Muffler Size
Thread Starter
Elite Member
iTrader: (46)
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,729
Total Cats: 166
From: Nebraska
Time for a new muffler. I have been perusing the Magnaflows on Magnaflow Performance | Discount Performance Auto Parts | Performance Exhaust Systems | Flowmaster Performance Mufflers site and trying to decide which size. I'm running a 2 1/2" exhaust.
From the looks of things, it appears that I will be using a 5x8 oval. It is available in 14" and 18" body length, 20 or 24 OAL.
What is the easiest to FIT, center in center out?, offset in/out?
From some photos in other threads, it looks like the 14" body, center in/out would fit well.
I want quiet, though, at cruise. I'm guessing the 18" body will be significantly better in that regard over the 14".
I also am assuming that center in/out has to flow better than offset in/out just because of the golfball test. Do the offset Magnaflows flow as well as center in/out? Are offset good enough and possibly quieter than center in/out when comparing Magnaflow to Magnaflow?
I want to do this right and do it once. The car will eventually end up around 10 PSI.
From the looks of things, it appears that I will be using a 5x8 oval. It is available in 14" and 18" body length, 20 or 24 OAL.
What is the easiest to FIT, center in center out?, offset in/out?
From some photos in other threads, it looks like the 14" body, center in/out would fit well.
I want quiet, though, at cruise. I'm guessing the 18" body will be significantly better in that regard over the 14".
I also am assuming that center in/out has to flow better than offset in/out just because of the golfball test. Do the offset Magnaflows flow as well as center in/out? Are offset good enough and possibly quieter than center in/out when comparing Magnaflow to Magnaflow?
I want to do this right and do it once. The car will eventually end up around 10 PSI.
Your original muffler thread has a lot of good info in it. I still think the giant magnaflow <12578> I used is the way to go. And the offset/offset makes it possible. It's a little louder now on full throttle, but still quiet at cruise. Offset/offset has the better flow in my installation since it provides less curve to get into the muffler and back out.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 34,381
Total Cats: 7,504
From: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
The offset mufflers will still pass a golf ball. They turn mount the tube diagonally.
Not real sure about the internal construction of the split ones though. (single to dual)
Not real sure about the internal construction of the split ones though. (single to dual)
Thread Starter
Elite Member
iTrader: (46)
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,729
Total Cats: 166
From: Nebraska
Your original muffler thread has a lot of good info in it. I still think the giant magnaflow <12578> I used is the way to go. And the offset/offset makes it possible. It's a little louder now on full throttle, but still quiet at cruise. Offset/offset has the better flow in my installation since it provides less curve to get into the muffler and back out.
Yes. Or why not? IF you ever decided to go up on the exhaust size pre muff you'd have the muff to match. And it's not going to hurt to have it larger. Besides, we already know the 3" is hush with a full 3" exhaust.
Thread Starter
Elite Member
iTrader: (46)
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,729
Total Cats: 166
From: Nebraska
OK, I'm convinced. Ordering MAGNAFLOW MUFFLER 6" X 12" 22" BODY 3" O/O 12578 today. Maybe it will smooth out my jumpy MAP pressures at the upper RPMs. Magna thought it could be from excessive backpressure and it is distinctly possible with the old Flowmaster.
My magnaflows are center/offset to match up with the entry and exit bends better. Also I went with resonated tips to help keep her quiet under cruise. Works like a champ; sounds awesome at heavy loads but under cruise isn't loud and doesn't drone.
I went from a flowmaster type muffler to a cheap POS turbo style muffler and got improved flow (quicker spool). Word is that the chambered mufflers are bad for turbo'd cars.
FWIW - Enthuza (the original owner) was stepping up their muffs a 1/2" in diameter from the preceding pipe dia. because it showed better spool on the dyno (and better sound at the exhaust).
FWIW - Enthuza (the original owner) was stepping up their muffs a 1/2" in diameter from the preceding pipe dia. because it showed better spool on the dyno (and better sound at the exhaust).
What did you use? I have been thinking about doing that very thing but have not found any resonated tips yet, that I like, that are small enough to fit. 3" inlet, short body length.


Mine is for a car making at least 300 at the wheels though..I'm not sure anything more than 2.75" is necessary for most MT setups.
Either way, bigger is better for case size. Magnaflows are all straight through so they flow nice, IMO they sound the best, and a bigger case should muffle more.
Last edited by Orion ZyGarian; Apr 21, 2009 at 11:00 PM.
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,085
Total Cats: 375
From: Republic of Dallas
I'll make a vid of my car for you this weekend.









