Magnaflow catback fitment issues continue...

[000104Mustang]

Everyone,
I posted a week ago asking if anyone else has had issues with a standard Magnaflow Catback with fitment problems. I installed mine, and the rear swaybar hits the driver's side tailpipe when going over a bump. I spent almost 3 hours trying to re-adjust it with no luck. I called Hottexhaust.com and Magnaflow and both claimed that they had never heard of any fitment issues. Jeff at Hottexhaust has been great to deal with and he is sending me another system to see if mine was just a fluke. After getting so many responses back from Stangnet, I am a little leary that the new system is going to solve the problem. Looking at pictures of other systems on the internet, the Magnaflow appears to have the tightest curve that goes up over the axle, and thus puts it too close to the swaybar. Just laying under the car, you can see how the system could be bent differently to alleviate any clearance issues. I am going to contact Magnaflow to discuss but am sure I'm not going to get anywhere with them.

I guess I will ask another question then, assuming the new system fits the same way (Bad) is there another stainless steel catback system out there that produces the same tone and quietness that the Magnaflow system does? I do already have a catted Magnaflow X on the car as well. I really like the way the Magnaflow catback sounds. It is just barely louder than stock which I like. I don't like to have people know I am coming. Additionally I drive the car to Cali a lot from AZ (Already have 42,000 miles on her) and a 2000-2500 rpm drone can not be tolerated. What other systems out there are quiet that people haven't had fitment issues with?

Thanks again Stangnet,
Kevin.

 

[back_in_black]

the regular borla, (not the stingers), is a quiet system as well, I think you will be able to adjust it out of the new system, I know a lot of people have.

 

[catnip]

I was one of the guys that sent you a pm.. I have the exact same problem.....

Let us know how you make out with Magnaflow.. maybe if we get a list together and contact them in mass we might be able to get somewhere?

 

[slow3gt]

mine went in just fine sometimes itll rattle but not too often it has a nice sound to it really quiet at idle but when you get on it it screams

 

[Pennywise2]

Sorry to hear of your problem.Honestly I have never heard of anyone
having fitment issues with any of the Magnaflow catbacks.If that is
the case you need to remove your rear swaybar if you want it to fit.
I would take your car to a reputable exhaust shop and see if they can
make it fit right.I just got my Magnaflow Magnapack catback about three
weeks ago.Me and my mechanic installed it with no issues and it fit perfect.
I love my Magnapacks they sound awesome if you like the sound of fresh
popcorn poping!

 

[nyuk98gt]

00,01,04Mustang:

Slip under the car again but use a floor jack to raise the rear axle until the car just barely comes off the jackstands (this loads the suspension like the car is sitting normally). You will see that the tail pipe angles from the swaybar towards the front of the car. You need about 1" of clearance between the swaybar and the tailpipe. Loosen the outlet clamp on the muffler and loosen the rear hanger. You will have to loosen the tip, too. Pull the pipe out of the muffler until you get the 1" clearance that you need. Then tighten up the clamp at the muffler, adjust the tip and tighten it, and secure the rear hanger. Do the other side.

This will give you the clearance required when the axle swings through its arc as you go over bumps, etc.

HTH,

Chris

 

[TacBear]

Sorry to hear of your problem.Honestly I have never heard of anyone
having fitment issues with any of the Magnaflow catbacks.If that is
the case you need to remove your rear swaybar if you want it to fit.
I would take your car to a reputable exhaust shop and see if they can
make it fit right.I just got my Magnaflow Magnapack catback about three
weeks ago.Me and my mechanic installed it with no issues and it fit perfect.
I love my Magnapacks they sound awesome if you like the sound of fresh
popcorn poping!

 

[000104Mustang]

Everyone,
OK, magnaflow sent me another catback. I installed it Friday and have found the following,
nyuk98gt, I infact installed the exhaust with the rear end sitting on ramps. So the suspension was already loaded. I then adjusted everything as best as I could, then had a friend open the trunk, stand in it, and jump up and down to simulate going over bumps. I have the system adjusted now to where it contacts the front of the axle tube and the sway bar at the same time. It looks like magnaflow has the radius of the bend going over the axle too tight. I contacted magnaflow, talked to one of their tech guys, and relayed that several other stangnet members have had the same issue. Their response: The majority of the people installing this kit are not trained mechanics; inferring that we are somehow incompetent. This is not rocket science.
How close is the driver's side tail pipe to the gas tank? Mine sits no more that 1/2 inch away!
I am not too sure where else to go for this.
For everyone that has responded with no fitment issues, thee majority of you appear to have the magnapacks kit, which from all the pictures I can see, has different pipes.
Any other sugestions?
Thanks,
Kevin.

 

[hotmustang331]

I had 0 issues with mine (was a little hard getting the pipe over the rearend) . Are you guys sure your installing the right pieces in the right places? This is the FIRST I have heard of this. I think ill go and look at mine before I put my foot in my mouth lol. BRB.

 

[hotmustang331]

Hmm I dont think its hitting my sway bar...but it almost looks like its been hitting my gas tank and melted it a little . But over big bumps I hear something hit MAYBE, but it doesnt bother me at all. So maybe hitting is common . Ill still reccomend the magnaflow CB, I think its a great product.

 

[back_in_black]

My regular magnaflow cb did hit the sway bar over large bumps as well.

 

[catnip]

I have had mine adjusted 3-4 times already, by a very good mechanic. This last time he has slid it back as far as possible, but the gas tank is in the way and it will only go so far. It doesn't hit as bad over the smaller bumps but it still hits the sway bar. Its only worse with more people in the car... it can get very annoying/embarassing.

I really love the sound of the cat-back, wouldn't trade it for the world, however I really wish something good be done about the fitment problem.