The noobs guide to Flowmaster 40 series mufflers

TheOdessa · January 29th, 2012, 11:54 PM

**DISCLAIMER** I am in no way affiliated with Flowmaster in any way shape or form. I am simply writing this to help people be better informed in choosing which 40 series muffler is best for them since they are probably the best selling muffler out there. This write up is based on personal first hand experience on each muffler as I have personally owned and installed each one of them. I have a shed full of these mufflers to prove it. People need to know there are 4 different types of 40 series mufflers on the market, each with their own distinctive sound. With that said, lets take a look at each. I am posting these in order of loudest to quietest, and I will explain what makes each unique. There is a huge difference in these. Do not think the differences are small because they are not. Choosing the right 40 series muffler could be the difference between you hating the muffler versus loving it.

-Flowmaster Original 40 Series Muffler
The muffler that made the 40 series famous. This muffler has a single sound deflector which gives you the signature sound of a Flowmaster, but lacks the Delta Flow Technology. What does this mean? This means the muffler is not only loud, but drones like a mofo. This muffler is what leads to people complaining about how much 40 series mufflers drone. While they do drone, they give you the sound you're wanting while yelling "look at me!". It's worth noting that the patent ran up on this muffler, so you will see knock offs from all kinds of makers out there. NOTE THAT THE KNOCK OFFS ARE USUALLY CHINESE MADE. This means the welds are cheap, and if you google some of these knock offs, you will see people complaining that the internal deflect becomes unwelded inside the muffler. While the knock offs are cheaper, I would recommend you buy genuine Flowmaster Original 40 series mufflers to not only support AMERICAN JOBS, but to ensure you get a quality product WELDED into your exhaust system. To note, some knock offs are Thrush Welded, V-Flow, Raptor, ect...

Note the internals. Single deflector design lacking the Delta Flow technology which causes it to not only be loud, but can drone A LOT.

Next up and second loudest is the Flowmaster Super 44. I personally run this muffler currently as it tends to be deeper sounding then the Original 40 and Super 40 mufflers. It will give you the 40 series sound, but does not sound as "hollow". The tone is deeper while utilizing Delta Flow Technology. This means cruising drone is lessened, but not minimized fully, and gives a nice deep throaty sound. This muffler is slightly louder then the Super 40, while killing some of that drone the Original 40 has. Note the below- this muffler has 2 medium sized sound deflectors.

Next up we have the Flowmaster Super 40 series muffler. It's important to note that this muffler is used in Flowmaster's American Thunder series cat back systems. This muffler is much more true to the classic Flowmaster sound. The sound is more "hollow" while utilizing Flowmaster's Delta Flow technology. This means you get the sound of the original 40 series muffler without the ALL the drone that comes with it. What I am saying is there is still drone, but not nearly as much. Take a look at the below. You will see two medium sized deflectors followed by a single small deflector

Last, but not least, is the Flowmaster Delta Flow 40 series muffler. It's weird that's it's named this way as the top two mufflers utilize the Delta Flow technology, but this muffler takes it to the extreme, I guess you could say. This muffler is significantly quieter then all the mufflers stated above, but still gives you that signature sound when you get on it. This muffler almost kills all drone, and you will even see some people complain this muffler is too quiet. See below - this muffler utilizes a large deflector, medium deflector, then a small one.

And now you know. The next time someone complains about their 40 series muffler, ask them which 40 series exactly do they have? This could help pinpoint exactly why they hate it and now you can offer a suggestion of how they can keep their 40 series sound while keeping it at a sound level they can enjoy.

noser7 · January 30th, 2012, 12:18 AM

Nice

Geno · January 30th, 2012, 06:41 PM

Good info.

T-Lee. 30 · January 30th, 2012, 06:43 PM

^agreed!!

dhicks7806 · January 30th, 2012, 07:13 PM

Very well put together!

Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

glittle75 · January 30th, 2012, 07:50 PM

i have flow 40's welded in, is there a way to tell by the numbers on the case which ones?

I think i have super 44's, they are loud, but virtually droneless at highway speeds.

townaj · January 30th, 2012, 11:38 PM

Awesome! Now if I could only figure out what I have....

MacDizzle · January 31st, 2012, 12:07 AM

44's are prefect! Its like a nice clean pussy on my tongue. If my ears had a tongue that is.

justAbullitt · January 31st, 2012, 01:33 AM

Nice write up.

