Magnaflow Cat-Back Install Notes

[DBTDODGE]

Magnaflow Exhaust System for 2005 Dodge Magnum RT
Part number: 5628
5.7L V8 HEMI, rear exit, 2.5 SS tubing
4x9x14" p-SS muffler (2 each)
5x8x18" p-SS resonator (1 each)
4" rolled/slash/p-SS tip

When this exhaust system was delivered, my first thought was what a pain other systems I’d worked on had been. But after looking at the parts and instructions, then checking out how the Magnum is put together, I decided to go for it.

I installed it in my driveway with a floor jack, two jack stands, and a few hand tools. It took about 2.5 hours and, by following the directions, I had no surprises or drama of any kind.



The system arrived with all the polished parts wrapped in bubble wrap. Everything was in great shape, and everything was there.

I jacked up the rear of the car as high as the floor jack would reach, (about 12 inches). The removal of the stock 2.25” system was almost too easy; unbolt and remove the driver side tail pipe, remove the forward cross bar (more on this latter) and everything from the head pipes back dropped right out.

The 2.5” Manaflow system comes in 5 sections: two head pipe extension that lead into a dual-in, duel-out resonator (polished) then into two tail pipes with a polished muffler and 4” tip welded on each. It uses all the OEM hangers in the stock locations.

Besides following the instruction, the only installation tip I have has to do with the clearance of the small bracket that the Dodge has about halfway between the head pipes and the resonator. This is the only part of that is below the exhaust and there is not a lot of clearance. Working on my back with no room to maneuver, I was having a hard time holding the exhaust in place while tightening the clamps. I ended up placing a one inch wood spacer between the pipes and the bracket. After tightening all the clamps, I removed the wood spacer and ended up with about .75” of clearance and no problems with rattling or vibration.

The system sounds good; a deep rumble at start-up, and a notable increase in interior exhaust sound at idle. It’s not really loud, but compared to the very quiet stock system, it’s noticeable. Around town, it has a mellow rumble that is not offensive, but sounds strong. When you open it up, this system turns heads! It’s not the ear-spitting roar of the cars of my youth, but it’s loud enough!

Over all, the fit and finish is great, and the system sounds and looks good. The fact that a guy can bolt it on in a couple of hours with no special tools is testament to its ease of installation. Though I didn’t weight the Magnaflow or the stock exhaust, I estimate the Magnaflow system weighs significantly less. I like it and recommend it!

[moparman53]

I had mine put on the first working day of '05 and agree with you on the sound. It's not my old 340 with turbo mufflers or 440 with glasspacks, but it still sounds badass when you romp on it.

[CJ7VFR]

Very nice write-up on the install!! Much better than the standard "I installed it, and it
ROCKS" type posts.

If you start to hear a rattle with the exhaust at the crossbrace, you can put a few
washers between the brace and bottom of the car to gain a little clearance. But it
sounds like you won't need it!

Did you take any pictures while you were installing it? They are good to have for
future reference.

Jim

[DBTDODGE]

Thanks!

I took some pics, but it was getting dark......

I have a friend in the industry, and he is using my car as a test-bed for several parts (twist my arm!) Anyway, sometime soon, we are taking it to CA for some major suspention mods (maybe more), and I will document it all and make it avalible. I have to tell you, the brand name after market has come a long way. Back in the day, saws, welders, hammers, and a lot of cussing were all common tools needed when installing 'bolt on' parts.

The rest of the story...

I'm a firearms instructor, just came home from all day on the range with a local SWAT team, in AZ, in July . My son, 15, says 'hey lets put this thing on.' I had not spent much Q-time with him for a week, so I say ok. The air temp had droped to about 95, but the concrete was still baking....Anyway, 10 glasses of water later, we had it on, no problem.