. I have ridden in all of these cars and they sound great.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2008 | 11:02 AM
  #5  
TORCHD 02 TA's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (39)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,883
Likes: 3
From: Chicago
Default

GMMG is one of the best flowing c/b out there next to Corsa.

IMO i do not like Magnaflow... it is tooo raspy for my taste.

Another good c/b is Hooker Aerochamber
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2008 | 11:38 AM
  #6  
sasquatch's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: breaux bridge,louisiana
Default

I have a Magnaflow and the sound is a little deeper then stock. Mated with some LT's and it sounds really good. Add a cam and it sounds even better.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2008 | 01:47 PM
  #7  
hotcoffee's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Default

if you're not too concerned with having the additional flow that a cat back system offers then a magnaflow muffler replacement would be your best option. Just match the muffler size and pipes with your stock setup and you're good to go. It's definately a huge improvement in flow and sound over the stock.
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2009 | 12:44 PM
  #8  
johnlv6's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: F-burg, VA
Default

Is there a particular Magnaflow part number that people are going with for a direct replacement muffler? Does anyone know what the inlet and outlet size are?

Last edited by johnlv6; Nov 9, 2009 at 01:05 PM.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 10, 2009 | 01:39 PM
  #9  
MonmouthCtyLS7's Avatar
TECH Junkie
15 Year Member
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Likes: 34
From: Rotonda West Florida
Default

I went from a ws6 catback w/ a dynomax superflow muffler(that supposedly flows close to a straight through design) to a Slp LM1 catback and noticed a significant sotp gain. I asked myself the same question before and got my answer.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2009 | 02:32 PM
  #10  
Damian's Avatar
LSX Mechanic
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (89)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,396
Likes: 14
From: Atlanta
Default

The catback is definitely beneficial to leaving the stock piping on there. Especially where stock is pinched running over the axle.

If you want the best sounding/flowing catback for the money, Hooker is the way to go. Cheaper than Magnaflow and flows as good/better. Only problem is Hooker is on indefinite back order.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2009 | 03:00 PM
  #11  
Skidog5150's Avatar
Staging Lane
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Default

Currently I have a Hooker Aerochamber muffler on a stock WS6 exhaust. After doing some research I'm going with the magnaflow catback.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2009 | 08:17 AM
  #12  
RevGTO's Avatar
Pontiacerator
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,216
Likes: 236
From: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
Default

If I were going Magnaflow, I'd get the muffler only (ck. Thunder Racing), Dynomax I and over-axle pipes from Summit, and have an exhaust shop fab the tailpipes. This will be cheaper than the catback, esp. if you go non-stainless, and you won't have those obnoxious cannon tips the catback comes with.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2009 | 10:38 PM
  #13  
Bader-X's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
From: Kuwait
Default

wouldn`t putting the cut-out before the mufflers inlet delete the problem of the code?
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2009 | 11:49 AM
  #14  
SilverV6Camaro's Avatar
Launching!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Skidog5150
Currently I have a Hooker Aerochamber muffler on a stock WS6 exhaust. After doing some research I'm going with the magnaflow catback.
I'm looking to put the Hooker muffler on my stock Trans Am catback. Was it a direct fit? Did you have to mod anything to get it to fit?
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2009 | 11:58 AM
  #15  
Zzzzz's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, OH
Default

I kinda like my obnoxious cannon tips...

I'm happy with the Magnaflow C/B. Good value for the $, quiet enough that you don't attract too much attention, but just loud enough for the streets. Anything else I'd consider cost 2x the money.

Unfortunately, it seems no matter what we do, we'll never sound as good as a Vette, a Mustang, a 5th gen Camaro, or even an LT1.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:36 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE