If you’re looking to improve the sound and power of your ride, upgrading to a Flowmaster dual exhaust system is one of the best mods you can make. I recently installed a Flowmaster dual exhaust on my own truck, and let me tell you – the difference is night and day! In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the benefits of a Flowmaster dual exhaust, help you choose the right system, and share my experience installing and living with this beast of an exhaust. Get ready to unleash the true potential of your vehicle!
The Many Benefits of a Dual Exhaust System
So why would you want to install a dual exhaust in the first place? Here are some of the key benefits you can expect:
- Increased horsepower and torque – By reducing backpressure, a dual exhaust allows your engine to breathe better and ultimately make more power. Expect gains of 5-15 horsepower or more.
- Deeper, more aggressive sound – The rumble of a dual exhaust system really amplifies the raw power of your engine. It’s music to any gearhead’s ears! Flowmaster is known for their iconic muscle car sound.
- Improved efficiency – Reducing exhaust restriction optimizes scavenging and cylinder filling, which means you can go farther on a tank of gas. Every bit counts!
- More customization – Dual exhausts allow you to get creative with tips, mufflers, piping – you name it. Building a system to your specs is all part of the fun.
- Cooler underhood temperatures – Dual exhaust promotes better heat dissipation from your engine bay and turbos. This prolongs component life.
- Greater longevity – A dual system divides exhaust output between two pipes rather than overloading a single pipe. This reduces strain on the entire system.
For me, the power gains and signature rumble were the biggest selling points. But the efficiency and cooling improvements are nice bonuses too.
Choosing the Ideal Flowmaster Dual Exhaust for Your Vehicle
With so many options out there, it can be tricky choosing the right Flowmaster dual exhaust system for your car, truck, or SUV. Here are some tips:
- Match the system to your engine size – Opt for a more high-flow system if you have a larger displacement engine to avoid choking it.
- Consider sound preferences – Flowmaster offers different mufflers for different sound profiles. Do you want loud & aggressive or a refined rumble?
- Choose stainless steel or aluminized steel – Stainless is more durable but pricier. Aluminized is sufficient for most daily drivers.
- Think about piping size – Larger diameter piping reduces backpressure but may not fit without modifications. Measure first!
- Account for dual vs. single rear exit – Do you want dual tailpipes or a single outlet in the center? Make sure the kit matches your vehicle.
- Check the kit description – Verify that the system fits your make, model, year, engine, and other specifics like drivetrain and cab style.
- Read user reviews – This gives you a sense of sound, quality, fitment, and ease of installation for the kit.
With a custom dual exhaust, you’ll likely need a full system that includes manifolds or headers, catalytic converters if emissions compliant, X or H pipe, mufflers, and tailpipes. Thankfully Flowmaster offers all the pieces.
For my truck, I went with the Flowmaster American Thunder cat-back dual exhaust system with Super 40 mufflers. This gives me an aggressive rumble without being obnoxious, and fits the 5.7L V8 nicely. The polished dual rear exit tailpipes look awesome too!
Unleashing More Horsepower with Flowmaster Dual Exhaust
One of the biggest reasons people install aftermarket dual exhausts is the quest for more power! By opening up the airflow, these systems unleash extra horsepower and torque that was being held back by restrictive stock exhaust.
But how much power can you expect to gain?
It depends on several factors, but here are some general guidelines:
- Naturally aspirated engines – Expect gains of 5-15 HP, with the high end for built high-performance engines. Flow restrictions make the biggest impact on NA power.
- Forced induction motors – Turbocharged and supercharged engines see smaller gains of 5-10 HP since they have less pumping loss. Still a worthwhile improvement!
- Engine size matters – Bigger displacement motors have more potential power hampered by stock exhaust, so they may gain up to 15 HP. Smaller engines see less gains.
- System type makes a difference – Full cat-back dual systems offer the most gain. Axle-back duals still help, but usually only deliver 5 extra HP or so.
The Flowmaster American Thunder system I chose is estimated to add 10-15 HP to my truck. I definitely felt the increased acceleration and torque after installing it. The sound alone makes it feel faster off the line!
Keep in mind, you also need proper tuning, air intake, and headers to maximize the power gains. But for most applications, a Flowmaster dual exhaust is good for an extra 10 horses easy!
Flowmaster vs. Other Brands of Dual Exhaust
When shopping for my new dual exhaust system, I considered options from other brands like Magnaflow, MBRP, and Borla. They all make great systems, but here’s why I ultimately chose Flowmaster:
- Iconic muscle car sound – The deep, throaty tone of Flowmaster mufflers is legendary. I wanted that aggressive rumble!
- Diverse product range – No matter your vehicle, Flowmaster has a cat-back, axle-back or full dual exhaust system for it.
- Quality construction – Their exhaust components are made from 16 gauge aluminized or 304 stainless steel. Built to last!
- Proven performance – Dyno tests show Flowmaster dual exhausts make great power compared to stock. The specs don’t lie.
- Fair pricing – From inexpensive axle-backs to full race systems, Flowmaster is very competitively priced. You get a lot for your money.
- Easy installation – All parts come with gaskets and hardware for a straightforward install. The fit is excellent too.
- Tunable sound – With different mufflers to choose from, you can customize the volume and tone.
Other brands have their merits, but Flowmaster checked the most boxes for my truck. And I’m ecstatic with the results – great sound quality, noticeable gains in power, easy installation, and looks killer too.
Tackling a DIY Dual Exhaust Install
Once I decided on the new Flowmaster American Thunder cat-back exhaust system, it was time to get my hands dirty with a DIY install.
Here are some quick tips if you plan to install a dual exhaust yourself:
- Get an experienced helper – An extra set of hands makes things much easier when maneuvering the pipes.
- Allow 4-6 hours – Plan for a half day or full day job. Taking your time ensures things line up cleanly.
- Have the right tools on hand – You’ll need jacks, jack stands, common hand tools, clamps, cutting tools, and safety gear.
- Follow instructions closely – Each kit includes detailed steps. Missing a key step can cause major fitment issues.
- Adjust fit as needed – Some minor tweaks like adjusting pipe length or hanger position are normal to get the perfect fit.
- Take precautions when cutting – Use caution when cutting stock exhaust, especially near fuel lines. Deburr cut edges.
- Seal connections properly – Use included gaskets/hardware, check for leaks, and tack welds can help seal stubborn joints.
- Be patient – Getting dual exhaust to run cleanly under the vehicle takes time. Don’t rush it!
For my install, I did have to shorten the mid pipes and straighten a hanger bracket, but otherwise fitment was spot on. Having my gearhead buddy assist made all the difference too. Just take your time and the job will be rewarding!
If tackling it yourself sounds daunting, you can also pay a muffler shop $100-200+ to install a dual exhaust for you.
The Sweet Sound of a Flowmaster Dual Exhaust
One of the biggest perks of installing a new dual exhaust system is the upgraded exhaust note. And Flowmaster systems deliver an absolutely intoxicating sound!
With my American Thunder cat-back system and Super 40 series mufflers, I get an incredibly deep and aggressive muscle car rumble at idle that builds to a roar under hard acceleration. But it’s not obnoxiously loud either – I can still carry a conversation at cruising speeds.
Flowmaster offers a range of different mufflers to achieve your ideal exhaust tone:
- Super 40 – Deepest tone, moderate volume
- Super 44 – Great balance of deep tone with more decibels
- Super 10 – Higher pitch, louder volume for maximum noise
- Delta Flow – Reduces rasp and resonance for a refined rumble
I encourage you to look up sound clips on YouTube to get a sense of each muffler’s personality. And remember – the mufflers can always be swapped later if you want to adjust the sound. The cat-back piping remains in place.
Overall, I’m thrilled with the sinister vibe of my Flowmaster dual exhaust. I turn heads and crack smiles every time I fire up my truck! The sound alone makes the Flowmaster worth every penny.
Maintaining Your Dual Exhaust System
Installing a new dual exhaust kit like my Flowmaster system is the fun part. But you’ll want to take proper care of it to ensure years of enjoyment:
- Follow break-in period – Drive conservatively for the first 300 miles to seat joints/gaskets before pushing the system.
- Inspect regularly – Periodically check for leaks, damage, or loose components. Catch issues early.
- Clean tips – Wipe down chrome exhaust tips to remove built-up grime and restore shine.
- Remove carbon buildup – Use a degreaser to dissolve carbon in mufflers and along pipes to prevent blockages.
- Retighten clamps – Clamps can work loose over time due to vibration and thermal expansion. Snug them back up.
- Lubricate hangers – Spray hangers and slip joints with silicone lube to prevent squeaking and binding.
- Patch minor leaks – Seal small leaks in gaskets or joints with high-temp exhaust putty.
- Address corrosion – Clean surface rust with steel wool and treat with high-heat paint.
- Watch road hazards – Avoid scraping over high obstacles to prevent puncturing or denting the pipes.
With periodic care, a quality dual exhaust system like those offered by Flowmaster will last for years and maintain that deep aggressive tone. Take pride in your exhaust!
More Flowmaster Upgrades for Trucks, Muscle Cars, and More
Though I opted for the Flowmaster American Thunder system, they offer a full selection of kits for pickups, SUVs, vintage and late model muscle cars, hot rods, and more.
Some of their most popular dual exhausts include:
Truck & SUV Systems
- Flowtech Delta Force systems for modern muscle trucks
- American Thunder for late model pickups
- Classic Force II systems fit older trucks and 4x4s with style
Muscle Car Kits
- American Thunder cat-back exhausts add vintage rumble
- Aggressive Super 44 axle-backs are a favorite among Challenger and Camaro owners
- Force II systems made to accentuate domestic V8s
Custom Applications
- Direct-Fit OE style kits for German imports or sports cars
- Powerflow mufflers for late model performance cars
- Custom one-off systems can be fabricated by request
Flowmaster prides themselves on catering to American performance cars and trucks dating back to the 1960s, but they don’t leave import owners in the dust. There are options for just about any enthusiast ride!
Investing in a Flowmaster Dual Exhaust System
At the end of the day, Flowmaster dual exhaust kits provide a lot of bang for your buck. Expect to invest:
- $200-600 for axle-back kits – Entry level axle-back systems bolster sound and flow for less money.
- $600-1,500 for cat-back exhausts – Full system upgrades offer the biggest gains and customization opportunities.
- $1,500+ for header-back systems – Combines manifolds, x-pipes and tailpipes for all-out performance.
Of course, pricing varies based on materials, mufflers chosen, and customization. But Flowmaster exhausts are very reasonably priced versus competitors.
You may also be able to find discounts:
- Manufacturer rebates – Flowmaster occasionally offers rebates directly on their website
- Bundled deals – Some dealers offer their own discounts when purchasing multiple upgrades
- Holiday sales – Don’t overlook seasonal savings around Black Friday and Christmas
Consider it an investment in your driving experience. An aftermarket dual exhaust pays for itself in smiles per mile!
Where to Buy a Genuine Flowmaster System
When you’re ready to pull the trigger on a new Flowmaster dual exhaust, only buy from authorized dealers to ensure you get a genuine system that fits properly.
Some top options include:
- Direct from Flowmaster online or their California warehouse
- Summit Racing and Jegs are authorized online Flowmaster retailers
- Local performance shops that carry the Flowmaster brand
- Auto parts chains like O’Reilly Auto Parts or AutoZone may carry common kits
Avoid sketchy no-name kits found on eBay or Amazon. Stick with reputable sources that sell the real deal Flowmaster systems.
Be sure to use their vehicle fitment guides to verify which kit fits your exact vehicle. This ensures a clean direct fit install.
Time to Give Your Ride the Dual Exhaust It Deserves!
Well, I’d say my Flowmaster American Thunder dual exhaust was one of the best upgrades I’ve made to my truck. The sound, power gains, quality, and aesthetics are just awesome. I can wholeheartedly recommend Flowmaster if you’re looking to amplify the presence and performance of your own vehicle.
Hopefully this rundown gave you a helpful overview of the benefits, options, pricing, and more when it comes to shopping for a Flowmaster dual exhaust. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask! I’m happy to share my firsthand experience. There’s nothing quite like rowing through the gears and hearing that signature Flowmaster rumble.
