In search of quality Exhaust System

[MartyK]

Hello,

It’s getting time to replace the OEM exhaust system on my 05. My plan is to replace the system from the turbo back with either 304ss or 409ss and run an AeroTurbine 4040xl in place of a muffler. Which manufacture does the best with fitment, OE hanger locations, fully welded on hangers, mandrel bends and heavy gauge stainless? What should I look for in a downpipe? I will be using stainless band clamps so if the kit comes that way it’s a plus and not a deal breaker if it doesn't.


Thanks,
Marty

 

[Bob4x4]

I have installed dozens of AFE systems over the years and have never been disappointed

 

[BarryG]

X2 on the afe. I had one on my 01 since it was about six months old still on there 350k miles and 16 years later

 

[MartyK]

I'm looking at AFE's website and they show a picture of their 409ss 4" system (49-42004). I would be concerned about the longevity of the weld on the hanger to the tailpipe, it looks like just a small point of contact weld. I do like the hangers in that they have a formed end like the OE ones.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

I haven't used one myself but I hear good things about MBRP systems.

 

[BigPapa]

We sold a lot of MBRP's. That's what I have on my truck.

 

[AH64ID]

I've also heard good things about Flo-Pro and plan to use them when the time comes.

Do yourself a favor and get a Donaldson 4" instead of the Aero. The Aero seem to be overpriced and more complaints on them than the much cheaper Donaldsons.

 

[MartyK]

Looks like MBRP has a muffler-less system with welded on hangers (S6126SLM) as does Flo-Pro (SS819NM). Flo-Pro kit comes with band clamps, that's a plus.

I will look into the Donaldson mufflers.

Thanks everyone.

 

[CBari]

I have an MBRP on my 03 and have put a few on for others. Mine has over ten years on it and it looks as good as when it was put on. I wouldn't go muffler less if you tow much.

 

[jgillott]

Over 500K miles on my 3rd gens combined. Both have MBRP 304 stainless systems that have been on since the trucks were new. As mentioned above, they look and perform as good as new, even with the road salt we have here.

 

[Wayne M.]

As per guidance from some TDR folks above, I did the 4" 409 MBRP cat back. I'm satisfied. I wanted to do the Donaldson muffler too, but MBRP seems to have done their homework on their muffler.
I'm satisfied.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I have a full 4" SS system with a Donaldson muff and like it very much. No drone, quiet for towing and a great deep burble at idle from the outside. My EGT wont go above 1175.
Check out http://www.stans-headers.com/ (They're TDR advertiser too)

 

[MartyK]

Prairie Dog did the exhaust system you purchased have all the hangers welded to the pipe or does Stan use clamps with a rod welded to it?

 

[Prairie Dog]

Prairie Dog did the exhaust system you purchased have all the hangers welded to the pipe or does Stan use clamps with a rod welded to it?

Yes, welded on and I think there was 1 or two that had metal bars welded to the clamps - been so long I don't remember and it's raining out there right now. Even the muff has brackets welded to it, which is the only part that isn't SS. The fit was perfect and it has worked out great.

 

[MartyK]

Nobody has mentioned Magnaflow. Does anyone have any comment on the Magnaflow 17919 system? It looks like it has what I’m interested it as far as welded on hangers and band clamps. I’m not sure why the 42” pipe has a bend in it, other systems don’t appear to.

FYI, I contacted Aero Exhaust, the 4040XL is on backorder until mid-November. I haven’t been able to determine what material the Donaldson M085171 is made out of.

Has anyone has a 409ss system rust out? How long has it lasted?

 

[AH64ID]

Most the Donaldson's are alumanized.

The M085171 is a fairly loud muffler. It sounds good but is louder than I like. I'll be going quieter this next go around. I'm looking at the M090544.

 

[Northfork]

About 2 months ago I installed the Cat-Back 304 Stainless system from MBRP. Happy with it, even towing heavy it is very tolerable in the cab.
This is my first MBRP product, pleased with the quality. I also suggest the 304 SS, no matter what you wind up buying. Much longer life than the cheaper SS stuff.

 

[BigPapa]

Which manufacture does the best with fitment, OE hanger locations, fully welded on hangers, mandrel bends and heavy gauge stainless?

Nobody has mentioned Magnaflow. Does anyone have any comment on the Magnaflow 17919 system?

I'd say if anyone had used one and would buy it again they'd have spoken up. We've all commented on what we have experience with.

I'd go with one of the recommendations above before I stepped out and bought something no one has recommended.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Stans Headers pipe are all mandrel bent and the fit was first rate. It uses all the factory hanger pints. I didn't have to do anything theatrical to ge tit installed and the system includes a 4" down pipe for my 03.
I'm pretty hard on exhaust systems with my short trips. Stans system is holding up perfectly.

 

[MartyK]

I appreciated everyone's comments and I made my decision and went with the MagnaFlow 17919 system. The primary reason was the OEM like welded on hangers. When I install it I'll follow up and add comments to this thread.

Thanks,
Marty