Revving up My Ride with a Bold New Exhaust
Hey gearheads! Buckle up, because I’m taking you along for the ride as I upgrade my ride with the Flowmaster 71416 exhaust system. As soon as I heard the aggressive rumble of this bad boy exhaust, I knew I had to have it for my truck. The 71416 is Flowmaster’s chambered muffler, known for its deep, throaty sound that announces your presence. I’m pumping up the volume and personality of my truck, and I can’t wait to hear it roar!
Specs and Details on the 71416
First, let’s get into the nitty gritty specs on the 71416. This muscular muffler features a 3-inch inlet and outlet with an offset inlet design. It’s constructed from 16 gauge aluminized steel so you know it can stand up to the elements. The 71416 measures in at 17 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 10 inches high, with a sturdy yet lightweight build of 19 pounds.
This free-flowing muffler utilizes Flowmaster’s Delta Flow technology, with an internal network of chambers that reduce noise and drone while still letting the engine’s power shine. It’s designed for an aggressive, race-inspired sound that turns heads. Just what I need for my bold truck!
Bringing Home the Flowmaster: Purchasing and Pricing
Now, let’s talk about getting your hands on one of these game-changing exhausts. I searched high and low before finding the best deal. The Flowmaster 71416 retails around $130-170, but I scored one on sale for just $118 with free shipping from Flowmaster Direct on Amazon. That’s a smoking deal!
You can grab one of these mufflers from most major auto parts stores like Summit Racing and JEGS, or directly from Flowmaster. Make sure to shop around for sales and coupons to get the best bang for your buck. The price may vary depending on your specific vehicle fitment.
Will the 71416 Fit My Vehicle?
TheseFlowmaster mufflers are designed as universal direct fit upgrades, engineered to seamlessly replace your stock muffler. However, you always need to verify compatibility with your year, make, and model before purchasing.
Luckily, I drive a 2010 Ford F-150 with a 5.4L V8 – one of the most common applications for the 71416. For most V6 and V8 trucks, SUVs, cars, and muscle cars, this muffler is likely to be a direct, hassle-free fit. Flowmaster even provides a helpful online tool to check if the 71416 will work for your vehicle.
Getting Hands Dirty: Tackling Installation
Once my new muffler arrived, I couldn’t wait to get it installed! While possible to DIY, I wanted professional installation to make sure it was done right. My mechanic only charged $85 labor to swap the stock muffler for the 71416. For the cost, it was worth it for the peace of mind.
If you want to install it yourself, plan for 1-3 hours depending on your skill level. You’ll need some basic tools – jack stands, ratchets, pipe cutter, clamps, safety gear, etc. The most important steps are:
- Safely lift the vehicle and secure with jack stands.
- Cut the existing muffler pipes for removal.
- Temporarily fit the 71416 in place to check alignment.
- Weld or clamp the inlet and outlet pipes to secure.
- Wrap all connections to prevent leaks.
- Reinstall and test drive!
I’d recommend watching some youtube tutorials to get comfortable before your first exhaust install. And have an extra pair of hands to help maneuver the muffler.
Firing Up the Flowmaster Sound
Now for the fun part – starting up my truck to hear the Flowmaster rumble for the first time! I turned the key and couldn’t believe the transformation. The stock exhaust sounded like a sewing machine compared to the deep muscular idle of the 71416. Just a few revs sent the aggressive tones echoing through the neighborhood.
My truck came alive with a prominent authority that demanded respect. No more feeble factory exhaust note – the 71416 announced the true V8 power under my hood. The sound flutters between aural violence and refined control as I press and release the gas. Music to any gearhead’s ears!
Driving around town, the Flowmaster really turns heads and gets looks of approval from fellow enthusiasts. The tone stays smooth when cruising, then roars to life when I punch it. The improved airflow adds a noticeable bump in power and acceleration. No cabin resonance or highway drone, just pure auditory muscle when I want it.
Improved Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Beyond the killer sound, the 71416 delivers tangible performance benefits. The reduced backpressure improves throttle response and low-end torque. I definitely feel a more direct acceleration curve when I step on the gas.
Surprisingly, I’ve also noticed a slight mileage increase of around 1-2 MPG since installing the 71416. The improved airflow and engine efficiency has a benefit at the pump. An added bonus on top of the louder, meaner performance!
Built to Last: Quality and Construction
Flowmaster didn’t cut any corners with the 71416’s construction. The rugged 16 gauge steel casing is MAX-processed to maintain its corrosion resistance. It can withstand years of exposure to road salt, weather, and daily abuse.
The welded baffles inside are precision crafted but allow for expansion and contraction through temperature extremes. And it comes backed by Flowmaster’s Million Mile Limited Lifetime Warranty for defects. That gives me confidence I’m rolling with a premium, lifelong exhaust system.
Customer Reviews and Sound Clips
I’m definitely not alone in my love for the Flowmaster 71416. This muffler has outstanding customer reviews across the web. Owners of muscle cars, trucks, and even hot rods rave about the upgrade in sound and performance. It has a 4.5/5 star average on most sites.
When researching, I watched a bunch of youtube sound clips to get a feel for the actual exhaust tone. Hearing it roar on a similar truck was instrumental in my decision. I’d recommend listening to some 71416 revving videos before you buy!
Cruising in Style with No Regrets
I’m thrilled with my decision to slap on the Flowmaster 71416 exhaust. The price was reasonable, the install straightforward, and the payoff huge. I absolutely love firing up my truck and feeling that visceral rumble. The 71416 gave my ride the roaring personality to match its looks. No regrets going with Flowmaster’s chambered muffler – it’s got me cruising in style!
So if you’re looking to upgrade your exhaust with an aggressive tone, I can’t recommend the 71416 enough. It delivers on all fronts – sound, performance, quality and value. The chambers give it a unique personality that makes your vehicle stand out from the crowd. If you’re ready to get loud, join me in rocking a Flowmaster! I guarantee you’ll love revving up your ride with this beast of a muffler.
