My Magnaflow install for my Challenger SRT8. Pics and info inside!!

**MoparPosterChild** · 03-12-2009, 02:28 AM

Today I installed my new Magnaflow catback exhaust on my Challenger SRT. My friend Shannon who owns Redline Gaugeworks offered his shop up for the installation. He has a lift which makes this install much easier, but it has been done in people's driveways on jackstands as well. The guys from Magnaflow came down and brought my exhaust and stayed for the entire install process documenting the installation with pics. Each step was shot and a step by step tech article will be written up by Mopar Enthusiast Magazine in a future issue.

I had just recently found out that Magnaflow has two different systems available for the SRT. One is their regular catback and the other is a louder set up and I think they call it their "Competition" system. When asked which set up I wanted to go with I opted for the competition system because it's supposed to be a more free flowing set up and also a bit louder. I have previous experience with a Magnaflow catback on my wife's '07 Charger R/T and though I was definitely pleased with it, I always wished it could have been just a bit louder, so I was excited to hear that they have the two different options for the SRT.

The installation was straightforward. I have done exhaust swaps on at least 5 of these LX cars already, so it was nothing new to me. The only surprising thing was that Chrysler obviously did away with the center cross brace that is right in the middle of the LX cars. It is right under the exhaust and if you didn't make sure the center of your exhaust is tucked up enough and has enough clearance, you would have a nasty vibration. I was glad to see the brace gone on the Challenger.

Now for the install:

Below you can see the Magnaflow van as they are showing up with the goodies.

Below is the box with the kit inside.

Here you can see the entire kit laid out ready to install. All pieces necessary for the installation are included in this kit. There is no need for any welding.

Here's the car before the install.

First thing we did was spray some lube on all the bolts to help loosen them up. We also sprayed WD40 on the exhaust hangars rubber grommets to make it easier to slide them off. That's my boy Shannon doing the spraying.

When you begin, just go down the exhaust and loosen all the bolts, remove the drivers side pipe from the center back, and then remove the rest of the entire exhaust system in one piece.

Here's the entire factory exhaust removed. Replacing this will net you considerable savings in weight, not to mention better flow and sound qualities.

Here's a shot under the car with the stock exhaust removed completely.

We began installing the Magnaflow exhaust from the front back. We tightened the clamps as we went but we left some play in them so we could make any adjustments to straighten the length and exit of the exhaust if necessary.

This is the first two sections of the Magnaflow kit coming together.

The clamps are very good, and do a sufficient job of sealing the pipes.

Here's a look at the inside of the mufflers.

This is my boy Shannon tightening up the last bolt on the final sections of the exhaust. The drivers side and passenger side exhaust pipes are installed separately, as opposed to the factory system that has the passenger side welded to the system.

As you can see, I opted to go with Magnaflow's quad exhaust tip set up. I think it looks pretty cool. It's different, and I can always go back to the stock tips if I ever want that stock look again.

When I cranked the car up for the first time, I was very pleased. The car has a deep rumble at idle, and it's just loud enough at idle to let you know there's something there. When you step on the gas, there's no doubt that you're driving a Hemi! This thing sounds NASTY in a good way! I really love the way it sounds in all driving conditions...idle, acceleration, and deceleration are all satisfying. There's no flutter, just a smooth muscular sound throughout the powerband. I've only had it on the car for half the day, so I can't say for sure about drone, but I am going to wait for a month or so to let the system settle in and season a bit and then we'll see how it acts. I must admit, I'm a guy who likes to hear my car run. A lot of the time I find myself with the radio off just listening to that Hemi sing. This may be too loud for some people, and not loud enough for others. If you're not sure, check out both of their systems. I feel like between the two set ups, there's something for everyone.

If you're looking into an exhaust for your car, I would give Magnaflow a strong consideration. Everything is top notch quality and my experience with their staff has been great. They also guarantee that their systems increase performance and horsepower. Those are all important aspects to consider when purchasing an exhaust for your car.

**DonH** · 03-12-2009, 03:10 AM

Excellent write up.