SON1C · January 31st, 2012, 10:11 AM

x2 ^

me2dumb4college · January 31st, 2012, 10:17 AM

40 series was awful... could barely have conversations while driving at highway speeds... never tried the others though

magnaflow ftw

STANG34 · January 31st, 2012, 10:39 AM

nice information.

TheOdessa · January 31st, 2012, 10:27 PM

Thanks guys - I hope this helps people out.

me2dumb- you say magnaflow ftw, but what 40 series did you have?

MacDizzle- I agree. Super 44's are perfect. Deepness with the 40 series sound. Very good sounding

Venom210 · January 31st, 2012, 11:10 PM

Nice write up bro...after reading your post i think mine came with the delta flow because they suck and sound ugly when i rev it. The only time i get good sound is when im actually moving but its completely quiet on the highway unless i put my foot on it which is most the time (thats for a different converstion though lol) and my mustang came with a o/r h pipe.

TheOdessa · January 31st, 2012, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by Venom210

Nice write up bro...after reading your post i think mine came with the delta flow because they suck and sound ugly when i rev it. The only time i get good sound is when im actually moving but its completely quiet on the highway unless i put my foot on it which is most the time (thats for a different converstion though lol) and my mustang came with a o/r h pipe.

My money would be on the delta flow series muffler then. The muffler is leap and bounds quieter then the other ones then like I said, people will complain its too quiet.

Venom210 · January 31st, 2012, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by TheOdessa

My money would be on the delta flow series muffler then. The muffler is leap and bounds quieter then the other ones then like I said, people will complain its too quiet.

As being a owner of that series i do confirm its too quiet to carry the name flowmaster might as well left it stock lol

MikeJones · January 31st, 2012, 11:50 PM

ughh. flowmaster..

MacDizzle · February 1st, 2012, 12:14 AM

FOURTY FOURS. LOVE EM! LOUD WHEN YOU STEP ON IT CHILL WHEN YOU WANT. Full yingyang. Its like theres a party in your ears and everyones invited.

swervo · February 1st, 2012, 12:22 AM

Nice write up. Reps.

TheOdessa · February 1st, 2012, 10:14 PM

Fantastic explanation of drone created by the Flowmaster Original 40 series mufflers. Quoted by Eagle2000GT on another thread Gotta get rid of the droning!!

"It was a problem in the design of the original Flowmaster 40. From 1800-2200 rpm they put out a resonating frequency, a drone, that really beats on your ears. It has nothing to do with being loud. Other mufflers are as loud but the don't beat on your ears like that. If you rarely drive your car or if you only make short trips, then they are not bad. But they punish you on a highway trip of an hour or more. It is constant and the only way to get rid of it is to downshift to fourth and drive at a higher rpm. Right or wrong, they are the reason that Flowmasters have been nicknamed Dronemasters."

