I'm Exhausted And Confused

[Magna XLT 5.0L]

Ok, before I begin, I DID A SEARCH!!!! Now I'm confused . I need to install a new exhaust system (original finally went by by). I like the talk on the board regarding the flowmaster muffler. So that will probably be my choice. i have a 98 5.0 Liter v8. Stock system is 2 pipes into muffler with single out.
1. Should I stick with the same set up?
2. Will a larger exhaust pipe (3") from the muffler to the bumper be a problem (noise or performance?
3. What part number is the flowmaster with dual in/single out?

All your help is appreciated...

 

[Norad]

Exhaust

Ok, before I begin, I DID A SEARCH!!!! Now I'm confused . I need to install a new exhaust system (original finally went by by). I like the talk on the board regarding the flowmaster muffler. So that will probably be my choice. i have a 98 5.0 Liter v8. Stock system is 2 pipes into muffler with single out.
1. Should I stick with the same set up?
2. Will a larger exhaust pipe (3") from the muffler to the bumper be a problem (noise or performance?
3. What part number is the flowmaster with dual in/single out?

All your help is appreciated

I have a '99 with the 5.0L and have just gone through what you are about to start, EXHAUST HELL.
Orginally I though that a larger pipe, say 3" diameter, would be the better idea because there would be less back pressure... Well I went an ordered up the only exhaust that I could find with a three inch pipe and that was the MAC exhaust. Out of the the box it looked great and I was hoping to get the V-8 sound out of my explorer. After cutting the old/stock exhaust off :fire: I got the MAC muffler in place and then came the hell. Trying to get a 3" diameter tail pipe in to the spot that a 2.5" tail pipe had been for the past 125,000 miles. Needless to say it was a pain in the ass. After a few hours and a couple of beverages later everything was in place and it was time to drive. As soon as I started it up it sounded great, really throaty! The down side was after acouple of minutes I noticed that the exhaust note from 1500-2200 rpms was preaty loud, highway driving was really loud. Constant drowning which was unbearable. I would not go with the MAC system unless you want your 302 to sound like a bored 460. The seat in the pants power increase was there and all of my frineds loved it as long as they were not in my explorer for more then 30 min.
I have recently ordered a dynomax exhaust system and am going to to put in on this weekend so I'll let you know how it sounds.

 

[brnbomr]

you can wrap the pips that is what my brother did and the sound was out the back and not in the car. but he just went with strait pipes out the back. just an idea it did make a big differnce.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

I believe someone said on here that they do not make a dual in single out muffler. I'm sure someone will chime in about that. A 3" exhaust system is a little big indeed, but then again we are talking about a 5.0L. If you do want that sound, then sure go for it. But, if I were you, I would stick with a 2.5" pipe.

-Drew

 

[boominXplorer]

3'' will work perfect. check out www.explorerexpress.com for their systems by Mac's

 

[jimbo74]

a 3" out is probably going to get loud.... but some people like this....

jsut a side note, up until a couple weeks ago i was running a stright pipe well there was a highflow cat but that was it, on my 4cyl toyota, it sounded great to me, but pissed off the neighbors 1/4 mile away in the noisy city when i started my truck up each morning.....

 

[SLEEPER]

Well I was concidering the Flow master system, but I heard it wasn't the best fit. I want something louder then the stock but I don't want it to be unbearable. Is the MAC really that loud!?

 

[Magna XLT 5.0L]

I went to a shop today and he suggested a Vortex muffler. Dual in / single out. He claims they are made by the same people who fab flowmaster. Don't know if this is true or not. Has anyone installed a vortex muffler on the X? If so what is your opinion on them (sound/performance/likes/dislikes)?
Thanks

 

[Norad]

MAC = Loud

Well I was concidering the Flow master system, but I heard it wasn't the best fit. I want something louder then the stock but I don't want it to be unbearable. Is the MAC really that loud!?

Yes! On my 99 from 1500-2200 rpm's it is loud, and after a bit of driving on the highway it becomes excessive. The system is very well bulit and quality I just think that it is a little to loud to be run on the highway. Another positive is when ideling the exhaust note is perfect, throaty and sounds good.

 

[TheJMan]

Yes! On my 99 from 1500-2200 rpm's it is loud, and after a bit of driving on the highway it becomes excessive. The system is very well bulit and quality I just think that it is a little to loud to be run on the highway. Another positive is when ideling the exhaust note is perfect, throaty and sounds good.

Do you have the MAC intake on your truck? I'm just wondering if that would have any influence on the loudness of it. I really want to get this system, but I do some occasional highway driving for about 10 minutes a day and I don't want to be driven insane by unbearable exhaust drone.

 

[Rhett]

If your exhaust is too loud inside, or resonates at certain RPMs, I suggest you look into putting some dynomat under your interior carpet...it can help a lot.

 

[Norad]

Do you have the MAC intake on your truck? I'm just wondering if that would have any influence on the loudness of it. I really want to get this system, but I do some occasional highway driving for about 10 minutes a day and I don't want to be driven insane by unbearable exhaust drone.

I just ordered the MAC intake but now I have a Dynomax system on my '99 and I like it a lot more because it is quieter, but still has some tome from 1500-2200 rpm. If any one is interested in the MAC exhaust let me know I cut you a deal and the thing is in really good shape has only been on for two months.

 

[RyanExplr01]

Norad check you PM

 

[mace]

re

i had a MAC ...The droning was unbearable at 1800-2200. appr 55-65mph. ears were ringing. I ended up with a glasspack which, beleive it or not was a little better, but louder outside. I am going to calm it all down with a 50 series or even a 70's Flowmaster

 

[gijoecam]

To answer one of the original questions, Flowmaster does make a dual in, single out that will fit:

http://www.flowmastermufflers.com/cgi-bin/flowmaster/mufflers.html?id=rKMT32Gg

Click on the link on the right for a 50 series SUV/Performance, then click on the PDF link on the right. It will open an Adobe Acrobat page that shows the dual 2 1/4" in, single 3" out is Part # 524553. It requires a bit of fabrication, but it fits and sounds smooooooth. Decent growl at WOT, slight rumble at idle, very, very mild drone at 80-82 mph, but at that point the road noise from the tires and wind noise almost overpowers it anyways. I'm VERY happy with the sound.

-Joe

 

[wpurple]

Go with the Gibson side swept, you won't regret it.
Nice sound, but no overbearing on the highway.