**MOL SRT-8** · 03-12-2009, 03:15 AM

looks good

**novawagonmaster** · 03-12-2009, 10:30 AM

Nice write-up. The only thing missing is some audio/video.

Funny for me to see a lift outside. Here in Ohio, you would be able to use it about 6 months out of the year (if you don't mind working ouside on cool, wet days). The other 6 months would be pretty ugly.

**Leadfootluke** · 03-12-2009, 10:33 AM

Great writeup. Those tips are perfect.

**srt8_hmi** · 03-12-2009, 10:38 AM

I'd consider the Magnaflow over the Mopar if they came to my house!!

**MoparPosterChild** · 03-12-2009, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by novawagonmaster

Nice write-up. The only thing missing is some audio/video.

Funny for me to see a lift outside. Here in Ohio, you would be able to use it about 6 months out of the year (if you don't mind working ouside on cool, wet days). The other 6 months would be pretty ugly.

I have clips, I just need to upload them. I'll do it as soon as I can.

**Challenger370** · 03-12-2009, 09:25 PM

That looks like it is strate through, nearly glaspacks. I bet it is quite loud. Typically Mangaflow is rather quiet comparred to flowmasters. Have you comparred it to other cars with other brand exausts? How does it compare volume wise to other exaust you have owned in the past? How is the drone? and how does it sound when mds kicks in? I have heard some people with very low restrictive exaust sound bad when mds kicks in because it is more like a 4 cylendar then.

**FirstHurst** · 03-13-2009, 01:47 AM

Great Pics, it looks like the heat shields even line up with the cats for that system. I can't imagine that is CA legal, but it certainly is unrestricted. I'm glad that the factory headers seem to be a pretty decent diameter too.

I noticed in the pic the rear cover on the diff doesn't seem to be a very close match to the case. I haven't seen enough of these to notice that before.

Awesome setup though. Beans to you for opting for the neighbor-hater package too, without even hearing it first. Hell yea!

**MoparPosterChild** · 03-13-2009, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Charger250

That looks like it is strate through, nearly glaspacks. I bet it is quite loud. Typically Mangaflow is rather quiet comparred to flowmasters. Have you comparred it to other cars with other brand exausts? How does it compare volume wise to other exaust you have owned in the past? How is the drone? and how does it sound when mds kicks in? I have heard some people with very low restrictive exaust sound bad when mds kicks in because it is more like a 4 cylendar then.

Yes, it is loud when you step on it. It is also a bit louder at slower speeds, but not unbearable at all so far. When you're cruising on the freeway it's not very loud at all. I would say there's some slight drone, but it only seems to be in the 1800-2400 rpm band. My car is an SRT, so there's no MDS to deal with.

Originally Posted by FirstHurst

Great Pics, it looks like the heat shields even line up with the cats for that system. I can't imagine that is CA legal, but it certainly is unrestricted. I'm glad that the factory headers seem to be a pretty decent diameter too.

I noticed in the pic the rear cover on the diff doesn't seem to be a very close match to the case. I haven't seen enough of these to notice that before.

Awesome setup though. Beans to you for opting for the neighbor-hater package too, without even hearing it first. Hell yea!

I kept the factory cats on the car for now, so I don't know what the CA problem would be.

Thanks for the beans. I don't care what the neighbors have to say about my exhaust, although in SoCal, it's not uncommon for several people in a neighborhood to have an exhaust on their car that can be heard.

**Challenger370** · 03-15-2009, 08:23 PM

Any audio files yet? I would like to hear it inside and out.

**RedHot R/T** · 03-15-2009, 08:32 PM

Looks great. I really like the look of the dual tips on each side. Very nice.

**crhemi** · 03-15-2009, 08:50 PM

I wonder how ir compares to the old style with the center muffler?

**MoparPosterChild** · 03-15-2009, 11:16 PM

Ok guys, here it is. Sorry for the delay. I had a heck of a time finding the cable that goes to my video camera. This isn't the greatest video, but it gives you an idea. I'll do some more in depth videos in the next couple days.

YouTube - Magnaflow competition exhaust 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8