January 29th, 2012, 11:54 PM	#1
TheOdessa Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2001 Mustang GT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 1,254 iTrader: 2 reviews	The noobs guide to Flowmaster 40 series mufflers DISCLAIMER I am in no way affiliated with Flowmaster in any way shape or form. I am simply writing this to help people be better informed in choosing which 40 series muffler is best for them since they are probably the best selling muffler out there. This write up is based on personal first hand experience on each muffler as I have personally owned and installed each one of them. I have a shed full of these mufflers to prove it. People need to know there are 4 different types of 40 series mufflers on the market, each with their own distinctive sound. With that said, lets take a look at each. I am posting these in order of loudest to quietest, and I will explain what makes each unique. There is a huge difference in these. Do not think the differences are small because they are not. Choosing the right 40 series muffler could be the difference between you hating the muffler versus loving it. -Flowmaster Original 40 Series Muffler The muffler that made the 40 series famous. This muffler has a single sound deflector which gives you the signature sound of a Flowmaster, but lacks the Delta Flow Technology. What does this mean? This means the muffler is not only loud, but drones like a mofo. This muffler is what leads to people complaining about how much 40 series mufflers drone. While they do drone, they give you the sound you're wanting while yelling "look at me!". It's worth noting that the patent ran up on this muffler, so you will see knock offs from all kinds of makers out there. NOTE THAT THE KNOCK OFFS ARE USUALLY CHINESE MADE. This means the welds are cheap, and if you google some of these knock offs, you will see people complaining that the internal deflect becomes unwelded inside the muffler. While the knock offs are cheaper, I would recommend you buy genuine Flowmaster Original 40 series mufflers to not only support AMERICAN JOBS, but to ensure you get a quality product WELDED into your exhaust system. To note, some knock offs are Thrush Welded, V-Flow, Raptor, ect... Note the internals. Single deflector design lacking the Delta Flow technology which causes it to not only be loud, but can drone A LOT. Next up and second loudest is the Flowmaster Super 44. I personally run this muffler currently as it tends to be deeper sounding then the Original 40 and Super 40 mufflers. It will give you the 40 series sound, but does not sound as "hollow". The tone is deeper while utilizing Delta Flow Technology. This means cruising drone is lessened, but not minimized fully, and gives a nice deep throaty sound. This muffler is slightly louder then the Super 40, while killing some of that drone the Original 40 has. Note the below- this muffler has 2 medium sized sound deflectors. Next up we have the Flowmaster Super 40 series muffler. It's important to note that this muffler is used in Flowmaster's American Thunder series cat back systems. This muffler is much more true to the classic Flowmaster sound. The sound is more "hollow" while utilizing Flowmaster's Delta Flow technology. This means you get the sound of the original 40 series muffler without the ALL the drone that comes with it. What I am saying is there is still drone, but not nearly as much. Take a look at the below. You will see two medium sized deflectors followed by a single small deflector Last, but not least, is the Flowmaster Delta Flow 40 series muffler. It's weird that's it's named this way as the top two mufflers utilize the Delta Flow technology, but this muffler takes it to the extreme, I guess you could say. This muffler is significantly quieter then all the mufflers stated above, but still gives you that signature sound when you get on it. This muffler almost kills all drone, and you will even see some people complain this muffler is too quiet. See below - this muffler utilizes a large deflector, medium deflector, then a small one. And now you know. The next time someone complains about their 40 series muffler, ask them which 40 series exactly do they have? This could help pinpoint exactly why they hate it and now you can offer a suggestion of how they can keep their 40 series sound while keeping it at a sound level they can enjoy. __________________ 2001 Mustang GT 5-Speed God Created Man, but Sam Colt Made Them Equal Last edited by TheOdessa; May 19th, 2012 at 11:50 PM.

January 30th, 2012, 06:41 PM	#3
Geno Regular 01 Mustang GT 12.7126@109.65 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 150 iTrader: 1 reviews	Good info. __________________ MM SUPERSHIFTER

January 30th, 2012, 06:43 PM	#4
T-Lee. 30 I Post Entirely Way Too Much 03 gt, 96 tbird, 05bv gxp Faster than trolls! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: United States! Posts: 5,275 iTrader: 0 reviews	^agreed!! __________________ 03 V1 S trim @5psi 339/359 3:73's Iraq and Afghanistan War Vet 4 deployments from 01-08.My Wife is also a War Vet

January 30th, 2012, 07:13 PM	#5
dhicks7806 Regular 2003 Mustang GT Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Palmerton PA Posts: 252 iTrader: 0 reviews	Very well put together! Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app __________________ '03 GT w/BBK CAI, MAC Pro chamber, Borla Stingers, MGW Orange, SCT X3, and some make it sexy mods '89 GT 5.0 w/full bolt ons-SOLD '04 STi w/ A'pexi N1 catback and accessport-SOLD '00 Audi A6 2.7t stock - DD/Wifey's whip

January 30th, 2012, 07:50 PM	#6
glittle75 Enthusiast 2003 Mach 1 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NC Posts: 726 iTrader: 0 reviews	i have flow 40's welded in, is there a way to tell by the numbers on the case which ones? I think i have super 44's, they are loud, but virtually droneless at highway speeds. __________________ 2003 Azure Blue Mach 1 - KB, Suspension, Bolt-ons. 497hp, 460tq.

