Magnaflow vs. MAC vs. stock cat back

zeotide · Sep 16, 2005

I am looking at getting a cat-back system for my '97 GT. the original mufflers are on their way out.

However, I don't want the car to be loud. A tiny bit louder is probably ok, but I don't want it to be loud on the expressway or wake the dead every time I get on the accelerator.

The two finalists are the all stainless mac 2.5in system with 3.5" tips
http://www.macperformance.com/store/product1.cfm?SID=3&Product_ID=1218
and the equivalent magnaflow set up:
http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/shopexd.asp?zone=American&id=282

The cats/H pipe are stock.

What I dislike about the mac is the lack of a lifetime warranty. I like the use of flanges to bolt the sections together. The magnaflow the lifetime warranty, they make more full stainless set ups, but I dislike the use of cheap U-clamps at the rear of the mufflers.

My question is, how do these both compare to stock with regard to loudness and sound? Also, does anyone have pictures of '94-'98 mustangs with these systems installed. I cannot find any good pictures. Also wondering what mac means by 'rolled' tips.

thanks in advance..

Jinx · Sep 16, 2005

I've got the Magnaflow system and it is a bit louder than stock at idle with a nice deep mellow tone. It comes to life quite a bit at WOT

As for rolled tips....

03ghoststang · Sep 16, 2005

at idle and cruising around their a bit louder than stock but get on go fast pedal and they'll be screaming

timeless2 · Sep 16, 2005

Magnaflow.

big blue · Sep 16, 2005

^^^^^^^+1 ^^^^^^^^
go magna

SigmaPride · Sep 16, 2005

I vote MAC just because I have it and really liked the sound with the stock mid-pipe. Very nice take off note and not ridiculously loud, but most aren't with the stock mid-pipe. It will drone around 1800-2300 rpm, but I don't have a problem with that. I now have the prochamber mid-pipe and my car is pretty loud, but once again I like it and get compliments.

That stainless version will outlast your car, so I wouldn't worry about the warranty. I have the cheaper aluminized steel version and it will most likely outlast my '99. It is holding up well over the first year. Buddy has had his for 5 years and still going. Unless you live in a really wet and/or snowy climate they will last.

Having said all of that, you would probably like the Magnaflow also. Either way you will be happy.

'13_ImpactBlue_GT · Sep 16, 2005

SigmaPride Do you have any sound clips of your MAC exhaust and mid pipe combo?? Ive got an o/r Prochamber sitting in my office just begging to be installed.

mrvax · Sep 16, 2005

I wouldn't put a MAC product on my car even if it was free. Mac products are only good for someone elses car.

fudleyd · Sep 16, 2005

Personally I love my Mac Flowpaths...sounds pretty good I think...I don't know about Mac's other products but I do like their exhaust. Doesn't sound like every other Stang out there and I get compliments quite frequently...

SigmaPride · Sep 17, 2005

Toms_2003_Stang said:
SigmaPride Do you have any sound clips of your MAC exhaust and mid pipe combo?? Ive got an o/r Prochamber sitting in my office just begging to be installed.

Put that thing on...what are you waiting for? Sorry, I don't have any sound clips. The mid-pipe will make your car alot louder and will turn more heads, but nothing ridiculous. Its hard to explain but it will sound more open and airy...whatever that means. Eventually you will even get used to it and think you need something louder, but you don't.

It is going to be like night and day over what you have now. Keep in mind that the sound is going to change some over-time, so don't be afraid if it sounds a little weird at first. Mine has a really nice low rumble to it now after being on for 6 months or more and daily driven. And when you get on it there is a very nice and distinct sound.

Feel free to PM me with any questions after you get it on...or about getting it on.

DBMSTNG · Sep 17, 2005

MagnaFlow is much better quality.

cobra2798 · Sep 17, 2005

Magnaflow

road rage · Sep 17, 2005

Mac any day

Gearbanger 101 · Sep 17, 2005

Don't go with the Mac's if you want quiet, because they're anything but. The Magnaflows are nice too, but if quiet is what you're after, look into a Dynomax system.

Skidzz · Sep 17, 2005

Magnaflow, if you install that o/r pipe it's going to be louder though, and possibly too loud for you if you install it with a mac CB.

Pertums · Sep 17, 2005

here's a clip for ya, it sounds ok as a wav but it sounds a lot better in person.

MAC Catback with Bassani Catted X pipe, stock headers.

007 · Sep 17, 2005

mrvax said:
I wouldn't put a MAC product on my car even if it was free. Mac products are only good for someone elses car.

Agreed.

Magnaflow vs. MAC vs. stock cat back

zeotide

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Jinx

I like cats, cats like me. Cats and I fully agree.

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03ghoststang

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timeless2

Vi Veri Veni Versum Vicus Vici

big blue

SigmaPride

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'13_ImpactBlue_GT

Angry Little Elf

mrvax

Stay thirsty my friends

fudleyd

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I fantasize about it being BIG!

cobra2798

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road rage

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Magnaflow vs. MAC vs. stock cat back

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