January 30th, 2012, 12:18 AM	#2
noser7 Regular 2001 mustang gt 14.5 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: vernon city Posts: 245 iTrader: 0 reviews	Nice

January 30th, 2012, 11:38 PM	#7
townaj Broke as F*ck!! 2003 Mustang GT Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: La Vernia/San Antonio/Lubbock Posts: 671 iTrader: 0 reviews	Awesome! Now if I could only figure out what I have.... __________________ Aerocatches, CAI, K&N, C&L Plenum, Steeda UDP's, Tri Ax, Prochamber & Magnapacks, Drilled & Slotted rotors, dropped on 275/40/17s

January 31st, 2012, 12:07 AM	#8
MacDizzle Enthusiast 00 GT-MMR4.75(291) Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Victoria British Columbia Canada Posts: 581 Blog Entries: 6 iTrader: 0 reviews	44's are prefect! Its like a nice clean pussy on my tongue. If my ears had a tongue that is. __________________ Im into high speed chase play and im First On Race Day!

January 31st, 2012, 01:33 AM	#9
justAbullitt Regular 2001 Bullitt Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Clarksburg, Maryland Posts: 252 iTrader: 0 reviews	Nice write up. __________________ Bullitt #4592 Mods list in my garage Google+

January 31st, 2012, 10:11 AM	#10
SON1C Run ur car, not ur mouth. 2003 Sonic Blue 4.6L Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 4,047 Blog Entries: 1 iTrader: 3 reviews	x2 ^ __________________ 238rwhp/263rwtq Drew's Build Thread

January 31st, 2012, 10:17 AM	#11
me2dumb4college Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Reston, VA Posts: 866 iTrader: 0 reviews	40 series was awful... could barely have conversations while driving at highway speeds... never tried the others though magnaflow ftw __________________

January 31st, 2012, 10:39 AM	#12
STANG34 Tits Magee 4V Swap GT Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Iowa Posts: 305 iTrader: 0 reviews	nice information. __________________ Needing some COP covers for 4V Cobra Did you know if you sound out gullible slowly it rhymes with orange?

January 31st, 2012, 10:27 PM	#13
TheOdessa Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2001 Mustang GT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 1,254 iTrader: 2 reviews	Thanks guys - I hope this helps people out. me2dumb- you say magnaflow ftw, but what 40 series did you have? MacDizzle- I agree. Super 44's are perfect. Deepness with the 40 series sound. Very good sounding __________________ 2001 Mustang GT 5-Speed God Created Man, but Sam Colt Made Them Equal

January 31st, 2012, 11:10 PM	#14
Venom210 Regular 2003 Mustang GT Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 51 iTrader: 0 reviews	Nice write up bro...after reading your post i think mine came with the delta flow because they suck and sound ugly when i rev it. The only time i get good sound is when im actually moving but its completely quiet on the highway unless i put my foot on it which is most the time (thats for a different converstion though lol) and my mustang came with a o/r h pipe.

January 31st, 2012, 11:50 PM	#17
MikeJones Hardcore Enthusiast 2002 Mustang GT 13.7@103 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Stoon, Saskatchewan Posts: 2,913 iTrader: 0 reviews	ughh. flowmaster.. __________________ Mod6 Bigbore Kooks (parting out 2v motor) N/A 5.3 4v Build http://www.moddedmustangs.com/forums...ing-build.html

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February 1st, 2012, 12:14 AM	#18
MacDizzle Enthusiast 00 GT-MMR4.75(291) Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Victoria British Columbia Canada Posts: 581 Blog Entries: 6 iTrader: 0 reviews	FOURTY FOURS. LOVE EM! LOUD WHEN YOU STEP ON IT CHILL WHEN YOU WANT. Full yingyang. Its like theres a party in your ears and everyones invited. __________________ Im into high speed chase play and im First On Race Day!

February 1st, 2012, 10:14 PM	#20
TheOdessa Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2001 Mustang GT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 1,254 iTrader: 2 reviews	Fantastic explanation of drone created by the Flowmaster Original 40 series mufflers. Quoted by Eagle2000GT on another thread Gotta get rid of the droning!! "It was a problem in the design of the original Flowmaster 40. From 1800-2200 rpm they put out a resonating frequency, a drone, that really beats on your ears. It has nothing to do with being loud. Other mufflers are as loud but the don't beat on your ears like that. If you rarely drive your car or if you only make short trips, then they are not bad. But they punish you on a highway trip of an hour or more. It is constant and the only way to get rid of it is to downshift to fourth and drive at a higher rpm. Right or wrong, they are the reason that Flowmasters have been nicknamed Dronemasters." __________________ 2001 Mustang GT 5-Speed God Created Man, but Sam Colt Made Them Equal

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